Materials to file fair end of year reports for 2020 are now available. Click here to view all the documents in Google Drive. (to download a document, click on it and then select the arrow in the top right hand side)
If you have questions please contact Cinda Karlik at 517-290-8114 or karlikc@michigan.gov.
For the 2020 fair and exhibition season, MDARD will continue its policy of distributing official swine ID NUES tags to fairs, free of charge, for use with exhibition swine. Swine tags can still be ordered over the phone or through email; however, we encourage fairs to place their orders by December 16, 2019. Fairs that have ordered their tags can pick them up on January 9-10 in the MDARD Resource Center at the annual MAFE convention in Grand Rapids.
To […]
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced this year’s competitive grant cycle for the state’s county fairs to make building and other capital improvements to their fairground facilities. Additionally, grants are available for associations or other organized events hosting fairs or expositions showing livestock and commodities. Both grant proposals must be received by MDARD no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019.
The capital improvement program provides additional funds for county fair […]
Following are links to the Letters from Governor Snyder and
MDARD Director Wenk for fair premium books…
2018 Fair Season Governor Letter
2018 Fair Season MDARD Director Letter
County Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program
Grant Form A – MDARD Grant Application
Grant Form B – Metric Request Form
Please be sure to read the guidelines carefully before applying. A few things to note are:
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the fair industry. Be sure to nominate your outstanding volunteers for MAFE Heritage Award or Volunteer of Year application (youth or adult).
Also if there are persons that have made a great impact on the fair industry and have been involved for more than 20 years, you may consider nominating them for the Hall of Fame. Check out the MAFE Hall of Fame Program Rules […]
The Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions works closely with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to communication the proper USDA identification requirements for animals at exhibitions. Please visit the Animal Industry site here for resources on animal identification. Please contact the office of Dr. James Averill – State Veterinarian and Director, Animal Industry Division 800-292-3939 if you have specific questions.
Looking for something fun for the whole family in Michigan? Check out the many fairs and festivals that offer a wide range of family friendly fun all through out the great state of Michigan this Spring, Summer and Fall.
Every fair has those volunteers that for many years have been a huge part of the success of their fair. The MAFE board awards the Heritage Award to honor our state’s outstanding long term volunteers. Fairs couldn’t last without volunteers and the special people that do it year after year need a special award to say thank you.
In its second year the MAFE Hall of Fame Award winners were announced at the 131st annual convention. This program is designed to recognize the service rendered to fairs, festivals and our industry by individual who have devoted their time and talents for no less than 20 years. Recognition of this award took place during the general session at the MAFE Convention.
Inductees included Fair Officials both current and present, Associates who […]