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your best preserves, prettiest flowers, sharpest photos, finest artwork, craftiest crafts, biggest hobbies and brightest projects.
ALL ENTRIES MUST PRE REGISTER BY JULY 1 !
The Iosco County Fair History and Dedication to Addie and Thurman Scofield
The original losco County Fair was formed in 1875 and continued until the mid-1930s when it was discontinued because of poor county economy. Any records of that fair organization are not available, but the exhibitions were held in the Tawases.
In 1943, the local 4-H clubs held an "Exhibit Day" in the losco County garage in Tawas City and the possibility of again holding an losco County Fair was discussed.
The first meeting of the losco County Agricultural Association, as we now know it, was held at the Plainfield Township Hall in Hale in July 1944. Area citizens and members of the Pomona Grange of Grant, Reno Burleigh and Plainfield townships met again in August 1944 and the association was organized under the Statutes of the State of Michigan as the losco County Agricultural Association. Addie Scofield acted as chairperson and Harold Black as secretary-treasurer. Charter date was October 31, 1944. The first of 50 consecutive years of losco County fairs was held October 26 and 27 (some records show October 28 also) of 1944. Premium list payment that year amounted to $399.87.
Over the years, many additions and improvements have been made to the facilities. In 1949 property was purchased and bleachers were built. Board members harvested lumber to build new horse barns. Association members donated trucks, tractors, saws and labor to make these improvements.
In the early 1960s restrooms were built, the new community building was used for exhibits, and a new livestock exhibit barn and poultry barn were constructed. In 1968, booths were built for displays of arts and crafts, canned and baked goods, antiques and 4-H exhibits in an old CCC building that had been purchased and moved to the property. This year, 1968, nearly $3,000 was paid in premiums.
In the 1970s, the race track was rebuilt and a hub rail constructed. Two new race horse barns were constructed to house the 120 horses that race each year. A regulation size arena was built to exhibit livestock, hold horse shows and conduct livestock sales.
Over the years, the losco County Fair has grown from a three-day affair into a six-day event. In the first years, farm machinery, new automobiles, beautiful baby contests and the Methodist Ladies Aid Society chicken dinner were some of the big attractions. However, the emphasis has always been on youth including 4-H and FFA. Various riding clubs contribute a commendable portion of the fair exhibits and atmosphere.
An office building was built in 1977, and in 1979 a large exhibit building, named after Dick Samson, was constructed. This is now used for exhibits of commercial products from losco and surrounding counties. Attendance at the 1979 fair was approximately 13,000 and premiums paid out totaled $8,810.05.
Needing more space for agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, baked goods antiques and canned goods, the Dooley Building was constructed in 1984 directly north of the
Samson Building. This building was named for John Dooley's years of support.
There are many people who have volunteered countless hours to the success of the losco County Fair. It would be virtually impossible to list all of them.
The Fair Board meets year around, beginning plans for the next year's fair in August. The board members receive no pay and in addition often pitch in to put up a building, a fence, cut grass or make electrical and plumbing repairs. In some cases materials have been supplied by members — at no cost to the Fair Board. The department heads meet and organize, the commercial spaces are rented and allotted to exhibitors and all permits obtained and approved long before the opening date so that when visitors come up to the entry gates, all is running like a well-oiled machine ~ with a few glitches!
Approximate attendance for 1993 was 15,000 people and premium payment amounted to $26,065 and $17,700 was paid out in prize monies for the win, place and show (horse races) at the grandstand.
On the last day of the fair, Saturday of fair week, there is a parade. Local businesses, individuals, the equestrian clubs and anyone who chooses to enter is welcome to participate.
The Senior Citizens of Hale are a very active group in conjunction with the fair. The Hale organization hosts the elected King and Queen from all other clubs throughout losco County and a royal couple is elected to ride in the parade.
Children's games have always been a big part of the Saturday morning program. Over the years, the egg throwing contest and the pie eating contest have been the most popular events.
On the 50th anniversary of the fair, the Fair Board elected to honor Addie and Thurman Scofield for their combined years of leadership in the losco County Fair program.
Thank you for visiting the Iosco County Fair. We hope everyone had fun.
We will see you next year!
Please check our Facebook frequently for updates !!!
Thank You, to all the Sponsors and Volunteers that make The Iosco County Fair possible. Iosco County Agricultural Society
Visit The Iosco County Fair Grounds in Hale, Michigan, Main Gate: 44.3821, -83.8048, Back Gate: 44.3833, -83.7948.