The Monroe County Fair is open; here's what you need to know

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News

Updated July 31, 2024 at 4:52 AM·4 min read

MONROE COUNTY — The 77th annual Monroe County Fair kicks off Sunday and runs through Aug. 3 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Road (M-50) at South Raisinville Road.

The 2023 fair was the most well-attended in the event's history with 229,780 attendees. About 30,000 people attended grandstand events last year.

“Every year it just amazes me the support the community and surrounding areas gives to the Monroe County Fair. We have the hardest working crew around, and our hundreds of volunteers are top-notch. We are very blessed to live in the community that we do,” said Darryl Diamond, Monroe County Fair manager. “I always look forward to seeing the people enjoying themselves, and the 4-H youths' excitement being able to show off their exhibits. The Monroe County Fair is 'Monroe’s biggest annual reunion."

Kody Fitch, 11, of Maybee could not hold back the tears after he won his division 2 medium size steers in the 4-H steer show at the Monroe County Fair in 2023. Kody is held by his father, Tobie Fitch, and shown with his sister, Jordyn Fitch. Kody is a member of the Barnyard Clovers 4-H in Maybee. This photograph earned a first-place award for Monroe News photographer Tom Hawley in the Michigan Press Photographers Association's annual contest this year.

Parade on Sunday

The traditional fair parade through downtown Monroe will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Monroe County Farm Bureau is the parade grand marshal.

The parade will step off from the Department of Public Services' facility on Jones Avenue, proceed west to Monroe Street and north to Elm Avenue. It will disband west of Roessler Street.

Monroe Street and Elm Avenue will be completely closed to traffic for the entire parade. The posted detour is Dunbar Road, LaPlaisance Road, Scott Street, East Front Street, Macomb Street and Noble Avenue. There is no posted detour for Elm Avenue.

The high-stepping Monroe High School Marching Band took part in the 2023 Monroe County Fair Parade in the city of Monroe.

What you need to know

Fair hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday

How much: Opening day special on Sunday: Adults, $7; children 6-12, $4; and children 5 or younger with parents, free. Prices Monday-Saturday: $8 for adults, $5 for children and free for children age 5 and younger. Weekly passbook are $48; buy six passes, get one free.

Parking: Free in main lots of South Custer, Shelter Lane and South Raisinville Road; handicap parking available

Rides: Midway open Monday through Saturday Unlimited ride wristband is available for $35 until 8 p.m.; individual ride tickets also are available. Little Smokey train rides available daily.

Beer tent: Open 1p.m.-11 p.m. daily at Floral City Beverage Co. stand

Merchants Buildings: 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Some of the daily activities: Ninja Experience, wood sculpture, bingo barn, exotic animals, Lego display, petting zoo, inflatables, Little Brown Bear House, Little Red Schoolhouse, Eby Log Cabin

Fair History Museum: Noon-10 p.m. at the corner of LaSalle and Fairgrounds Ave.

Previous Coverage: Fair names Farm Bureau 2024 parade marshal

What’s new for 2024?

SJO Supercross is new to the grandstands. The show is at 7 p.m. Monday

A free Ninja Experience show will take place several times each day.

The strolling show Rufus the Dufus will run 3:30-7:30 p.m. Monday through Aug. 3. The act offers comedy, juggling and unicycle riding. Rufus has performed for seven years.

Some popular attractions returning

Diamond said several local favorites are returning this year.

A Relaxation and Regulation Station for people with autism will operate from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, which also is Kids Day at the fair.

Ben Risney will again carve wood sculptures all week at the fair. His sculptures will be auctioned at 6 p.m. Aug. 3.

Kaylee Hayhurst, then 7, had her face painted as a leopard at the 2023 Monroe County Fair. This year's Monroe County Fair is July 28-Aug. 3.

The Bingo Barn, to benefit Relay for Life of Monroe County, will operate all week.

A time out as Adealyn Kominck, then 10, of Dundee and Sydney Ruehs, then 10, of Dundee watch their iPad in the pig and lamb barn after they were done showing their 4-H animals at the 2023 Monroe County Fair.

Also returning are the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, Kellys Inflatables, daily entertainment in the white tent and free stage, beer tent and Little Smokey train rides. Cornhole will be offered west of the produce building.