This upcoming Monday, June 8th, is the first day of the ever-popular Berlin Fair. Located at the Berlin Fairgrounds, this annual fair is one of the best-loved events in West Michigan and a summer staple. First organized in 1855, The Berlin Fair has been held for 160 years now, and it is considered the longest running fair in the state of Michigan. Despite the fact that the township has long since renamed itself as Marne, the Berlin Fair retains its original name, and its popularity only grows each year.
There are attractions and events for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. There are a number of food vendors, many of whom return every year, including the Lamont Christian School's grilled chicken and all the tasty treats like elephant ears that one associates with fairs.
Admission for adults to the fairgrounds is $3 per person, and children 10 and under are free. That admission fee covers several attractions, including the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, the Great Lakes Timber Show, and the Barnyard Express.
The Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo is the largest traveling animal exhibit in the state of Michigan. There are exotic animals, over forty species of various reptiles, a walk-in aviary with birds of many colors, and camel rides available. It is always a hit with children, and many adults may enjoy meeting some unusal animals face-to-face as well.
The Great Lakes Timber Show is a Lumberjack show that features many unusual displays of strength and prowess. These include modified chainsawing, ax throwing, wood chopping, crosscut sawing, log rolling, and hainshaw carving, all with a healthy dose of family-friendly humor thrown in for good measure.
The Barnyard Express is a favorite with the little ones. It features a bevvy of barnyard animals and large educational posters explaining how most food comes from a farm. It complements another staple of the Berlin Fair: the local 4H judged competition, where little farmers-in-training will present animals, ranging from bunnies to feeder calves for judging and eventual sale.
There will be a carnival present, with a variety of fun rides, including a carousel, a Ferris wheel, the crowd favorite Tilt-A-Whirl and many others. Wrist bands that allow purchasers to ride to their heart's content are available for $18 on weekdays and $20 on the weekend. On Thursday, June 11th, the carnival will have a special Disability Awareness Day, where carnival rides for special needs individuals only will run from noon until 2 pm. RSVP tickets are required for those wishing to participate.
For adults looking for a little more grown-up fun, there will also be a bingo tent and an adult beverage tent, with daily happy hours from 5-7 pm with $1 beers and $2 alternative drinks. There will also be a “Berlin Belt” MMA fight on Thursday, June 11th, with tickets costing $15.
Three-day passes to the carnival are available online at the website of Elliott's Amusements, the company providing the rides. Readers can follow the Berlin Fair on Facebook for $2 coupons off carnival admission and updates about other exciting contests. There are a host of other events, and many other special days planned for this year's Berlin Fair. If you're looking for some family fun over the next week, consider taking a trip west of Grand Rapids!