THE BALLOON MAN

County Fair starts on July 4th for first time

 

This 2011 photo from the Oakland County Fair shows one of the carnival rides that fairgoers can enjoy. (File photo)
from:  dailytribune.com
By MEGAN SEMERAZ
06/03/13
The Oakland County Fair, which dates back to the days of the Civil War, is gearing up for 11 days of fun beginning on Independence Day.
This year is the first time the fair has ever begun on a holiday, and organizers say they are quite excited about the possibilities.
LC Scramlin, general manager of the Oakland County Fair, has worked at the fair nearly his whole life, but has been on the fair board or worked as manager for 26 years. He said he is thrilled about some of the new events coming to this year’s festivities.
“We’re going to have fireworks on the Fourth (of July), that evening,” Scramlin said. “If you want to come out in the daytime and ride the midway, the carnival will start at 1 p.m. and for just $10, you can ride all the rides from 1 to 5. It is $15 to ride all day.”
An old favorite, the off-road demolition derby, is back on July 5 after being taken off the schedule for a few years. The main goal, officials said, is to beat up the other vehicles until they are unable to run.
Oakland County Parks, along with Detroit’s Country 99.5 WYCD-FM radio, is hosting a special free concert called “Nashville in the Neighborhood” on July 8 at Springfield Oaks County Park. Genisys Credit Union is sponsoring the free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. in the grandstand arena. Gates open at 6 p.m. to first-come, first-served general seating.
Scramlin said at 7 p.m. July 9 and 10, the fair will host their Super Kicker Rodeo, and Monster Trucks will be featured at 7 p.m. July 13. Both events are fan favorites.