BERRIEN SPRINGS — Throughout last week thousands of people from across Michigan visited Berrien Springs to take part in the 73rd annual Berrien County Youth Fair.  Youth all over Berrien County had the opportunity to showcase their skills working with animals through multiple exhibits and fair goers could also peruse a variety of fair food and entertainment.

Karen Klug, the executive director and secretary of the board of directors, said the fair had a pretty good week, despite attendance numbers being down from last year.

“I think a lot of people enjoyed coming and looking at all the exhibits that the kids bring in and looking at the animals and commercial exhibits and, of course, the fair food,” Klug said.

This year 103,501 people visited the fair, which is down about 18,000 from last year. Klug said hot and humid temperatures as well as the threat of several rain storms likely were factors in the attendance decline this year.

While Klug said they always like to see increased attendance numbers, she said concession and rides operators were content with the turnout.

Tuesday was the highest day for attendance, bringing in more than 23,000 people to participate in Children’s Day. During Children’s Day, youth through high school get free entry. There are also free showings of the Circus Continental in the Grandstands.

While there was not any new entertainment, Klug said the fair brought back the demolition derby for the second year in a row. This year, they expanded the show to two nights, offering a truck demolition Thursday and car demolition on Friday. Klug said she anticipates the fair bringing back the demolition next year, too.

“It seems to be what people like to see and the promoter that we are working with now does a great job with the drivers and the crowd,” Klug said.

Country band LOCASH also was among the Grandstand performances. The country band played Wednesday night.

“I think we had few empty seats, but I think it was a good crowd,” Klug said. “From what I heard, people were talking about it afterwards [and seemed] to enjoy the show they gave.”

Traditionally, Klug said the fair has always served as a platform for up and coming artists. She said country star Toby Keith even performed at the Berrien County Youth Fair grounds when he was a newer artist.

“We have had a lot of up and coming stars and it is fun to see them on their way up,” Klug said.

Throughout the week, officials and volunteers set to work tearing down equipment and cleaning the grounds. This Saturday, fair officials will host a volunteer breakfast to commemorate this year’s volunteers.

Klug said they will start planning for next year’s fair as early as November. While she said there is nothing in particular she intends to change for next year, she encouraged people to share their ideas with Berrien County Youth Fair Officials. For more information, visit bcyf.us.