By Staff
CASSOPOLIS - The Cass County Fair returns to its roots this summer, offering grandstand entertainment that directly affects fairgoers.
On tap for the 154th edition of the fair Aug. 1-6 are two nights of the ever-popular Demolition Derby, Aug. 1 and 4; plus, one night each of the Regional and State National Truck and Tractor Pulls Aug. 2; SJO Supercross Championship Aug. 3; and J Bar NABA Bull Mania Aug. 5; and the Pure Stock Truck Pull Aug. 6.
Motocross racing was scheduled to make its debut last year, but was rained out. It features some of the best riders in the state, but also is open to local riders who may sign up the day of the race.
Along with the grandstand entertainment will be a host of free entertainment scattered throughout the midway.
On tap are "Elephant Encounters" featuring Cora, a 50-year-old Asian elephant, and Shannon, a 22-year-old African elephant; Purdue University's "Snakes, Rattles and Hole"; Brad Lowe's "Fantasy E-Fex Puppets"; Nick Dattilo's kids show; ventriloquist Wayne Francis; and Josh Casey's comedy juggling show.
And fireworks will fill the sky on Friday at dusk. In case of rain, fireworks will be held on Saturday.
Saturday will be family dollar day, with all gate admissions and all rides $1 each from noon to 6 p.m.
Another dollar day feature will be two performances of Circus Continental at 1 and 5 p.m., with admission $1 for each show.
Action on the fairgrounds begins July 29 with the youth and pee wee dog showmanship at 7 p.m.
July 30 will see registration of non-livestock exhibits, more dog judging and the annual fair king and queen contest at 7 p.m. at the grandstand, followed by the prince and princess contest.
Action will be in front of the grandstand most of July 31, with trotting harness racing at 1 p.m., the lip sync contest at 3 and the official fair opening ceremonies and parade at 6 p.m.
There will be no gate admission charge for Saturday or Sunday activities.
The two nights of the Demolition Derby are being made possible by Division Tire and Battery Inc., of Dowagiac, Franger Gas Company Inc., Green Brothers Tire and Service of Cassopolis and Shafer's Meat Market of Cassopolis.
The Regional and State National Tractor and Truck Pulls are being sponsored by Bender Electric, Blast It LLC, Go Gas Propane, Keesler Trucking, Klett Construction, Service Oil Co., Walker's Farm and Garden, Zolman Tire, Bentzer Enterprises, MAISCO Irrigation, Bud Distributing, Judd Lumber and Rental Center and Edd's Supplies.
Bringing the SJO Supercross Championship to the fair are North End Cycle and Harold Zeigler Ford.
Behind Bull Mania are Wayne High Farms, Heartland Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge, DS&S Drywall, Legends Motorsports and Al-Bar Ranch.
Sponsoring the Pure Stock Truck Pulls is Legends Motorsports, while Standard Federal Bank is presenting the fireworks.
Midwest Energy and Propane is sponsoring Family Dollar Day. Southwestern Michigan College is sponsoring Elephant Encounter.
Daily gate admission is $6 with free parking. Children ages 6 to 12 are $1, with those 5 and under admitted free. Adult season passes cost $20. Tractor pull pit passes are $6.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the fair office at 269/445-8265 after June 13, e-mail casscounty@casscountyfair or visit the Cass County Fair Web site, www.casscountyfair.com.