This summer’s county fair coming together
PETOSKEY — The 2024 Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair continues to take shape, with the Emmet County Board of Commissioners approving several entertainment items this month.
During their April 8 meeting, the commissioners approved an agreement with musician Waylon Hanel for Aug. 21.
“He’s a local young man that gets a big break and is going to be the opening act before the Trace Adkins show,” said county administrator David Boyer at the meeting.
Commissioner Neil Ahrens added that “I like that we’re helping provide employment for Emmet County residents.”
“It’s a big break for this guy, not just performing in front of everybody but connections he’ll make for his career,” he said.
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More: Trace Adkins to play Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair
During their April 18 meeting, the commissioners approved both the contract for the popular Monster Truck show and the fair’s liquor license application.
The contract with Monster Truck Throwdown, LLC is for $36,500. The show dates are set for Aug. 24 and 25.
“This is one of our events we have at the fair each year,” Boyer said. “This is the 12th year they’ve been at the fair. It’s a great event. We normally fill the bleachers up and it’s a great family event.”
The liquor license application allows the fair to serve alcohol in a designated tent area from Aug. 20-24.
“This is a temporary liquor license for the fair starting Tuesday, Aug. 20 and it runs through Saturday, Aug. 24,” Boyer said. “There is a tent that’s set up and a designated area at the fairgrounds. The proceeds from the sale of beer and wine help offset all of the different events that we have and over the last several years it’s been a great source of revenue to help offset the cost of the fair. It certainly pays for the tent itself, the entertainment in the tent and it also provides an opportunity for people in the grandstands or at the concerts to be able to come in and have a beverage before the show starts.”
Commissioner Charles Laughbaum noted his disapproval of the application.
“I’m very much against the promotion of liquor sales by Emmet County,” he said. “I know it makes a lot of money for the county but I think it opens up a lot of liability, too.”
Commissioner Matt Koontz said he had worked in the tent for several years and he appreciated the opportunity for local musicians to be able to perform there.
“One thing I really appreciated about it is sometimes they get some local performers to come in and do a show or something in the beer tent itself,” he said. “It’s nice to have that venue for people who might not have an opportunity to play at other places. It gives some exposure for local artists. I always found it to be quite pleasant.”
Commissioners Laughbaum and Rich Ginop voted against the application in the 5-2 vote.
The 2024 Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is set to run Aug. 19-25. For more information, visit emmetchxfair.org.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: 2024 Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair coming together
