The 65th Annual Albion Area Fair, also known as "The Biggest 'Little' Fair Around" will open its gates on Sept. 15 and keep them open until Sept. 19.
A local tradition of Albion residents and an attraction to people of all ages, the fair will begin on Sept. 15 with the official opening ceremonies at 7:15 p.m. at the grandstand, followed by the annual crowning of the fair's queen at 7:30 p.m.
The fair is located about 11 miles north on 6N (past Wal-Mart) and right on Academy Street in Albion.
Some of this year's festivities will include the 4x4 truck pull and a baked food auction on Sept. 16, senior citizen day and an antique tractor Pull on Sept. 17, the Roger Montgomery Blues Band on the Sept. 18, and a horseshoe tournament (registration begins at 2 p.m.).
Headliner Shania Twain will close the fair on Sept. 19.
This year's fair will also feature the Albion Carousel, the third oldest in the nation, as well as a ferris wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, slides, a children's roller coaster and much more.
Also joining the rides and attractions will be booths of standard carnival fare ranging from hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and pizza, to deep-fried vegetables and Polish cuisine, to sweet treats like funnel cakes, ice cream and deep-fried Twinkies and candy bars.
The Albion Community Fair began when a group of farmers got together in a local Albion poolhall and wanted a way to showcase their livestock leading to the formation of the "Farmers' Field Day."
Eventually the Albion School District wanted a way to get the schoolchildren involved, which caused the fair to grow larger with each year.
Originally the fair consisted of three smaller events, the Albion Ox Roast, the Cherry Hill Picnic, and a rodeo group. These three would join together to celebrate the ending of World War II, leading to "The Biggest 'Little' Fair Around."
Throughout the years the fair remains a constant no matter how the world changes for better or for worse. "It's nice to have something for the kids and for the grown-ups," said resident Tom Kelly.
The fair even faced a tough decision following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
But in a true show of unity, it was decided to continue with the fair and festivities to offer an escape for the repetitive and disturbing images seen around the world.
Admission to the fair is $5 daily or $10 for a booster pin located at the gate for a 5-day admission. Tickets for Ride-A-Rama are $12. Senior citizens will be admitted for free on Thursday, Sept. 17.
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