140 Years of History
Discover the heart and soul of the Mecosta County – the free fair is a cherished, time-honored tradition that brings our Big Rapids community together each summer at the Mecosta County fairgrounds. With roots stretching back to the first Mecosta County Agricultural and Industrial Society Fair in 1886, this free-admission event celebrates agriculture, youth achievement, family fun, and local pride through livestock shows, creative exhibits, thrilling rides, grandstand entertainment, and more. Led by dedicated leaders, along with a passionate team of volunteers, officers, and partners, we work year-round to create an inclusive, educational, and joyful experience for exhibitors, families, and visitors of all ages.
Our Team
Mecosta County Fair Manager:
John Currie
(231) 629-7273
curriejohn3636@yahoo.com
13765 14 Mile Rd Rodney MI 49342
Fair Office:
540 West Ave.
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 349-3579
Kim Young mcfreefair@gmail.com
Mecosta County Michigan State University Extension:
Karen Ripke
231-592-0792
ripkekar@msu.edu
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Space Manager: Aaron Colley
(231) 250-2891
aaroncolley8@gmail.com
Camping: Kim Young
(231) 629-0155
kynb13@yahoo.com
Learn more
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development:
(517) 284-5800
MDA-Info@Michigan.gov
Website
MSU Extension: Karen Ripke
(231) 592-0792
ripkekar@msu.edu
Website
Officers:
- President – Steve Cramer
- Vice President – Joe Wekeman
- Secretary/Treasurer – Aaron Colley
- Fair Manager – John Currie
- Vendor Manager – Aaron Colley
- Maintenance – N/A
Exhibit Building Superintendent:
- Karen Ripke
Chippewa Hills High School FFA Advisor:
- Doug Richard
Mecosta County Junior Livestock Superintendents:
- Overall Livestock Superintendent: Jarred Bowman
- Swine: Lauren Marfio Stacey Hough
- Cattle: John Ball / Darla Zimmerman
- Rabbits: Julie Strohkirch
- Sheep: Faith Kwiatkowski
- Goats: Faith Kwiatkowski
- Horses: Tiffany Spedowski
- Poultry: MaryJo VanOstenberg
Mecosta County Horse Leader’s Association:
- President – Tiffany Spedowski
- Vice President – Cayla Zimmerman
- Secretary – Nikki Simcoe
- Treasurer – Lori Gilchrest-Prince
2023 Mecosta County Junior Fair Board Officers:
- President – Olivia Marfio
- Vice President – Addison Doughty
- Secretary – Chloe Steiner
- Budget – Emma Bowman
- Members – Seana Johnson & Imogen Reibow
2023 Mecosta County Junior Fair Board Officers:
- President – Olivia Marfio
- Vice President – Addison Doughty
- Secretary – Chloe Steiner
- Budget – Emma Bowman
- Members – Seana Johnson & Imogen Reibow
2023 Mecosta County 4-H Council Officers:
- Youth President: Nora Toogood
- Adult President: Julie Strohkirch
- Youth Vice President: JJ Strohkirch
- Adult Vice President: VACANT
- Youth Secretary: Summer Watz
- Adult Secretary: Tiffany Spedowski
- Youth Treasurer: Chloe Steiner
- Adult Treasurer: Deborah Niedzielski
4-H Council Members at Large:
- Annalee Tutewiler
- Grace Kwiatkowski
- Melanie Harkes
- Faith Kwiatkowski
- Katrina Harkes
