When it comes to things to do in Macomb County, the Armada Fair – celebrating year 143 – is a must for people of all ages. Head to the Armada Fairgrounds for this annual shebang, which takes place Aug. 17-23, 2015.
Wake with the roosters and get to the grounds when gates open at 8 a.m. daily to settle in just in time to catch the youth organizations’ morning, countrified shows – featuring the best-bred horses, pigs, sheep, rabbits, dogs and more in the county.
Then go “down under” with Mikey Buggs’ Bait Shop and Swamp Monster Encounter Shows – taking place periodically throughout each day – to visit with tiny alligators and cradle a yellow ball python.
Wet your whistle at the refreshment tent that stays open late to whet your appetite for smooth tunes and where you can test your endurance on the mechanical bull.
In the afternoon, the Big Rock Amusements’ carnival midway offers an adrenaline lollapalooza. Rides for those with ironclad stomachs include the “Extreme,” the circular “Fire Ball” and the “Alien Abduction” gravitron, while the youngsters and those full of carnival food can stick to the classics: the carousel, the Ferris wheel, the “Fun Slide” and many more.
Carry a tune with the live entertainment featuring the Pubrunners, the Armada Community Choir, country singer DeWayne Spaw and other local bands.
Apart from the farm animals, kids can enjoy face painting, balloon animals, camel and pony rides, the candy scramble and other children’s activities in the Grove area from noon to 5 p.m. daily.
Save money on munchies and get sloppy at the all-you-can-eat contests, starting at 5 p.m. each day.
Rest your soles and take a seat at the fair’s Main Arena in the evenings to relish in special events – including a country music concert, courtesy of Joe Nichols, tractor and truck pulls, a demolition derby, a rodeo, the “Figure 8 Race” and the “Bump and Run.”
On Sunday, take advantage of “Last Blast,” free admission and parking after 5 p.m. Stickers – available at the information booth – allow festivalgoers to ride two rides for the price of one.
Come and see why the Armada Fair at Armada Fairgrounds is a summer-tradition must. Hours and costs are as follows:
Gates to fairgrounds open 8 a.m. daily and stay open late for special events.
Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for ages 9-12 and free for ages 8 and under. Parking is $5 per day. Ride the rides for $25 per armband on Monday-Saturday and $20 on Sunday – or snag a $60 pass for unlimited rides all week.
Big Rock Amusements run at the following times:
- Monday: 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Monday
- Tuesday-Saturday: noon-11 p.m.
- Sunday: noon-8 p.m. Sunday
Keep in mind Main Street is under construction.
Get the scoop on the Armada Fair – and even more fun things to do in southeast Michigan – in the Metro Parent Calendar.
