As the Mecosta County Fair gets underway this week, there is a lot of things going on for all ages to enjoy. Here’s a look at five key things to know if you’re headed to the fair:

1. There are general rules.
   1. General rules around the grounds are there for safety. These including no smoking, no alcohol, and no drugs allowed on show grounds. There are also no dogs allowed on the premises. Those camping at the fair must follow general guidelines and abide by a midnight curfew, except for barn watch crews.
2. Parking costs $5 per day.
   1. Parking is permitted at the fair in designated areas but will require a “pass” at each gate. These “passes” are five dollars per day, or a weekly pass can be purchased for $20. Parking is only allowed in designated areas due to safety precautions.
3. The Carnival and Midway don’t open until Tuesday.
   1. While it may be deceiving when the fair opens on Monday, the Midway doesn’t open until Tuesday. After Tuesday, rides, vendors, and other fun activities will be daily from 1 P.M. to 11 P.M. except for Kid’s Day on Wednesday, in which it will be open one hour earlier at noon. Carnival tickets will be available both for half day sessions between $15 and $25 and weekly unlimited bands at $90. 
4. Grandstand events have three different ticket prices.
   1. The cost for watching certain grandstand events varies on the event, but there are only two adult ticket prices to worry about. The first is for only the harness races on Monday and Tuesday night, which are $10 for adults. The events later in the week, including Wednesday’s offroad derby, Thursday’s rodeo, Friday’s tractor and truck pulls, and Saturday’s demolition derby, will be $15 for adults. Finally, kids ages 12 and under will be $5 all week regardless of event.
5. There are two sizeable auction sales.
   1. Visitors will have opportunities to purchase both exhibit and market items at the fair. The first, the youth exhibit live auction and bake sale, will be on Monday from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. in the Exhibit Building. The second will be the market livestock sale, which will start at 5:00 P.M. on Thursday in the Covered Arena.

Live fair reports can be heard hourly on Big Country 100.9 FM from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. at 10 minutes to the hour. These include daily schedules, interviews, and informative segments regarding the Mecosta County Fair.