It’s fair week in Big Rapids! From high-quality showmanship to delicious food and thrilling rides, the Mecosta County Fair promises six days of excitement.

Here are 10 essential tips to prepare for your visit:

1. Parking Costs $5 Daily
   • Daily parking passes cost $5 at each gate, or grab a $20 weekly pass for unlimited access throughout the fair. 
   • For safety, park only in designated areas.
2. Prohibited Items
   • Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are strictly prohibited on the fairgrounds. 
   • Pets, including dogs, are not allowed.
3. Carnival Midway Closed on Monday
   • Rides, games, and tasty fair snacks open Tuesday and run daily from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Saturday. Some vendors may close early.
4. Carnival Midway Wristband Prices Vary
   • Unlimited ride wristbands change daily: Tuesday and Thursday offer split sessions ($20 for 1-5 p.m., $25 for 6-11 p.m.). Wednesday’s Kids’ Carnival Day is $25 for unlimited rides from noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday wristbands cost $30 for all-day access. 
   • A weeklong “megaband” is available for $100. 
   • Individual tickets are sold in a package of four for $5.
5. Grandstand Events Have Different Prices
   • Monday and Tuesday’s Colt Stakes harness racing starts at 5:30 p.m., with tickets at $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. 
   • Wednesday’s truck and tractor pulls begin at 7 p.m., costing $15 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. 
   • Thursday and Saturday’s demolition derbies start at 7 p.m., with general admission at $15 and $5 for kids 12 and under. 
   • Friday’s Super Kicker Rodeo begins at 7 p.m., with the same pricing: $15 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. 
6. Two Auctions to Attend
   • On Monday, a culinary arts auction supporting local youth starts at 6 p.m., likely in the exhibit building. 
   • On Thursday, the market livestock auction takes place in the covered arena, with check-in at 5 p.m. and bidding at 6 p.m.
7. Showmanship Awards Presented Saturday
   • Top two participants in each animal species receive awards based on a seven-minute scoring sequence. 
   • Shows begin at 4 p.m. in their respective barns or arenas. 
   • The grand champion wins a Carhartt jacket, and the reserve champion receives a sweatshirt.
8. Explore More Than Animals
   • Visit the exhibit building to see local culinary, floriculture, and art displays. 
   • Some items are available for purchase, with exhibits released to owners at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
9. Support a Cause with Chicken BBQ
   • Angels of Action hosts a chicken BBQ Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
   • Meals cost $18, including barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, a dinner roll, and water. Kids’ meals are $6, with chicken nuggets, a roll, and a juice box. 
   • Dine-in and drive-thru options are available.
10. Stay Updated with Radio Coverage
    • Tune into Big Country 100.9 FM for hourly fair reports, featuring daily schedules, participant interviews, and event updates.

For more details, visit www.mecostafreefair.com.