Fair week is officially around the corner, as festivities begin Saturday, July 11, and will last through Saturday, July 18.

Before you make your way to the grounds, here are 10 essential tips and details you should know:

1. Parking Costs
   • Daily parking passes cost $5 at each gate or $20 for a weekly pass. All proceeds go to local organizations, teams and groups.
2. Prohibited Items
   • Alcohol, drugs and smoking are strictly prohibited on the fairgrounds. Pets, including dogs, are not allowed.
3. New Rodeo
   • 2D Rodeo Company will host the Friday night rodeo this year. The event will include pre-show music at 6:30 p.m. and new youth and adult events. More information can be found at 2D Rodeo Mecosta Free Fair. More information can be found here: 2D Rodeo Mecosta Free Fair.
4. Midway Opens Tuesday
   • Rides, games and fair food will open Tuesday morning. Daily hours are from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., except for Wednesday’s Kids Day, which runs from noon to 11 p.m. Ticket rates and pricing can be found here: Skerbeck Family Carnival Info.
5. Chicken BBQ Returns
   • Angels of Action will host its sixth annual Chicken Barbecue event to help local residents facing food insecurity. Dinners are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The cost is $18 for a full meal and $6 for a children’s meal.
6. Two Pulling Events
   • On Wednesday at 2 p.m., participants will compete in the annual pedal pulls near the fair office building. There is no cost to watch or participate. The large truck and tractor pulls will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. in the grandstands. Tickets are $15 per person,except $5 for those 5 and under.
7. New Foam Parties
   • A new addition to the fair this year is a pair of foam parties. Kids can enjoy DJ music and a foam pool from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, in the Exhibit Building.
8. Two Live Auctions
   • On Saturday, July 11, a culinary arts auction supporting local youth starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Building. The market livestock auction takes place in the Covered Arena at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 16.
9. No Infield Party
   • Wednesday’s local celebrity race will start at 5:30 p.m., but there will be no infield party this year. Cost is $10 per person and $5 for children 5 and under. Standard harness racing will also be held Monday and Tuesday, with both days starting at 5 p.m.
10. Big Country 100.9 Attending
    • Tune into Big Country 100.9 FM for hourly fair reports, featuring daily schedules, participant interviews, and event updates. The station will also be on-site throughout the week for interactive activities and giveaways. Follow their Facebook page here: Big Country 100.9 Facebook.

For more details on their fair, visit www.mecostafreefair.com.