Lisa Reiff was only eight days old when she went to her first community fair.
Since then, she’s been going to fairs her entire life, and now serves as the executive director of the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions.
For Reiff, fairs have always brought “a sense of normalcy,” which she said has been difficult to find in the past year.
In 2020, all Michigan fairs experienced some sort of change, they were either postponed, modified or completely canceled.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to loosen, most county and community fairs are planning to return this summer.
“I’ve been really encouraged by the trend we’re seeing in Michigan,” Reiff said. “Our fairs and carnivals have been working diligently with their local health departments to make sure they’re doing everything they can to keep their communities and attendees safe.”
Marion Fair is one of the first Michigan fairs of the summer, scheduled to run June 13-19. Last year, the fair was canceled and switched to a virtual format to accommodate the animal show and auction.
Marion Fair Board President Daryl Bode said it was a difficult decision to cancel the fair, but the board was able to smoothly adjust to a virtual format.
“We made it through alright, but for me to see the fair come back this year is amazing,” Bode said. “(If) we had to go another year without the fair, there’s a good chance the board might have had to dissolve.”
According to Bode, there will be hand-sanitizing stations around the fair, and masks and social distancing will be encouraged.
Reiff said fairs and festivals will continue to work with local health departments to adjust to changing regulations.
“There are some amazing people that are part of our fair industry,” Reiff said. “I’m just really excited they can get back to work entertaining Michiganders to educate them about agriculture and provide some fun, family entertainment.”
For more information about community fairs, visit the MAFE website.
This story was produced as part of the Michigan News Group Internship. A collaboration between WCMU and eight community newspapers. Teresa Homsi works at Huron Daily Tribune.
