The new Oakland County Fair Idol singing contest is shaping up well, said L.C. Scramlin, general manager
“Lots of people are contacting the office to set up a tryout,” he said. “One worry is that there are more than we can get in.”
Auditions will be 6-9 p.m., July 12, 14, and 15, with finals set for 1-2:30 p.m., July 17. The contest is open to all ages ? solos, duets, trios, and choirs. Email ssp5078@yahoo.com for a registration form and more info.
With the loss of the Michigan State Fair to budget cuts in 2009, adult exhibits and classes have greatly expanded at the county fair, he said.
“We went from 40 exhibits to about 286, in photography, cooking, sewing, small engines … we’re ecstatic about it,” he said. “It gets the whole family involved.”
The fair is also going green with exhibits, programs, and information on recycling, soy products, biofuel, and other environmentally friendly alternatives.
“It helps the ecology and the economy ? we’re pretty excited about that,” he said.
Parking and fair entry is $4 per person walk-in, or $10 per car, no matter how many people are in the car.
“Pack it as full as you want ? bring the neighbors,” he said. “Once you’re in, there’s lots of free events, from the circus to racing pigs and livestock. With the economy the way it is, it’s one of the best things around.”
Free activities also include Globe of Death, Miracle of Birth Barn, Show Me Petting Zoo, 4-H Farmer for a Day, Farmer John, Kids Contests in the Pavilion, and Horse Shows in the Horse Arena.
Oakland County Fair is at Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451 Andersonville Road in Davisburg, 9 a.m.-11 p.m., July 12-16; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m., July 17.
Main Arena Events, carnival rides and food cost extra. The carnival is open Tuesday-Friday, 1-11 p.m.; Saturday, 12-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 12-9 p.m. Main Arena Events include the Super Kicker Rodeo, Demolition Derby and Monster Trucks.
For complete list of fair happenings, rates, and event times, call 248-634-8830 or visit www.oakfair.org.
? Phil Custodio