Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Photo by Western Michigan Fairgrounds
The Western Michigan Fair is where you see your friends and neighbors, celebrate the waning days of summer, and appreciate good family values. The big cities may have the advantage over us in certain things, but nothing beats the feeling you get living in a cozy, friendly town with annual events like the Western Michigan Fair.
With the exception of WWII, the fair has been held every year since 1936 at the Mason County Fairgrounds on US-10 in Ludington. The fair was modified in 2020 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The fair features the midway, demolition derby, harness horse racing, entertainment, still exhibits, grandstand events, and carnival rides. But the real attraction of the fair is the 4-H exhibits and animals. Area youngsters who have worked hard the past year raising their sheep, chickens, cows, and rabbits proudly wait for the judge’s ribbon. Equestrians get their chance to showcase their horses, and homemakers busily prepare their pies and other homemade goodies for judging.
Ride wristbands are $30 Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday, and $25 on Wednesday (Kids Day). Pre-sale mega ride passes go on sale in July and can be purchased at tjschmidtcarnival.com.
Days, times, and events listed below reflect the typical fair schedule from year to year, but may be subject to change.
Fair Entrance $5.00 per person – Children ages five and under are free.
Veterans Appreciation Day – Veterans admitted free.
Fair Entrance $5.00 per person – Children ages five and under are free.
Fair Entrance $5.00 per person – Children ages five and under are free.
All Senior Citizens (60+) admitted free.
Fair Entrance $5.00 per person – Children ages five and under are free.
Fair Entrance $5.00 per person – Children ages five and under are free.
Think the fairgrounds are just for the fair? Not here in Ludington! The Mason County Fairgrounds gets plenty of use in the summertime, one of our favorite seasons here along the lakeshore. The 185-acre site where the fairgrounds and airport are now located was farmland purchased in 1935 from Charles G. Wing. The first fair in Mason County was held in 1936, and the fair has been held each year with the exception of during WWII.
The fairgrounds have undergone a facelift in 2013-2014, with $672,000 in improvements. They include:
The fairgrounds are busy throughout the summer with various horse shows, including 4-H Youth, Quarterhorse shows and the AQHA/MQHA. In September, the Mason County Fairgrounds hosts the MIHA District IX Equestrian Meet. Almost every summer weekend, there’s an open air flea market at the fairgrounds, where you’ll find everything from books to furniture to tools. It’s a great place to browse and find those unique treasures.
Western Michigan Fair Association
5302 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
231-843-8563
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors “free” weekends to fish, ORV, or snowmobile each year.
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
The Ludington State Park offers winter activities. With snowshoeing tours, cross country skiing, and natural beauty, it’s a winter paradise!
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.
Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day, and downtown Ludington is where you want to be for all the fun events!
Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
