(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, Chelsea Kiwanis members heard from Eric McCalla, president of the all-volunteer Chelsea Community Fair Board.
He reported that 2019 was a record year. Wednesday was the best day, helped by the rain on Tuesday.
Washtenaw County is the only county in Michigan to have four fairs. Of the Saline Fair, the Manchester Fair, and the 4-H fair at the Washtenaw Farm Council grounds, Chelsea’s is by far the most successful.
At the Michigan Association for Fairs and Exhibitions convention held in Grand Rapids, two Chelsea Community Fair Board members, Jeff Layher and Richard Bollinger were recognized for their long service volunteering at the fair. Between them the two fair board members have more than 100 years of service.
McCalla has seen many improvements during the 15 years he has been on the board. There is so much going on that events like the horse show and antique tractor pulls are now held on the days before the fair begins.
The fairgrounds are in use about 20 weeks during the year. All the barns are now full for winter storage.
Possible improvements for the future include asphalt surfaces to ease traveling around the grounds, and remodeling barns to become a convention center.
The club presented McCalla a donation in memory of long-time Fair Board member and Kiwanian Walt Zeeb.
Monday, the club will hear from Sheri Montoye, the new director of Faith in Action.
Chelsea Kiwanis meets each Monday at 6:15 p.m. in the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital cafeteria, and the speakers begin at about 6:45 p.m.
Everyone is invited to the club’s meetings to enjoy our speakers and learn about Kiwanis.
Go to www.kiwanisclubofchelsea.org for more information.
