The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today awarded 29 grants worth nearly $1.6 million to fund capital improvements at county fairground facilities and to support expositions featuring livestock and commodities.
Three of the grants are coming to the Upper Peninsula.
“MDARD is proud to support county fairs as indispensable forums for agricultural education, local commerce and civic engagement,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Today’s grants will help build infrastructure and programs that connect Michiganders to the food they eat and to our state’s rich agricultural heritage.”
Following a rigorous application and review process, MDARD awarded County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants to the following three Upper Peninsula entities:
- Alger County Fair– $12,500 for livestock infrastructure and safety improvements
- Gogebic County– $80,000 for accessibility and safety improvements
- Houghton County Fair Association – $63,200 for electrical upgrades to ensure safe lighting, sound and ventilation
Since Fiscal Year 2019, MDARD has awarded more than $5.3 million in County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants. The grants were part of more than $184 million of funding MDARD delivered over the past seven years to help Michigan communities build infrastructure, promote agricultural development and create jobs.
Michigan’s 86 county fairs attract an estimated 4.5 million attendees annually. In addition to providing grant support, MDARD helps ensure the safety and success of county fairs by licensing and inspecting food vendors, performing animal health inspections and delivering educational programming.
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