NEXT POST – Chelsea Community Fair

On January 20, 2020 we heard from Eric McCalla, President of the 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 4 fairs. Of the Saline Fair, the 
Manchester Fair, and the 4H 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 over 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. 

We presented Eric with our donation in memory of long time Fair Board member and Kiwanian 
Walt Zeeb.

Next Monday we will hear from Sheri Montoye, the new director of Faith in Action.