JACKSON, MI – Jackson County Fair Manager Denise Owens has heard the rumors: Skeptics don't believe the fairgrounds will be ready to host the fair Aug. 4-10.
But Owens is confident that the Jackson County Fairgrounds/Keeley Park will be ready, albeit without some of the finishing touches like landscaping.
Construction crews have been busy this summer making the redesigned fairgrounds a reality. Changes for 2019 include removal of part of the harness-racing track and new spots for the midway and parking.
Construction of the new events center is underway, but it won't open until 2020.
"It's going to happen," Owens said. "I had a guy call me yesterday and bet me $10 it wasn't going to happen. I said, 'Well you just march down here, right now, and give me that $10, because it's going to happen.'"
Rumors that the fair might move to Michigan International Speedway aren't true, Owens said – not only because the fairgrounds will be ready, but also because MIS is hosting a race the same week.
"We are doing everything we can to make this the best experience – knowing that you're going to see a little dirt in a few places," Owens said. "Just the convenience of the layout is tremendous."
Here's a look at the progress of the construction and a guide to where everything will be setup for the fair.
An overview
This rendering from Jackson County shows the final plan for the fairgrounds, including new parking lots and new park space.
While this will be the look for the 2020 fair, a few components aren't quite finished for August's fair, Owens said.
A new midway
Instead of on the south end of the property, the new midway is shaped like an upside-down U in the infield of the former harness-racing track.
In past years, this was where visitors would park. Crews are working on growing grass in this area.
"We're out there watering like crazy," Owens said. "I think you will see grass, it won't look really thick and full, but people will identify it as grass."
Where to park
General parking for the fair is at the old prison site on North Street, which was Michigan's first state prison from 1838 to 1934. Jackson County bought the property earlier this year for $175,000 and plans to shuttle people west on North Street to the north fair entrance.
Parking is $5, like always, but the shuttle ride is free. The shuttle stops running each night at 11 p.m., Owens said.
The area can hold more than 1,000 cars, and is larger than the infield parking space from previous years.