Get ready for an action-packed week at the Van Buren Youth Fair in Hartford, Michigan! This highly anticipated community event is a premier showcase of agriculture, local entertainment, and, most importantly, the immense dedication, skill, and hard work of our youth and 4-H exhibitors.
Whether you are here for the grandstand entertainment or to support the serious competition and agricultural excellence displayed in the livestock arenas, there is something for everyone. For full event timings, be sure to reference the official schedule.
🎟️General Admission & Midway Info
Location: 55670 CR 681, Hartford, MI 49057.
Daily Admission: Adults are $10, Senior Citizens (60 and over) are $8, and Children (ages 6 through 12) are $5.
Free Entry: Children 5 and under always get in free.
Season Passes: Available for $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $25 for children.
Midway Hours: The Midway opens at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and offers an early start at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Hillside Seating: Access to Hillside Entertainment is included in the price of your general admission. Pit passes for Tuesday and Saturday are available for $20
đź“… Schedule Highlights
From rigorous livestock evaluation to thrilling evening entertainment, here is what you can expect based on the official schedule.
🏆 Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19: Preparation & Arrival
The fairgrounds kick into gear as exhibitors arrive and prepare their projects for intense evaluation.
- Saturday: Still exhibit judging runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Poultry and rabbit entries also take place throughout the morning and early afternoon.
- Sunday: This is a busy day of check-ins for beef, sheep, dairy, goats, swine, and draft horses. The competitive events begin with the Dog Show at 8:00 a.m. and Rabbit Judging at 12:00 p.m. in Barn #7.
đźšś Monday, July 20: Farm Stock Power & Talent
- 6:00 p.m. – Farm Stock Tractor Pull: Head to Hillside Entertainment to watch powerful machines compete in the Farm Stock Tractor Pull.
- 7:00 p.m. – Youth Talent Show: Enjoy incredible performances at the Youth Talent Show located in the Community Tent.
- 7:00 p.m. – Magic Cloud Balloons: Tethered balloon rides will be available at Hillside Entertainment.
🌟 Tuesday, July 21: Ladies & Senior Citizens Day
- Special Promotion: Ladies (19 and over) and Senior Citizens enjoy free admission all day.
- Morning Judging: Exhibitors demonstrate their agricultural knowledge and handling skills during Poultry Judging at 8:00 a.m., the English Horse Show at 8:30 a.m., and Swine Judging at 10:00 a.m..
- 7:00 p.m. – Hartford NTPA Nationals: Prepare for high-octane excitement with Super Farm Tractors, 2 Wheel Drive Pickups, and Mini Modifieds tearing up the track.
🎖️Wednesday, July 22: Armed Forces Day
- Special Promotion: Free admission for Veterans and Active Military personnel.
- Judging: A full day of expert evaluation includes Goat Judging at 8:00 a.m., Dairy Judging at 8:30 a.m., and Feeder, Beef, and Dairy Market Animal Judging at 1:00 p.m..
- Auction Action: Small Market Animal Buyer Registration starts at 3:00 p.m., followed by the Small Market Animal Auction at 4:00 p.m..
- 1:00 p.m. – Armed Services Day Program: A special program will be held in the Community Tent to honor our military.
- 7:00 p.m. – Comedy Show: Catch comedians Kier, Dylan Mandlsohn, and Eric O’Shea at Hillside Entertainment.
🎡 Thursday, July 23: Kids’ Day
- Special Promotion: Free admission for youth 18 years old and under until 5:00 p.m..
- Livestock Auction: Livestock Buyer Registration runs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed immediately by the Livestock Auction at 10:00 a.m..
- 1:00 p.m. – Pony Pull: Watch the pony pull competition in the Draft Horse Arena.
- 7:00 p.m. – Country Music: Enjoy live performances by Jake Hoot and Waylon Hanel at Hillside Entertainment.
🎇 Friday, July 24: Showmanship & Fireworks
- 4:00 p.m. – Large Livestock Jr/Sr Showmanship Sweepstakes: Watch the top youth exhibitors demonstrate their extensive handling skills and commitment in this prestigious competition.
- 7:00 p.m. – Flying Star Rodeo: The rodeo brings incredible skill and thrilling action to Hillside Entertainment.
- 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks: End the evening with a spectacular fireworks display.
đź’Ą Saturday, July 25: Awards & Demolition Derby
- Exhibitor Awards: Dedication and hard work are officially recognized during the Horse Exhibitor Awards at 12:00 p.m., Small Animal Exhibitor Awards at 1:00 p.m., and Livestock Exhibitors Awards at 3:00 p.m..
- 6:00 p.m. – Youth Parade: Celebrate the achievements of the exhibitors in the Large Livestock Arena.
- 6:00 p.m. – T”N”T Demolition Derby: The fair concludes with the ultimate smashing action of the demolition derby at Hillside Entertainment.
Plan your trip to Hartford, Michigan, and support the incredible youth exhibitors who make the Van Buren Youth Fair an unforgettable tradition!
