photograph
Catalog Number
T90-1090.1.12
Description
A black & white photograph showing the ribbon cutting for the opening of the Ottawa Co Fair grounds. Participants were (foreground) Mary Ellen Mrokand Sanford A. Brown, Michigan State Treasurer, (back row left to right) Cliff Steketee, Fair board; Willis S. Boss, 4-H extension director; Richard Machiele, Ottawa County agricultural agent; Garrell Adler, FFA director; Harvey Tinholt, Park Township treasurer; Lawrence P. Smith, Ottawa County Democratic committeeman and Al Looman, Fair president The photograph is from a scrapbook about the opening of the Ottawa Co Fair in 1959.
History
The Ottawa County Fair was begun in 1959 by Cliff Steketee and others who felt there was a need for ‘something to do’ during the summer. Property was leased on Ottawa Beach Road, the overgrowth was cleared from around the pre-existing track and buildings, and the first fair was held during the last week of July, 1959.
