Chamber Spotlight: Manchester Fair

The Manchester Mirror is partnering with the Manchester Chamber of Commerce to highlight different Chamber of Commerce members. This week we are spotlighting the Manchester Community Fair.

The Manchester Community Fair originally started in the halls of the Manchester High School in the 1930s. At that time it was organized by the members of the Future Farmers of America and the Future Homemakers of America. As it grew, a group of Manchester residents filed Michigan non-profit articles of incorporation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. These papers were filed on November 3, 1944. The directors on the articles of incorporation were Charlie Eisenhauer, Clayton Parr, Clyde Hazen, Willard C. Mann, Donald C. Weed, Wm. H. Palmer, V. W. Downing, Ray Haselschwerdt, Fred Fielder, and Frank Spaford.

The fair then moved to the Athletic Field, now known as Alumni Memorial Field. An office was built; later, an exhibit building and even later a portable classroom were given from the school after they were no longer needed by the school. The Association filed with ten board members in 1944. In 1973, an amendment was filed, bringing the board members to nineteen. On September 9, 1985, Bylaws were written and approved, adding associate members. 

In 1981, the fair became known as “Michigan’s Biggest Little Fair,” and in 1984, a contest was held to design a logo. In 2021 the fair applied for and received a patent on both the motto and logo. Through the years, there have been many events tried and changes made. The fair is always open to finding new events, while keeping some history and tradition alive. The animal clubs are made up of youth from the Manchester area. The Queen contest is made up of youth from the four top grades in Manchester schools.

The Fair starts off with a parade through the village with lots of fire trucks, candies, and many more entries from the local area. There are also a Senior Citizens day program of bingo to share prizes and social time; a Kids Day with lots of fun things to do; and a Ladies Day program with all welcome to come and learn new things. And, of course, there is the carnival with lots of rides, games, bright lights, and screams.

It takes a community to put on a fair. Volunteers are the history and the future of the fair. The Fair Board is always open to new ideas and new volunteers. Thank you to all volunteers from the past, the present, and the future. Manchester, “The Manchester Community Fair“ is your fair. 

For more information about the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.48158.com

Manchester Community Fair, “Michigan’s Biggest Little Fair.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.