The 2024 Manchester Community Fair Queen, Lauren Blaine. Photo courtesy Angie Schaible

by Marsha Chartrand

“I have been on the board for 21 years and every year it proves to be just as rewarding as in the past,” says Angie Schaible. “It’s a lot of work (and we do need more volunteers!), but when you see all of the smiling faces and the laughs from everyone, it makes it so worthwhile.”

And that just about summarizes the 79th Manchester Community Fair — a lot of work, and a lot of fun. As always, there were a few surprises. “The weather was really good to us after that little scare on Tuesday,” Schaible noted, ”but then it cleared up and we had a great evening.”

The parade reverse route was a huge success in many ways. Many people came right back to the fairgrounds to stay for the evening. There weren’t as many floats and golf carts as organizers had hoped for, “but we are already working on ideas for the 2025 parade,” according to Schaible. The winners of the floats was first place Zion Lutheran Church and second place MECC. Golf carts were first Beauty by Kellie Dawna and second River Raisin Mercantile.

The big event after the conclusion of the parade, of course, is the Fair Queen Contest. Miss Congeniality was Halle Parks. Fourth runner-up was Ava Rentfro, 3rd was Olivia Woods, 2nd was Laura Blair, and 1st runner-up was Gabriella Woods. Named as Fair Queen 2024 was Lauren Blaine.

Some different things going on this year with a bigger and better senior citizens’ day brought in a bigger crowd than before and there are already plans in the works to make next year’s even larger than ever!

A free admission day on Thursday proved to be a big success, especially with the carnival, as a lot of people came that day to experience a good old-fashioned fair day without the bigger events. That is planned to continue again next year, thanks to the Fair’s wonderful sponsors — America 1 Credit Union, Teijin Automotive, and Chelsea State Bank.

The demo derby and rodeo were huge hits, as usual, with record-breaking attendance on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It was a family-themed day on Saturday with lots of activities for the whole family. Many new, younger volunteers were a lot of help this year, and the Fair Board is hoping to get more of them involved on a long-term basis.

“We have had so many comments this year on what a great fair it was, but it would not be possible without all the sponsors, volunteers, and the great community we live in,” Schaible concluded. “So on behalf of the Manchester Community Fair and myself, thank you all for your continued support. We truly could not make it without all of you. We are looking forward to 2025. … See you then!”

Sandra Wiitala and Anna Raus work in the Exhibit tent. Anna went on to earn the Junior Homemaker Award. Photo courtesy Fair Board.

Chris Minick, Senior Homemaker, receives her award from Fair President Steve Harvey. Photo courtesy Fair Board.