9-01-2016 1:29am

Hero's Day, Preschool Specials and Rodeo at Saline Community Fair Thursday

The 2016 Saline Community Fair will feature many traditional activities as well as several new ones throughout the fair week, August 31 to September 4. The fair is held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor.

Thursday, September 1 is full of fun for all ages of fair goers. It is also Hero’s Day with all Veterans, Active Military, Police, Fire and EMS admitted free with credentials. The new “Ice Cream with the Hero’s” begins at 2 p.m. with a program coordinated by the Saline American Legion and entertainment that everyone will enjoy. The ice cream will be from the famous Saline Lions ice cream trailer and all activities will take place in Barn B – the open show arena area.

There will also be preschool/toddler ride specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 9 a.m. until noon there will be several special children’s activities taking place in Barn F. The Washtenaw Farm Council will be inviting anyone interested to make their own butter, while the Saline 4-H Farmers Club will be working with anyone who wants to make homemade ice cream. Inside the barn will be small animals, including a three week old pony, baby chicks, longhorn cattle and more. Washtenaw County Farm Bureau will be providing several activities and prizes for safety bingo, farm charms and My Plate, and kids of all ages will enjoy the Farmer for a Day area and the opportunity to play with a corn box.

The new Lawn Garden Tractor Contest, open to all youth age 10 – 18, begins at 3 p.m. and registration will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the horse arena. The tractor and wagon is provided for this contest and rules are on the fair website and available at the fair office. Farmer John will be presenting several entertaining shows with his animals throughout the day. Rounding out the activities on Thursday are the Jr. Livestock Auction at 7 p.m. and the Super Kicker Rodeo, also beginning at 7 p.m. in front of the grandstand. The auction provides an opportunity to support local youth who raise animals. The Super Kicker Rodeo has a great following and promises to be an exciting event. The Beer Barn will also be open Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to midnight and will feature live music.

All exhibits and entries that are on display will be judged by Thursday and the merchants, vendors and food booths will be open. Fairgoers can register to win one of fifteen bikes which will be given away to lucky winners – one to represent each decade of Saline. Entry forms can be deposited throughout fair week into corresponding containers located with the bikes in Building B on the fairgrounds. The forms are on the website and available at local sponsors and at the fair. Winners do not need to be present.

Visit the fair website at www.salinefair.org for information on admission and ride prices, as well as specials for each day. Activity details and a complete schedule are also available on the website. Many local businesses have fairbooks and fair schedules. You are also invited to follow the fair on facebook at Saline Community Fair. See you at the fair!