“Welcome To The Fair” from the Board President “On behalf of the Berrien County Youth Fair Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the 73rd annual Berrien County Youth Fair, August 13-18. Our theme this year is ‘Passport to Adventure,’ and we are excited about making memories and celebrating at this year’s fair! The directors, fair staff, advisors, superintendents, sponsors, and over 1,500 volunteers have worked all year to make this a place to showcase the Youth of Berrien County. “We want to thank all of the people and businesses that have stepped forward to assist in raising funds for exhibitor premiums. Thanks to all of the people that attended the fundraiser dinner dance and also donated items for the silent auction and to those that simply donated with the attitude that ‘it’s all about the kids.’ “The BCYF, which attracts over 120,000 spectators, is an event for the entire family to attend. Our visitors will find something for everyone to enjoy: almost 12,000 exhibits on display exhibited by over 2,000 Berrien County youth ages 5 through 20, animals, food, rides, over 150 commercial exhibits, entertainment, beautiful flowers and grounds with picnic tables and benches to name just a few. The fair is once again going green this year! You’ll see recycling containers located throughout the grounds. “Check out free attractions, including: a look back at the 70s in our Historical building; The Amazing Dobermans, a FREE show for the entire family and daily entertainment in our mall area on the Al Barbott Memorial Stage with PA and lighting equipment from Indiana Michigan Power, Cook Nuclear Plant’s Heart of Cook grant. The Entertainment Committee is excited to host high energy singer/songwriter country duo LOCASH Wednesday, two nights of demolition derby and crowd favorite, Bullmania to close out the week. Don’t forget the other unique entertainment at the Midwest’s Largest Youth Fair, including light limited pro, hot farm, diesel trucks, super stock and modified pulls on Monday. “Kids’ Day is Tuesday, with free admission for kids and three free circus shows in the Grandstand. We are expecting a lot of thrill seekers as we again offer one low price each day for rides wristband days, which is every day this year. I hope you will a make a date for your family to come and join in the fun at the 2018 Berrien County Youth Fair. “As always you can find great fair food including just a few of our long time fair favorites such as Korn Dogs, Steak Tips, Fruit Pizza, Elephant Ears and Lemonade.” Bruce Foster, President Berrien County Youth Fair

Fair Opening The 2018 Berrien County Youth Fair gates open on Monday, August 13, at 7:30 a.m. with most exhibit buildings ready for viewing by 11 a.m. Rides, however, will not start until 6:00 p.m. on Monday only. Tuesday through Saturday, rides start at 11:00 a.m. Office hours during Fair Week are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission gates close daily at 10:00 p.m. Tram service is available from the Yellow Parking Lot located near the Gate 3/Shawnee Entrance from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Youth Fair Admission Prices Adult One-Day Pass (ages 13 & over) $7; Adult Season Pass $20; Child One-Day Pass (ages 5-12) $4; Child Season Pass $10; Age 65 & Over One-Day Pass $5; Age 65 &Over Season Pass $13. FREE PARKING! Courtesy Shuttles sponsored by Country Heritage Credit Union from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shuttles will stop at designated locations, which will be marked with a sign.

Fair King & Queen and Prince & Princess Contests The King and Queen Contest will be held on Friday, August 10, in the Grandstand at the 2018 Youth Fair. Please note the contest is now held on Friday prior to Fair and admission is FREE. A king and queen will be selected from the contestants and will represent the Youth Fair at all events during the Fair. The contestants are ages 16 – 18. They must be a resident of Berrien County and a current exhibitor at the Youth Fair. Lindsay Kay of 97.5 Y-Country will serve as emcee for the program. A Prince and Princess Contest will be held at 7:00 p.m. before the King & Queen Contest. Contestants are ages 9-12. Just as the King and Queen contestants, the Prince and Princess contestants must be a resident of Berrien County and a current exhibitor at the Youth Fair. Contestants are: for King – Arthur “AJ” Jillson, Buchanan and Jackson Hall, Dowagiac; for Queen – Kennedy Melton and Kendall Beyer of Baroda, Katrena Klopfenstein of Galien, Abby Kuespert and Hannah Kiggins of Niles, Sarah Jackemeyer of Buchanan, Allie Sturgill of Stevensville, Annette Donner of Three Oaks and Ashley Edgerly of Benton Harbor; for Prince – Brayden Lawson of Galien, Matthew Moore of Three Oaks, Michael Steinke of Coloma and Daniel Goss of St. Joseph; for Princess – Isabella Carr of Stevensville, Amelia Neff of Niles, Isabella Thompson of St. Joseph, Malayna Klug of Eau Claire, Grace Worley of Benton Harbor, and Taylor Kirk of Galien.

Volunteers The backbone of the Berrien County Youth Fair is volunteers; from its inception to the present day, a key factor is people donating their time and talents for Youth. The Fair is proud to have over 1,500 volunteers working together to bring this event to life. On a tour of the grounds, fair attendees will quickly notice the pride that each and every department shows in their area. These are people working together for a common cause and lending their expertise to improve the Fair and provide a learning experience for the youth. For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, just call the Fair Office at 473-4251 or visit www.bcyf.org. Remember, the Berrien County Youth Fair couldn’t do it without you!

Adopt-A-Bed Program What makes the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds look so nice? All the beautiful flowers!! Volunteers from Berrien County adopt-a-bed, plant, weed and care for the flowers through-out the summer months. The Adopt-A-Bed Program is always looking for more volunteers to help with this project. If interested, please call the Fair Office.