With its history dating back to 1857 and as a cherished event based in the heart of summer, the Ionia Free Fair promises visitors entertainment for fans of music, sports, or just having fun with friends. The Ionia Free Fair has always been a draw for both locals with families participating in the event for generations, or celebrities visiting from around the globe. Indeed, former guests to the fair include Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, and Buster Keaton, among many others.

With its stunning activities like motorcross and monster truck events, or the crowning of the 2014 Ionia Fair Queen, the fair is likely to be the must-see event of the summer. For many people in the area, the fair will be a great time to celebrate life and enjoy the height of the season. With the Queen’s Contest happening at 7pm on Thursday, July 17th, a visit to see this great tradition is a wonderful way to kick off a great personal experience with the fair.

Whatever a visitor’s interests, a great experience during the fair will be the Grand Opening Parade. Occupying a central location along Main Street, and beginning at 11am on Saturday, July 19th, the parade will delight observers of all generations. Children are especially welcome for this great time and profoundly entertaining tradition.

For a family learning event, be sure to also stop by the Miracle of Life exhibit, where the tradition of farming in the region is celebrated. By focusing on the cycles of life and the way that agriculture benefits society, the Miracle of Life exhibit celebrates the very roots of the region’s culture and the origins of the fair itself.

Music fans will love the ability to see last year’s popular Ultimate Journey Tribute Band on Saturday, July 19th at E!Park, who will return to entertain fans and visitors once again with their pitch-perfect interpretations of Journey’s best music. As one of the best music groups in the state, the band made such an impression on spectators with previous performances that they’ll undoubtedly be an essential part of this year’s fair. Be sure to also check out The Detroit Motown review the following day, and see why Motown changed the face of music as we know it.

For these reasons, a visit to the Ionia Free Fair is sure to bring together both long-time locals and visitors to the region in a celebration of life and summer. For many people, the Fair has been a tradition of fun and celebration for generations. And that’s part of the reason this wonderful event is a delight year after year.