Our History

The history of the Baraga County Fair was summarized by the Michigan Legislature in House Concurrent Resolution No. 832, marking the Fair's Fiftieth Anniversary in 1990. The resolution retells our history, starting with our first Fairs in the 40's and honored what it had grown to, giving us another look at a Baraga County Fair from 1990. It reads as follows:

​

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BARAGA COUNTY FAIR

​

WHEREAS, It is with pride in the people of Baraga County that we honor them as the fiftieth anniversary of the BARAGA COUNTY FAIR in Pelkie is celebrated. This auspicious event, held each year since 1940, has been fun, educational, and a great way to promote dairying, beef cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, and many other livestock; and 

​

WHEREAS, It was in 1940 that what became the BARAGA COUNTY FAIR started as "Dairy Days" under the sponsorship of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. It began through the efforts of Fred Biekkola, MSU county extension agent. He, as well as local farmers, saw a need to stimulate the sharing of knowledge and interest in dairying. In those days, it was known as the Baraga County Dairy Day and Farmers Picnic. Later, the event became known as the Baraga County Dairy Day Show, and in 1967 the name officially was changed to the Baraga County Fair; and 

​

WHEREAS, The very first event drew 25 leading dairy cows plus 4-H calves by the Future Dairymen from all areas of the county. A community picnic with contests in milking, cheese eating, races, and ball games between the various 4-H Clubs were well-attended events. With the support of an enthusiastic and hardworking fair board, the annual BARAGA COUNTY FAIR is a fun-filled occasion for all participants. Last year's fair (1989) shows the great popularity of the event. Approximately 2,500 visitors came, and there were entries for competition in 84 different categories, with more than 100 livestock. We are proud of this success and of the excellent way agriculture, so important to the lives of each of us, is promoted at the BARAGA COUNTY FAIR. We know that this year's fair (1990) will continue this fine tradition and give everyone attending a great time that is also educational, a great contribution to the local economy, and, of course, a tribute to many animals and their loyal caretakers with which Michigan and particularly the Pelkie area are so richly blessed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (the Senate concurring), That the BARAGA COUNTY FAIR'S fiftieth anniversary be highly commemorated; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the BARAGA COUNTY FAIR Board as a reflection of our highest regard. 

Adopted by the House of Representatives, June 20, 1990

Adopted by the Senate, June 28, 1990