Get Ready for the 2023 Kent County Youth Fair

Old traditions meet exciting new expansion – that’s what fair goers can expect at Lowell’s biggest crowd-drawer of the year.

The Kent County Youth Fair is right around the corner, and though there are a lot of major changes this year, many old favorites are still intact.

The Grand Agricultural Center of West Michigan — known as “The Grand” — is the brand new venue for the KCYF. The 140-acre facility located on Cascade Road has seven new buildings and more space than has been available in the past. The former fairgrounds had only 19 usable acres.

Kent County Youth Agricultural Association President Bill Zaske says the new venue will breathe new life into the fair.

“It is no secret that the old grounds and buildings were outdated and had infrastructure that far exceeded their useful life,” according to Zaske. “The Grand has modern facilities and utilities for our exhibitors and visitors to enjoy.”

One of the other major changes this year is a new carnival company. Anderson Midways will be providing the carnival for 2023. Much of the traditional events will stay the same, though this year the midway and carnival rides will not open until Tuesday during fair week.

Here is a summary of the events:

Monday, July 31 – Hero’s Day
Swine, horse, dog, and rabbit shows, and youth talent shows.

Tuesday, Aug. 1 – Midway Opens
Goat, sheep, and poultry shows, a Hark Up live performance, and a draft horse pull. Carnival rides open at 6pm.

Wednesday, Aug. 2 – Reading for Rides
Goat milking contest, public speaking and demonstrations, mini horse show, and an antique tractor pull. Carnival rides open at 2pm.

Thursday, Aug. 3 – Auction Day
Large animal auction, string band performance, and magic performance. Carnival rides open at 2pm.

Friday, Aug. 4 – Access-Abilities Day
Horse contests, live music performances, mini horse pulls, line dancing
Access-Abilities day guest rides open at 1pm, carnival rides open to the public at 2pm.

Saturday, Aug. 5 – Kids Day
Ice cream social, corn hole tournament, live music. Carnival rides open at 1pm.

Parking costs $10 daily, or a weekly pass can be purchased for $20. Only cash is accepted for parking.

For more information about the fair, including a map and detailed daily schedule, visit the KCYF website.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on July 29, 2023 to add the parking fees.