The wooden grandstands were built in 1976. The grandstands and track see a variety of uses including concerts, stock car racing, pageants, snowmobile racing, mud drags, harness racing, horse pulling, church services, demolition derbies, and tractor parades within the calendar year. A spectator fell through the stands in 2023. A structural engineering firm then reviewed the condition of the grandstands and recommended immediately reducing allowable occupancy to 60-70% due to the condition of the wooden decking and support structure. The structural firm also recommended seeking a complete replacement within the next 5 years. Grandstand events are the primary money maker for the Fairgrounds and drive over a million dollars in local economic activity between events, parking, tickets, livestock auctions, and prizes.
The Grandstand Replacement and Expansion project at the Chippewa County Fairgrounds aims to dramatically improve the safety, accessibility, and functionality of one of the community’s most vital public spaces. The plan includes demolishing several adjacent aging structures and increasing seating capacity from approximately 1,800 to 4,000, while creating a fully ADA-accessible, all season atmosphere for spectators. Modern amenities including accessible restrooms, concession areas, and a meeting room will be constructed underneath the new grandstands, providing year-round usability and enhancing the overall visitor experience. The estimated project cost, based on comparable upgrades at Ingham County Fairgrounds, is approximately $5 million.
Kinross Township, which owns the fairgrounds property, is deeply committed to public recreation and long-term resource stewardship. Both Kinross Township and Chippewa County have endorsed the project, recognizing its value to the community, but neither government has the funding capacity to fully finance the improvements. The Chippewa County Fair, which leases and operates the fairgrounds, brings in about $840,000 annually and pays out roughly $790,000 in operational costs, leaving only $50,000 per year for maintenance and improvements. Historically, county fairs like Chippewa’s relied heavily on revenue from horse racing and state funding tied to the racing industry. That funding source was eliminated between 2008 and 2010 when the state restructured its support model, leaving rural fairs with aging infrastructure and limited alternatives. The Chippewa County Fair continues to serve the region with dedication, but replacing the grandstands is beyond its current financial reach. Support for this project would revitalize a key community hub, expanding opportunities for recreation, cultural events, and economic development throughout the region.