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Kalamazoo County approves disbanding Fair Council, sets 2026 fair for Aug. 2–8 and directs RFP for carnival vendor
Summary
After sustained public comment from 4‑H families, the board voted to disband the Fair Council in favor of a staff‑organized working group and set Aug. 2–8, 2026, as the standing fair dates; parks staff presented a $450,000 rough budget and said the county will issue an RFP for carnival services within that window.
Following multiple public comments from 4‑H members and leaders, Kalamazoo County commissioners on Nov. 18 moved to restructure fair governance and fix dates for the 2026 Kalamazoo County Fair.
Parks & Expo Director Dave Rakowitz told the board the Fair Council recommended the parks department take a lead role in organizing the 2026 fair, that the council supported a working‑group model (with subcommittees for security, livestock, marketing and other functions), and that an RFP for carnival companies had been finalized and submitted to purchasing. Rakowitz estimated a rough event budget of about $450,000, which would include $100,000 already in the 2026 operating budget and anticipated event revenue; staff said they may seek an additional one‑time $50,000 in year one to help launch the event.
Multiple 4‑H speakers said uncertain dates threaten horse and livestock participation because judges, summer camp schedules and state competition eligibility require advance booking. Kim Kimmy, a Fair Council member and 4‑H parent, asked the board to set the 2026 date promptly so East Fork Farms and other local partners can finalize summer camp schedules; 4‑H leaders reiterated judge booking and market‑animal timing concerns.
Several commissioners voiced support for reorganizing the Fair Council into a more nimble working group to increase community involvement. After discussion, the board formally adopted a motion to disband the Fair Council created under Public Act 11 of 1929, assign duties to the Parks Commission, and direct the parks department to convene a staff‑organized working group within 30 days. The board also voted to set the 2026 fair dates from Aug. 2–8, 2026, and instructed administration to issue an RFP for carnival vendors with options inside that window. Recorded votes on the relevant motions carried.
Commissioners noted a practical concern: some carnival companies might not be available on fixed dates; staff said RFP responses may include alternates or partial‑week proposals and the county will evaluate bids accordingly. Rakowitz also said the county and MSU Extension are drafting a memorandum of understanding that will clarify which entity manages 4‑H programming and which manages festival operations.
The decisions give 4‑H families earlier certainty for booking animals, judges and camps and direct staff to return with interlocal and contracting details.
