Kalamazoo County Fair to expand to three‑day community festival; organizers seek partners and budget adjustments

Kalamazoo County Parks and Expo Center Director Dave Rakowitz briefed the county board on March 17 about plans for the 2026 Kalamazoo County Fair, scheduled Aug. 4–8, with a renewed emphasis on a three‑day community festival from Aug. 6–8.

What’s planned: Rakowitz said the fair will retain livestock competitions, shows and camping but expand its community celebration with three daily shows (an acrobatic “thrill” troupe, a family stage show and a foam fun zone), two stages (a community stage for local cultural groups and a main nightly entertainment stage), carnival rides geared to ages 4–10, and family-friendly activities (climbing wall, mechanical bull, miniature golf, pony rides and a petting zoo). Organizers are pursuing a Saturday night main entertainment act and possible rodeo as a weekend closeout.

Community partnerships and logistics: Rakowitz said the fair is working with Western Michigan University students on design and marketing, collaborating with Discover Kalamazoo and local nonprofits for programming, and coordinating public-safety and first‑aid planning with county departments. Staff plan a mix of commercial booths and community tables for nonprofits and civic groups.

Budget and next steps: Rakowitz said budget adjustments will be requested as planning moves from conceptual to detailed spending. He asked commissioners to help connect potential community partners and sponsors; staff will return with formal budget amendment requests and marketing materials for commissioners.

Ending: Commissioners thanked the Parks team and expressed support for the fair’s new direction; staff will finalize staffing, vendor contracts and budget items in the coming weeks and return to the board as required.