The 148th annual Ingham County Fair opened Friday with carnival rides, petting zoos, rodeos and promises of a familyoriented event.

The slogan for the this year’s fair is “Bring ‘Em To Ingham, The Family Fun Fair.”

Terry Brail, the fair’s executive director, boasts a clean fairgrounds with a goal to please people of all ages - without a beer tent.

“We’ve never had a beer tent, and we never will,” Brail said.

Alcohol is considered by the fair’s organizers as a substance that isn’t family-oriented and shouldn’t be allowed on the grounds.

But families might not be piling into their cars in droves for the fair just yet.

Brail said poor weather conditions since the fair opened put a damper on it, forcing people to shy away from eating cotton candy and visiting the critters and creatures farmers bring.

“The weather scared a few people off, but I’m very confident that the weather will break toward the end of the week and the people who were scared off today will be back,” Brail said.

The 74-acre site brings in more than 100,000 people annually and Brail said he has no doubt the number will be reached again this year, despite the weather.

The gate fee is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Parking is free at the fairgrounds, 700 E. Ash St. in Mason.

“It’s a heck of a value,” Brail said.

Once inside the gates, there are a number of things a family can do for free. There’s a petting zoo, a chain saw wood-carver, and circus clowns - all for no cost.

There are more than 15 animal barns for animals in 4-H and open showing, two merchant buildings for moms and dads and a fine arts building for arts and crafts shows.

The carnival rides and food are always a favorite of fairgoers, Brail said.

Later on this week there will be demolition derbies, a rodeo, an activity day for children and a battle of the bands, featuring several local bands.

“It’s a very good, clean fair,” Brail said. “And people love it.”

Amy Bartner