Western Michigan Fair Association
Who Are We?
The Western Michigan Fair Association is committed to promoting the Mason County Fairgrounds as a destination for all ages and interests, offering a diverse variety of activities. Our association’s statement of purpose is to promote the interests of agriculture, horticulture, education, mechanical arts, fine arts, fruit and grain products, stock raising and dairy products, domestic science, community service, entertainment, and kindred spirits for the entire region.
The Western Michigan Fair Association is comprised of people who serve on the board of directors and committees. These dedicated people care for the Mason County Fairgrounds property, facilities, and events.
The Western Michigan Fair Association is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are accepted. You may also donate to the WMFA Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation for Mason County.
Celebrating 85 Years!
The annual fair has been held each year with the exception of during WW II. Restriction on travel, probable lack of agriculture exhibits and uncertainties of satisfactory entertainment caused the fair board to recommend that no fair be held in 1945. Factoring in that missing year, 2024 will mark the 85th annual Western Michigan Fair.
Our History
This is an old logo used in the past.
Fairs in Mason County can be traced back to the 1870s. However the present location hosted it’s first fair in 1936. The fair was discontinued for five years during the height of the Great Depression, but in 1936 the Western Michigan Fair Association was formed. One year prior, the county board of supervisors authorized the purchase of a 185-acre farm owned by Charles G. Wing. The price for the property was $5,000.00!
This action was in response to a promise by the Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics that an aviation field would be constructed by the state and WPA if the county furnished the site. The Wing farm located two miles east of Ludington, provided the perfect spot to build an airport and fairgrounds side by side.
Select a Tab Below for People and Positions
The success of the Western Michigan Fair and the Mason County Fairgrounds depends upon the people who are involved. From the Board of Directors, to committee chairs and volunteers, every person makes a difference. Would you like to join us in our effort? Please select from the following tabs and learn about the opportunities which might be best suited for your time and talent.
If you want to get involved, but don’t have time this year, please consider a sponsorship or donation to help us be the best we can be. View our Sponsorship Opportunities here.
Meet Our WMFA Leadership Team
Introducing the Board of Directors for the Western Michigan Fair Association. These volunteers work all year long to fulfill the responsibilities which come with running a large fair event, and the entire fairgounds. If you have an interest to serve on a future fair board, please send your request via our contact form.
President: John Lammi
1st Vice President: Brandon Quillan
2nd Vice President : John Cregg
Secretary: Sheri Howe
Sheri Howe is lucky enough to have been raised in Mason County. Her family owns a horse farm that they purchased when she was 2 years old. She has had horses all her life, so it is no surprise that she have been a 4-H leader for over 20 years. Sheri has also been an Equestrian Team coach for 15 years. She received her Bachelor degree in accounting from Baker College. She works for UPS in Ludington. Sheri was able to marry her high school sweet heart and at that time she was introduced to the dairy farm world. Sheri and her husband have three wonderful children that are very involved in all aspects of their lives. They enjoy showing all species of animals, take dance lessons and participate school sports. They have also been involved with the 4-H program since they were 2 years old. Her great kids also help on both farms each and every day. She has been a member of the Western Michigan Fair Association for the past 6 years. She can’t express how wonderful it is working with this dedicated group of volunteers. (Term expires 2025)
Executive Director: Scott Mertz, Jr.
Director: Linda Hackert
Director: Andy Quillan
Director: Dennis Cregg
Treasurer: Deby Gustafson
Executive Director: Tyler Martz
Director: Megan Samuels
Director: Brittany Smith
Director: Daryl Jabrocki
Bio coming soon.
Director: Jamie Wehner
Jaime Wehner was elected to the Western Michigan Fair Board of Directors in 2023. Her involvement with the fair began when her children were 4-H members. She then volunteered to help where she could and found great satisfaction assisting the treasurer with the many responsibilities for that position. It wasn’t long before she decided to take an even greater role with the association and ran for an open director position. A life-long Scottville resident, Jaime graduated from Mason County Central. She is married with six adult children and now five grandchildren. She and her husband own 40 acres that they call a hobby farm. There are numerous goats, chickens and ducks along with their three canine “fur babies.” In addition, a brand new home is being built on the property. Jaime loves crafting, fishing, hunting and Razor-riding the trails.
Director: Angel Austin
Angel’s family moved to Freesoil in 1994 and she has lived in the area ever since. She is a 2005 graduate of Freesoil High School and in 2007 married her high school sweetheart Jason. They have three children and a nephew who keep Angel and Jason busy with attending and watching their children play basketball, softball, hockey, and participate in 4-H projects of horses, cattle and chickens. She is employed as a customer service representative for Blarney Castle Oil, Propane in Scottville. When Angel was still in school, she met Sheri Howe and Ashley Jabrocki (now WMFA Directors) who were involved and they introduced her to the Mason County 4-H Youth Program. As a 4-H Club member she exhibited her horse and attended the annual fair. Now she is a co- 4-H Leader with Ashley Jabrocki for the Boots & Bling 4-H Club. Angel serves on the Horse Committee, but admits she is an all-around director who helps out wherever she is needed. She has helped especially with grandstand events, activities geared for kids and winter storage.
Are you interested in serving on our Board of Directors in the future?
The Western Michigan Fair Association Board of Directors may have vacancies in an upcoming year, as director terms are for a limited time. Please reach out to us if you have any interest or questions about serving.
Would you like to serve on a committee?
Whatever your interest, we probably have a committee which would appeal to you. Send us an email using our Contact form.
Fairgrounds Gardens
Our Blue Ribbon Quilt Garden would appeal to those who enjoy gardening. We definitely would appreciate help with this task! Send us an email using our Contact form.
Monitor Buildings
Building monitors to help us during fair is an opportunity to not only volunteer, but also to interact with people. Send us an email using our Contact form.
Meet Our Volunteers
The fair wouldn’t be possible with out our volunteers. Below are just a few noteworthy volunteers. More will be added soon.
Volunteer of the Year Award
John & Darlene Fuhrman were selected “Michigan Association of Fairs 2023 Volunteers of the Year for Zone 3” — What an honor!
A BIG THANK YOU to three very special volunteers:
- Paddy Baker
- Marcia Hansen
- Mary Cregg
There are hundreds of volunteers who all pitch in, however these three individuals, each with their own unique talents and contributions, have helped weave the fabric of the Western Michigan Fair Association. Their dedication, passion, and countless hours of volunteer service have shaped the Fair into the beloved institution it is today. Their stories are a testament to the power of individual action and the enduring impact that families and friendships have on our association. As our facilities open each year, welcoming visitors from near and far, the legacy of these remarkable women and our countless volunteers can be noticed all over the grounds. Their spirit of service and commitment to excellence continues to inspire others to give of their time and talents, ensuring that the Western Michigan Fair remains a vibrant and cherished tradition for generations to come.