COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
& COMMUNITY BUILDING

The Emmet County Fairgrounds is a multi-use park with a community building, equestrian center, grandstand, and barns – all available to rent. The community building is used for a variety of public and private events, including weddings and receptions, fundraisers, business meetings and seminars, flower and garden show, quilt show, gun shows, bridge and ping-pong tournaments, children’s events, music concerts, prom dances, tool trade shows, and two major annual antique festivals in July and August. The annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held the third week of August, taking over the entire fairgrounds.

Mailing Address: 1129 Charlevoix Avenue ~ Petoskey, MI ~ 49770
Phone:   (231) 348-5479
Email:  [email protected]
Location: The fairgrounds is located south of Petoskey on US Highway 31 and Eppler Road. The office for the general fairgrounds is inside the equestrian center building while the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair offices are located across from the community building. Except for specific holidays, office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though park staff often must leave the office for other duties.


Emmet County Fairgrounds Events

3/30/24 (11am)
Fairgrounds Egg Scramble
Hop on over to the Emmet County Fairgrounds Community Building for a fun afternoon that kids and adults will enjoy! Bring your own baskets for a one time egg hunt! Hunts will be separated by age group and in their own respective zones. The Great Start Collaborative will also be in attendance. We ask people who come, to bring books to donate for their FreeCycle Book Project!
7/13/24 (9am – 4pm)
Summer Craft Show
Join us on Saturday, July 13th, from 9 am to 4 pm to enjoy a summer craft show at the Emmet County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will host both local and guest vendors featuring a variety of jewelry, home goods, food, and more. Entry is $2 or a non-perishable food item. Interested in becoming a vendor? Call the Fairgrounds at (231) 348-5479.
7/21/24 (10am – 1pm)
Cruise-in Car Show
Emmet County Parks and Recreation is hosting a car show at the Emmet County Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 21, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Gates open at 9 AM the day of the event for vehicle registration. There is no pre-registration. Admission to the event is free for the general public. Participants will be required to pay a $15 fee per vehicle entered. Trophies will be awarded with door prizes given out throughout the day. For more information, please call the Programming and Sales coordinator at (231) 348-5479
11/23/24 (9am -4pm)
Brother Dan’s Handmade Holiday Craft Show
The Emmet County Fairgrounds will be hosting the annual Handmade Holiday Craft Show benefiting Brother Dan’s Food Pantry, from 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, November 23. The Community Building will host local vendors featuring handmade items for sale just in time for the holiday season. Brother Dan’s will be collecting admission and concession sales to benefit feeding local families. Admission is $2 or a non-perishable food items.
12/7/24 (12pm-3pm)
Visit with Santa!
Santa will be visiting the Emmet County Fairgrounds’ Community Building from 12PM – 3PM. Guests will be invited to take a photo with Santa, make crafts to take home, and enjoy delicious cups of hot cocoa as well as cookies. Entry is free.

 


What you need to know about renting the facilities

Supplies
The Emmet County Community Building includes:

  • Full restroom facilities and a commercial kitchen.
  • A small sound system and stage are available at no extra charge.
  • You are responsible for setting up and cleaning up after your event.
  • Emmet County provides tables and chairs for seating up to 300. (Standing room capacity is 650.)
  • Recycling is available on-site.
  • You will need to bring your own linens, glassware, china, silver, etc. for outfitting your event. You may choose your own licensed caterer for your event.

Is there a deposit?
To secure an event date, a $300 security (per reservation) is required to reserve the date. Emmet County accepts cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. This security deposit is returned approximately three weeks after your event provided that the building is in the same condition as it was presented to you.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages is allowed at events. However, liquor liability coverage is required under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
If you are selling alcohol at your event, proof of State of Michigan licensing is required to be posted at the event.

Pets
No pets are allowed within the buildings. All pets outside must be on a leash.

Decorations

  • You are responsible for providing your own decorative lighting.
  • If you would like to decorate the ceiling rafters (approx. 25 feet high), you must bring your own scaffolding.
  • No tape allowed on the walls.

Food preparation guidelines
If you have questions about food preparation guidelines, contact the Health Department of Northwest Michigan at www.nwhealth.org or call (231) 347-6014.

How late can you stay?
All events must end by 1 a.m.

Park Ordinance
The Emmet County Parks Ordinance can be accessed by clicking here.

Who can you call for more information?
Call the Fairgrounds office at 231-348-5479.
Fax is (231) 348-0019
Email: [email protected]

 

Wedding ideas!

Wedding idea

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Emmet County, Michigan
200 Division Street, Petoskey MI 49770
(231) 348-1700 | Contact Us