Houghton County Fair Opens Today and Invites Autistic Community to the Fair Tomorrow

Update: The Houghton County Fair Board has notified us that sign up for the autism quiet day at the fair is full. And sign up is closed. Activities for participants are also taking place FRIDAY, not today. All other activities for the fair today are still taking place. 

The Houghton county fair opens today. But tomorrow it will not  come with the expected noise and lights that typically come with carnival rides and games. Because tomorrow the fair takes time to invite the autistic community of the copper country to enjoy a day at the fair, without concern for over active stimuli.

“Skerbeck Carnival has done it in other areas. And they were instrumental in getting this going, as our main carnival vendor. So they’ll put it together, they set down the lights and a lot of the noise, and the rides that move real fast. And just kind of quiet the area down for people who have difficulty dealing with that sort of stuff.” – Rick Freeman Sr., Vice President, Houghton County Fair Board

Copper Country Autism Awareness expects over 200 participants for tomorrow’s activities. The fair’s carnival games and rides will turn off lights, and limit any noise in the area for those planning to attend.

Throughout the day today the fair will include the whispering pines mobile zoo opening for the weekend. As well as the poultry, rabbit, and sheep shows at the livestock building. Followed by motor-cross in the main event area, starting at 7 pm. The county fair’s exhibitor building will open at 3pm and close at 10 pm. Tickets at the gate for the weekend are 16 dollars for kids and 30 dollars for adults. Daily passes are also available for purchase for a lower price.

Day passes for Thursday, Friday and Sunday are $9 for adults(16 and older), and $12 on Saturday. Daily passes for kids are $5 each day of the fair.