Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Port Oneida Fair (U.S. National Park Service)

August 12 & 13 is the 2011 Port Oneida Fair!

Each year, on the second Friday and Saturday in August, you can take a step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was in the late 1800's and early 1900's. You can imagine the life of the pioneers as you help bale hay or watch a broom-maker at work. Teams of oxen and horses will be cutting, loading, and hauling hay, while artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills.

The fair is held at 6 of the historic farmsteads in Port Oneida. Each farm has a variety of artists, crafts, food, and activities for visitors. Click on the farm names below to see what's happening at each farm. A shuttle bus runs between the farms on a regular schedule during the fair, so you can park your car and easily get around to the different venues.

Dechow Farm
Kelderhouse Farm
Schoolhouse
Burfiend Barn
Olsen Farm
Thoreson Farm

The Port Oneida Fair is co-sponsored by Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. To learn more about how you can help these organizations support the park, visit www.friendsofsleepingbear.org and www.phsb.org.

Horse-drawn wagon ride at the Port Oneida Fair

Kerry Kelly 2007

Fair goers enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides.

Interpreting the history of the Port Oneida area is an important aspect of the fair. Park rangers and local history experts will share stories on the trolley and at various farms throughout the District. Enjoy exhibits on antique bicycles, cameras, and phonographs. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Some of the homes and barns will be open for tours.

Stop by the camp of the Civil War re-enactors and listen to their stories. Some of the men from Port Oneida left home to fight in the war.

Abraham Lincoln and Civil War Re-enactors

Kerry Kelly 2007

Civil War Memorial Service at the Kelderhouse Cemetery with Abraham Lincoln presenting a tribute to the veterans.

The fair is presented by a cooperative effort of the following groups: Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, Leelanau Conservation District, Empire Heritage Group, Glen Arbor Art Association, Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, Manitou Islands Memorial Society, and Glen Lake Commuity School. A grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and hours of dedication by volunteers and local artisans make the Fair possible.

	PO Fair 2007 Burfiend Farm (8 Photos) View Album \| View Slideshow

PO Fair 2007 Burfiend Farm (8 Photos)

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