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

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 2008 Fair will be held on August 8 & 9.

The fair is held at 5 of the historic farmsteads in Port Oneida. Each farm has a variety of artists, crafts, food, and activities for visitors. 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. A series of pictures is available from each of the farms during this year's fair at the bottom of this page.

Horse-drawn wagon ride at the Port Oneida Fair

Kerry Kelly 2007

There were two farms offering FREE 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. The Fair ends with a concert in Glen Arbor by the all-girl string band Nobody's Darlin' specializing in Old Time, Bluegrass, and gospel music from Grand Rapids, MI.

Abraham Lincoln and Civil War Re-enactors

Kerry Kelly 2007

Civil War Memorial Service was held at the Port Oneida Kelderhouse Cemetery. Abraham Lincoln presented a tribute to the veterans including the Gettysburg Address.

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, and Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce. A grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and hours of dedication by volunteers and local artisans made the Fair possible.