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Visitors may take a shuttle, drive, hike, or bike to six unique historic sites where a variety of activities take place. Over 80 demonstrators will be at the Thoreson, Olsen, Burfiend, Dechow, and Kelderhouse farms as well as the schoolhouse. Lumberjacks, quilters, blacksmiths, farmers and basket weavers will be demonstrating their crafts, and park rangers, volunteers, and Port Oneida residents will share their stories. Food will be available for purchase or visitors may pack a picnic lunch.
The finale to the fair will take place at the Thoreson farm on Saturday, August 11. Astronomy activities will include a solar viewing (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) followed by a Star Party (9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.). Observe the beautiful summer night sky constellations, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, and perhaps a few bright Perseid meteors. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the very best showers to observe and this evening will see the peak.
The Port Oneida Fair is presented by the National Lakeshore in partnership with the non-profit organization “Historic Sleeping Bear Preservation” (formerly “Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear”).
There is no cost for the event; however, you must have a park entrance pass or an annual pass displayed in your vehicle. Park passes can be purchased at the Dechow farm during the fair and at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, which is open daily. For questions, please call 231-326-4700, extension 5010.
Last updated: August 2, 2018