Our partnership with the Muskegon County Fairgrounds this summer is continuing! We are highlighting the activities that go on at the Fairgrounds that are part of and also use the space for their own events. There’s everything from motocross racing to demo derbys……horse shows to livestock auctions…..and there’s even a perfect entry point for your family if you are looking for a way to get involved, make some new friends and share the experience of being part of the show, instead of just wandering around. Muskegon hosts it’s own annual cat show! $5 says you didn’t know that….and Lauren Knight is going to tell us all about it!
Mild mannered manager at the Grand Traverse Pie Company by day, and her superpower is being a long time member of the Muskegon County Fair, Lauren’s fair story began young. She did all kinds of animals but her family having a Main Coon, which is one of the larger breeds of domestic cats. Seems this cat had the run of the place in his time competing and being part of the fun, so it’s pretty clear to see that leaving the fair as she “aged out” wasn’t much of an option. She found her way as a grown up to continue on and foster the younger generation into the county fair business and with the friendship built around cats….it was a perfect fit.
Actually, cats are the perfect entry point for anyone interested in the County Fair. All you really need is a properly vaccinated cat and a leash and harness. There’s a small entry fee, but showing off the family cat is a great way for kids to not only get a taste of being part of the competition, but it’s a great reason for them to be able to show off how well their cat is taken care of, learn a little more about their cat….if it’s any kind of special breed of if it carries characteristics of a breed and they can learn too from cat experts. The County Fair is inclusive of everyone….you don’t need a horse, pig or cow to show. It’s really an amazing opportunity to get kids involved at a starter level.
From there, as friendships and connection grow, so will all that comes with it as Lauren explains. It’s an amazing way for kids to learn responsibility, accountability and that there’s reward for dedicated hard work. Our story on the County Fair horse community showed that kids who might not be able to afford a horse, but love the experience trade time and care for riding time…it’s a win for everyone. As I reference in the talk today with Lauren, it wasn’t so long ago that the County Fair was THE destination. Something was going right back then. Might be time to go old school and bring your cat out. Need a harness? Check out MUST LOVE DOGS. Yes, they says dogs in the name, but they have lots of cat stuff too…and they are a sponsor to cross reference.
The Muskegon County Fair gets underway July 20th. We are working in conjunction with the Fair this year to show you the amount of activity going on there for everyone. CLICK HERE to visit the Muskegon County Fair Website. Our many thanks to Lauren for joining us today to share her Fair story and her passion for kids and animals. To see the site containing that cat show info specifically, CLICK HERE
