By KEVIN WALKER
Michigan Correspondent

DAVISBURG, Mich. — So, what’s new at the Oakland County Fair?
According to L.C. Scramlin, the fair’s general manager, a number of things have changed. For one, “farmer John” is back to give presentations to kids about farm life.

The fair lost John a number of years ago after the fair schedule changed, but now he’s back. John Forshee has been doing educational farm shows for 17 years.

“It’s a humorous educational show,” Forshee said. “I have a barn that’s built on a trailer and there’s a stage there connected to it. There’s audience participation. The kids learn a lot about animals and have a fun time doing it. Smudge my dog is a big part of the show, too. Kids really like Smudge.”

Also, fair organizers noticed that at previous fairs too many people missed the exhibits that were being held in the activities building, which is located in the back part of the fairgrounds. Scramlin said this included a number of still exhibits, such as old time sewing, conservation exhibits, gardening and flower arrangements and a number of other attractions that people would otherwise be interested in.

To remedy the problem this year they’re holding these exhibits in the historic Ellis Barn, which is much more visible. According to the Oakland County parks office the 14,000-square-foot barn was built in 1884 and is something to see in and of itself. It was named barn of the year in 2003 by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and is the only Michigan barn referenced in a nationally known book, The American Barn.

The barn was relocated to its present location through a donation of $75,000 by former major league baseball players Kirk Gibson and Tim Birtsas. Scramlin said it was highly unusual to have a barn of this size built in the 1880s. Most barns of the period were 50 or 60 feet long, he said.

“The barn is around 58 feet high,” Scramlin noted.

Last year the historic tour of the Ellis Barn attracted about 6,500 people; with the addition of the still exhibits fair organizers hope to attract even more.

For the activities building they are trying to attract companies and other groups that would like to hold a picnic, reunion or other group event during the fair. Scramlin hopes that people will be interested in a package deal so people can have their gathering and the fair experience all at the same time.

Fair organizers are also pushing their derby car race, a new event for this year.

“None of the other area venues have a crash and smash,” Scramlin said.

He also emphasized that, for $10, a carload of people can get into the fair and come back again on Sunday at no additional cost. The entrance fee for an individual walking in is $4.

The Oakland County Fair will be July 13-18 at the Springfield Oaks County Park. For more details go to www.oakfair.org or call the fair office between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 248-634-8830.