Joe's Friendly Tavern Empire

09/29/2026

This week in Benzie Central football action...

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09/29/2026

09/29/2026

This day in Traverse City, history, September 29, 1908 – First Northwestern Michigan Fair held!

Going to the Fair, Going to the Fair, Going to the Northwest Michigan Fair
Every year, thousands flock to the Northwestern Michigan Fair to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Northern Michigan’s agricultural heritage. But how did this beloved event begin? On this day in history, September 29, 1908, the very first official Northwestern Michigan Fair opened its gates. This marked the start of a tradition that has lasted more than a century.

The inaugural fair ran from September 29 through October 2, 1908. Admission was priced at just twenty-five cents per day. The first annual premium book featured a striking photo of the Northern Michigan Asylum Herd of Holstein Cattle right on the front cover. The cover was a nod to the region’s deep agricultural roots. Though local fairs had popped up as early as 1873, it wasn’t until October 15, 1907, that the Grand Traverse Region Fair Association was officially created, laying the groundwork for what would become the Northwestern Michigan Fair.

From Circus Tents to the Civic Center
The fair’s original grounds have a fascinating history of their own. In 1882, Frank and Nellie Desmond purchased the fairgrounds, known today as the Civic Center. The property was held onto for 18 years. Ownership changed hands several times. The Traverse City Driving Park Association and later the Whiting family were all owners. In 1912 Grand Traverse County bought the grounds, securing a permanent home for the fair. Before this, the fair was famously held under tents on the Circus Grounds, now known as Thirlby Field.

For its first 16 years, the event operated under the Grand Traverse Region Fair Association name. Then in 1924, an official name change was made. The Northwestern Michigan Fair Association was born — a name it proudly carries today.

Finally Home
The fairgrounds moved to their current location on Blair Townhall Road in 1975. A long-range planning process and land purchase from Consumers Power made it possible. Since then, the fair has continued to evolve, embracing new features while keeping its agricultural roots intact. Notably, in 2006, a major capital improvement project transformed the grounds, including the removal of the Harness Racing Track and the addition of a state-licensed campground.

Despite all these changes, the core mission remains the same as it was in 1908: to promote Michigan agriculture, horticulture, education, mechanical arts, fine arts, fruit and grain products, stock raising, dairy products, and domestic science, all while celebrating youth programs and the community that supports them.

09/29/2026

Harvey Wallbanger is featured on today's drink special board at Joe's Friendly Tavern. Actually, we ordered too much Galliano, we could use some help with this stuff. Joe's Friendly Tavern, Empire, MI
231-326-5506 www.joesfriendlytavern.com

09/29/2026

Shirts turned to dust years ago... still have the ticket stubs.

09/29/2026

Music with Sarah McQuaid: October 21, 7:00 pm Glen Lake Community Library, Empire, MI
Join us for this special performance by Sarah McQuaid, a talented singer-songwriter based in Cornwall, England. She’ll be stopping at the library as part of a nationwide fall tour, bringing her folk-inspired but wholly original music to northern Michigan. Her singular sound has been described as reminiscent of “Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey”. Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” and choice of material. From contemplative ballads to playful blues to atmospheric instrumentals, Sarah’s music invites reflection, connection, and a deep appreciation of the quiet power of a well-crafted song.
https://glenlakelibrary.net/events/
https://sarahmcquaid.com

09/29/2026

Mark you calendars, it's time for some family fun!

09/29/2026