Emmet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Emmet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Petoskey Curling Club at the Fairgrounds
The curling club wrapped a successful second season at the Fairgrounds — 292 participants, growing membership — and wants to return earlier next year while searching for a permanent home with refrigerated ice.
Camping Contracts and Permit Renewal
Camping contracts went out and are due August 1, with a growing waitlist. The county is reapplying for the camping permit.
MDARD Electrical Grant and Grandstand Improvements
Upgrading the grandstand's electrical and sound system will run roughly $16,000 for installation and ten speakers — more than expected. The board is asking foundations for sponsorship money to cover it.
Fairgrounds event funding and contracts
The board committed nearly $40,000 in contracts with Sanborn Entertainment for the grandstand speaker system and Travis Tritt concert production. Ticket sales — 955 concert and 751 rodeo so far — will help offset costs.
Alpena fairgrounds sale attempt raises corporate-buyout concerns
A large venue company almost bought the Alpena fairgrounds until the MAFE Board and fair advocates intervened. The state rep brought this forward so county boards know corporations are eyeing fairground land.
Junior Fair Board creation
The board wants to launch a junior fair board to get younger kids involved in meetings and pre-fair work, working with Emmet County 4-H's Amanda Furgeson.
County fair liquor license
The board was scheduled to sponsor a special liquor license so alcohol can be sold at the fair August 25-29, 2026.
Seasonal staffing at county parks
County parks are hiring for the summer season at $17.34/hour starting wage, with a 50-cent-per-hour bonus for workers who stay through Labor Day. About 10 of 19 last year's seasonal staff are returning.
Community Service Impact Events Calendar
Volunteers completing community service hours will clean up Camp Petosega, NCMC trails, the Bear River and the Little Traverse Wheelway from April through July.
2026 Park Events Schedule
The county's parks calendar for 2026 spans year-round programming, from the February Ice Fishing Day at Camp Petosega to holiday events in December at the fairgrounds.
Sound system purchase
The board committed up to $13,522 for a new fairgrounds sound system, contingent on IT sign-off, with a possible extra pit-facing speaker adding cost.
T-Barn electrical capacity shortage
The county spent about $30,000 upgrading one end of the T-Barn, but there's no capacity left for more upgrades, and exhibitors don't have enough power where they prepare steers for the auction. The board wants Parks & Rec to explain the work and plans to meet with Market Livestock about funding future needs.
Maintenance staffing and succession
The maintenance crew is down two people during fair week, and the fair needs to find Art Shaw's eventual replacement as he retires within two years.