Fun at the first Ionia Free Fair

During the opening day of the first Ionia Free Fair on Wednesday, August 18, 1915 Professor ER Hutchinson launched a brand new hot air balloon, it was christened "Ionia".

Exhibits were judged and awards were given, first place in the poultry department went to Dennis Holtenbeck of Belding, he received $10 for the best pen.  

During the first horse race held at the Ionia Free Fair a horse named Echo, owned by JB Welch, got away from its driver and went into the crowd.  No one was seriously injured, but it added to the excitement.  

On the final day of the 1915 Ionia Free Fair a 1916 Ford was awarded to Emma Hodgkins.  

This picture comes from a much later fair, after the Automobile building was built.

  

The First Ionia Free Fair

The Ionia Free Fair opened on August 16, 1915 with an automobile parade,  hundreds participated.  Drivers stopped on their way to lineup at the Brown-Williston and Callow Hotels to pick up flags to decorate their cars.
Crowds attending the fair the first day were estimated over 10,000.  They were treated to many exhibits and displays, including a vacuum freezer where ice cream was made while you waited.
Surrounding communities closed stores on Friday in order to attend the fair.

 

And so it began....

On February 15, 1915 at an Ionia Businessmen's meeting the "free fair" project was launched.  In early February of the same year the Ionia District Fair had been dissolved due to financial difficulties.  The idea for an admission free fair was proposed by Mayor Fred Green and a committee was assembled consisting of T.B. Preston, H.B Webber, Mr. Heath, Robert Beard, K. Bob Smith, F.A. Chapman, Fred Lange, Thomas McGannon, A.M. Welch and Thane Benedict.  The first meeting was held in March of 1915 and the dates for the first Ionia Free Fair were set for August 18, 19 & 20, 1915.
Pictured below (obviously not during the fair!) Fred A. Chapman, Fred W. Green and Clara and Henry Ford, taken in Ionia.

The Ionia Free Fair celebrates 100 years of making memories this year.  The fair means so many different things to so many people.  There is something for everyone at the Ionia Free Fair and over the years we have evolved decade by decade.  Through the next 23 weeks we will blog about the history of the Ionia Free Fair beginning in 1915 and leading up to the 2015 celebration.  Please check back weekly for a glimpse into the rich history of agriculture, entertainment, amusements and memories the Ionia Free Fair has created for so many.