The Ionia Free Fair in the beginning.

Planning for the 1916 Ionia Free Fair began in March.  Rutherford Shows was signed to be the midway provider, one of the largest in the country.   The 1916 midway would be twice the size of the previous year.  The fair was extended by one day and the dates were set for August 16-19, 1916.  Al Roshek, the aviator,  was contracted to fly his 120 hp aeroplane over the fairgrounds.  Another new hot air balloon would ascend during the fair and would be christened  "Sky Pilot".  The balloon was named by Adelaide Arnold of South Ionia, she received a $5 gold piece as her prize.  The crowd received an unexpected thrill when the balloonist dangled from his safety harness, as a rope on his trapeze bar broke.  He landed on Dexter Street.  The new 1917 Automobile was won by Edward Davenport.  

This picture is obviously NOT from the 1916 fair it is a snapshot of fair history.