1918 Ionia Free Fair

In 1918 the fair was held August 14-17.  Due to the war the department of defense had issued a ban on airplane flights and air shows.  A new carnival was brought in and it was one of the largest in the country.
The child welfare movement in Ionia County arranged to weigh all children at the grounds under a certain age.
Some of the midway shows included, Polly Brothers' Big Water Show, featuring seven diving girls.  Terry Tesky's Wild West Show; the Rundroof Submarine Show, and "Over the Top", showing trench life existing in the western front.  Miss Brown and Miss Clark made balloon ascensions.