You likely received or viewed a Buyers Letter from a youth exhibitor with an invitation to attend the Oakland County Fair auction night(s)... so what exactly does that mean??
Support a Young Person.
Celebrate a Year of Hard Work.
One Bid. One Young Person. A Lifetime of Impact.
Every animal, project, and exhibit in the Oakland County Fair Auction represents months of learning, responsibility, and dedication.
Youth exhibitors have spent the year caring for animals, developing new skills, managing expenses, keeping records, and preparing for this moment. The auction is their opportunity to showcase that hard work and experience the rewards of entrepreneurship, agriculture, craftsmanship, and community support.
Whether you purchase an animal, bid on a handmade project, or make an Add-On contribution, your participation directly supports local youth and encourages the next generation of leaders.
Everyone Is Welcome.
You do not need farming experience.
You do not need to own a business.
You do not need to purchase a whole animal.
Many first-time buyers attend simply to learn, meet exhibitors, and experience the excitement of the auction. Our volunteers and exhibitors are happy to answer questions and help guide you through the process.
Ways to Participate
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Purchase an Animal or Project
Bid on livestock, poultry, rabbits, or youth-made exhibits. Your purchase supports the exhibitor's hard work and learning, while a small percentage helps sustain the Fair and its youth programs for future generations.
Many buyers team up with friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers to split the cost and share the meat, making participation easy and accessible for first-time buyers.
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Make an Add-On Contribution
Not ready to purchase an animal or project? You can still support a youth exhibitor through an Add-On contribution.
After the auctioneer closes the winning bid, audience members have an opportunity to make additional contributions directly to the exhibitor. Add-Ons can be made in any amount and are a great way for individuals, families, organizations, or businesses to recognize a young person's hard work without purchasing the project itself.
At Check-Out or During the Auction
- Complete an Add-On form and indicate the exhibitor(s) you wish to support and the amount of your contribution.
- Your Add-On will be added to your final invoice.
Add-On contributions are especially popular with community members who want to encourage youth involvement, support agricultural education, recognize leadership and sportsmanship, or contribute to multiple exhibitors throughout the auction.
Every Add-On, regardless of size, sends a powerful message to a young person: your hard work matters, and your community is cheering you on.
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Donate an Animal Back
Some buyers choose to purchase an animal and donate it back to the auction. The youth exhibitor receives the proceeds from the original sale just as they would with any other purchase.
The donated animal is then resold, with the proceeds from the resale directed to a designated fair project, improvement, or program rather than to the exhibitor. Buyers may choose to support a specific project if one has been identified. The second buyer becomes the owner of the animal or lot. It is up to them to determine if it goes to a processor or if they take it home.
This option allows buyers to support both a young exhibitor and the future of the Oakland County Fair. Past projects have included facility improvements that benefit exhibitors, livestock, and visitors, such as the installation of large barn fans to improve airflow and comfort.
NEW THIS YEAR: Through a partnership with Oakland County Hope, buyers at the Small Animal Auction may also choose to donate purchased chickens to help support local families in need through Oakland County Hope's food assistance efforts.
What is being sold?
All auction lots are created, raised and/or cared for by youth exhibitors.
Small Animal Auction (FRIDAY): Rabbits, poultry, ducks, geese, and turkeys.
Exhibit Hall Auction (SATURDAY): Handmade and homegrown projects including baking, sewing, woodworking, canning, photography, artwork, and more.
Large Animal Auction (SATURDAY): Beef, market goats, lambs, and swine.
Where Does My Money Go?
- Supports the youth exhibitor
- Supports fair operations and facilities
- Helps preserve the fair experience and auction program for future exhibitors
Why Buyers Return Year After Year
- Support local youth and families
- Invest in agricultural education and life skills
- Purchase high-quality products
- Build relationships with the next generation of community leaders
- Demonstrate your business's commitment to the local community
- Receive recognition as a supporter of Oakland County Fair youth
- Experience one of the most meaningful traditions of the Oakland County Fair
Business Recognition and Community Impact
Many local businesses choose to participate in the Oakland County Fair Auction as part of their commitment to supporting youth, agriculture, and the local community.
Auction buyers may be recognized through fair publications, auction materials, buyer appreciation displays, and other fair communications. More importantly, your support demonstrates an investment in the next generation of leaders, skilled tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and agricultural producers.
Many businesses proudly display photos of the youth they support, share their participation with employees and customers, and make the auction part of their annual community giving efforts.
Tax Considerations
The Oakland County Fair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In some cases, buyers may be able to claim a charitable contribution for a portion of an auction purchase that exceeds the fair market value of the animal or project. The specific tax treatment varies based on the circumstances of each purchase and the buyer's individual tax situation.
The Fair will provide receipts documenting amounts paid during the auction. Buyers should consult their tax professional regarding the valuation of purchased animals, Add-On contributions, donated animals, and any potential charitable deduction.
The Fair does not provide tax advice and cannot determine the deductible value of any purchase or contribution.
Attending the Auction
Registration opens two hours before each auction - in the Livestock Barn.
Buyer numbers are free and easy to obtain. Fair volunteers will assist you through the process and answer any questions.
As a thank you for their support, previous auction buyers are invited to attend the Buyer Appreciation Dinner at 4:00 PM before each auction. Prepared on-site by industry professionals, these meals feature the livestock species represented in the auction and celebrate the individuals and businesses who invest in Oakland County Fair youth.
Auction Schedule
Friday
4:00 PM Buyer Appreciation Dinner
5:00 PM Small Animal Auction
Saturday
4:00 PM Buyer Appreciation Dinner
5:00 PM Exhibit Hall Auction
5:30 PM Large Animal Auction
Questions?
We would love to help.
Oakland County Fair Office
(248) 634-8830.
Come experience the excitement, meet the exhibitors, and discover the difference your support can make.