Ingham County Deputies Are Going Country for Fair Week

If you see an Ingham County Sheriff's deputy sporting a cowboy hat at this year's Ingham County Fair, take a deep breath. You haven't accidentally wandered into the cast of Yellowstone.

Why Deputies Are Wearing Cowboy Hats During Fair Week

It's all part of a fun idea from Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth, who's allowing deputies and staff to add a little western flair to their uniforms during Fair Week if they so choose. That means from August 3 through August 8, you shouldn't be surprised if you see a few extra cowboy hats, boots, and other western touches around the county.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Pine Knob's 2026 Summer Concerts

"I thought it'd be fun to change our uniform policy a little bit during fair week to let our staff, if they so choose, throw a little western flair into the uniform," Wriggelsworth said in a social media video announcing the idea. He quickly reassured everyone, "Don't you worry, they'll still have all the tricks of the trade available to protect and serve."

Even the K-9 Unit Gets Into the Spirit

The announcement video is pretty great. It starts with the sheriff channeling his inner cowboy before rolling through patrol, the jail, detectives, administration, transports, emergency management, Central Dispatch—and yes, even one of the K-9 units gets in on the act. Add in the classic "Regulators... mount up!" soundtrack, and it's hard not to grin.

Get our free mobile app

Pearl snaps, jeans and boots are pretty much my uniform, but I don't open carry, so you shouldn't mistake me for a deputy in the grandstand at this year's fair. Kudos to Sheriff Wriggelsworth for letting his deputies have a little fun.