Pioneer Park in Rhinelander has been a beehive of activity as volunteers prepare for the 118th Oneida County Fair this weekend. Visitors can expect to enjoy games, contests, crafts, live music, food, midway rides and much, much more. Oneida County Fair Coordinator Nancy Gehrig recently took time from her busy schedule to describe a few highlights of this year’s fair.

Star Journal: What’s new at the fair this year?

Nancy Gehrig: The Animal Alley area will have camel and pony rides, and a petting zoo. The camel rides are new. There will be capuchin and squirrel monkeys, too. Casady’s Critters are bringing the animals. The 4-H is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, and they’ll be serving birthday cake Sunday.

SJ: What about old favorites?

NG: We have UB the Band returning, where the whole family can play instruments and go on stage and perform. It gives the kids in the community a chance to play an instrument who otherwise don’t have that chance. We have the Northwoods Hodag Equestrian Drill Team (Team Hodag). We have the Pat Dineen Memorial Doxie DashSunday and we also have a Friday Night Fish Fry. There will be entertainment on the Village Green during the day and on the Big Top stage at night.

SJ: What are the fair hours?

NG: The fair runs July 31 through Aug. 3. Thursday it opens at 5 p.m., but we’re going to let people in at 4:30 at the north gate and at Barnes Street so they can watch the opening ceremony. The fair closes Thursday at 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday it runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SJ: Why do you think the Oneida County Fair is great?

NG: It’s centrally located in Oneida County, easily accessible, has free admission, free parking, shuttle service and many different, fun events going on throughout the park. I always call it one big party for the community. It brings our whole community together to enjoy a fun-filled weekend.

For more information, visit oneidacountyfairwi.com.