Opens Thursday, July 30. New events, old favorites look to provide something for everyone

By Eileen Persike
Editor
[Photos by Tim Smith, TMK Photography]

Just the words ‘County Fair’ can bring images and aromas to mind; exhibits, animals, bright lights on twirling carnival rides, fried foods and popcorn, to name just a few. The Oneida County Fair, for the third year coordinated by Nancy Gehrig, begins Thursday afternoon, July 30 with Opening Ceremonies at 4:30.

Amusement rides are a big attraction for thrill seekers at the Fair.

Friday night features the third annual Friday night fish fry on the fair grounds, sponsored by Fisher’s Resort. The Fair continues to be free to attend, but relies heavily on donations, and events like the fish fry.
“It’s really a great event and a fundraiser for us,” Gehrig said. “All the restaurant cooking equipment was given to us to use. I feel very blessed. We received so many in-kind donations like that, as well as cash donations.”
There will be a big raffle with winners announced at the end of the Fair, and this year Gehrig said they are adding a daily raffle. Main raffle prizes include a round of golf, guided fishing and items handcrafted at McNaughton Correctional Facility, such as a wooden wine cabinet and a rolling serving cart. The McNaughton crew also donates their time every year.

“I cannot thank the McNaughton (Correctional Facility) crew enough,” she said. “If they were not here to set up and tear down, I don’t know what I would do.”

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Saturday begins with the Hodag Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon. The group is sponsoring a watermelon eating contest at 1p.m. And for thrill seekers, a new carnival ride—the Trabunt will be added to the lineup.
A favorite among Fair goers is returning – Cassidy’s Critters with monkeys that spectators can hold. UB the Band, which allows children and children at heart to get up on stage and be a rock star, if only for a short time will once again be making attendees smile .

New food vendors, the returning beverage garden sponsored by Downtown Rhinelander, Inc., and plenty of live entertainment are all part of the 2015 Oneida County Fair. The Oneida County Equestrian Drill team will show off their new routines, 4-H animals and exhibits Find details on the Fair website, www.oneidacountyfairwi.com, or see the advertisement in this paper.

“We could still use a few more volunteers,” Gehrig added. “If you like meeting and working with new people, go to the website and see what’s available. It’s fun!”

There are volunteer opportunities listed on the website. The Fair runs Thursday late afternoon until Sunday, August 2.