Oneida County Fair returns July 31-Aug. 3

July is winding down but the summer fun is far from over. The annual Oneida County Fair is set to take place July 31 to Aug. 3 amongst the towering pines in Rhinelander’s Pioneer Park.
The fairgrounds will open at 4 p.m. and the carnival rides will be available starting at 5 p.m. An opening ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. formally kicking off the festivities. Each day of the four-day event has a designated theme. Thursday is Community Servant Appreciation Night, Friday is Red, White and Blue Day, Saturday is Ren-Faire Day and Sunday is Family Day.
Live music will be played every evening from the main stage starting with Bogfoot on Thursday. That ‘90’s Band and Take 5 will headline on Friday while Santy and Son and Friends will close things out on Sunday afternoon.
Food is always a big draw as there’s nothing quite like the indulgent concoctions found on the midway. The fair only comes around once a year so feel free to enjoy. For those who are competitive about eating, watermelon and cheese curd eating contests are planned. What could be more Wisconsin than a cheese curd eating contest! Take your pick or participate in both events.
Another food-related highlight of the Oneida County Fair is the famous fish fry courtesy of CT’s Deli. According to fair president Kerry Bloedorn, the fish fry has been a popular addition to the festivities over the last few years. They start serving at 4 p.m. Friday and will continue while supplies last.
Admission to the fair is free, thanks to the generous support of community sponsors.“We’re proud to offer an event that brings the community together and stays affordable for families,” Bloedorn said in a press release. “It’s thanks to our hardworking volunteers and generous sponsors that we can offer such a great lineup of entertainment with no admission charge. We want everyone, from all four corners of Oneida County and beyond, to come experience this great little fair, make memories, and enjoy the best of Northwoods summer under the pines at Pioneer Park.”
For more information, and a detailed schedule of events, see the fair guide inserted in this week's print edition of the Star Journal or visit www.starjournalnow.com.