The 115th-annual event officially opens at 5 p.m. Thursday and will conclude at 5 p.m. Monday.

Fair-goers can expect a full schedule of the traditional favorites, along with a few new attractions.

“All the grandstand entertainment will remain the same as last year, with the addition of the wrestling show,” Dickinson County Fair Board Chair Chuck Parker said.

On Thursday, the Wumpa Truck Pulls return at 6 p.m. with its modified trucks for exhibition show.

Yooper Scoopers members — from left, Harper Larsen, Morgan Kelly, Morgan Campbell and Maverick Kelly — hang decorations Sunday in the swine barn at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Norway. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The Battle of Dickinson County, presented by We Love Wrestling, begins at 4 p.m. Friday in the grandstands.

“We thought we would try something different,” Parker said. “There will be some ex-WWE wrestlers — it should be an interesting show.”

The Diann Gendron Memorial free music concert, featuring Next Myle and The Viva Rex Band, will follow with music from 6 to 11 p.m. They will also have a 50-50 drawing.

Saturday’s highlight will be the popular TNT Demolition Derby at 7 p.m.

“We had a really good show last year — the grandstands were packed,” Parker said. “We are hoping for another good turnout of cars again this year.”

He noted they kept the demo derby on Saturday as more drivers can take part, which makes for a better show.

Parker said the Pony and Draft Horse pulls always bring in a great crowd. The Pony Pull is set to start at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the Draft Horse Pulls to follow.

The Dickinson County Racing Association will sponsor the Labor Day 100 Race, with the flag to drop at 4 p.m. Sunday.

“This will be the final race of the season,” he said. “Fans usually start arriving earlier for time trials, and stands fill up quickly.”

On Monday, the antique tractor pulls are set to begin at 10 a.m.

Fair-goers should note that no carry-ins are allowed in the grandstands during the week of the fair.

The Dickinson County Fair Board is in the process to obtain a permanent liquor license for the fairgrounds, Parker said.

“Alcohol will still be served at the grandstands Thursday through Sunday, regardless if the permanent license doesn’t come through in time,” he said, adding they passed their final inspection last week.

“It’s heading in the right direction, it just takes time,” Parker said.

If the license is in hand by fair time, the “main bar” will be set up in the administration building.

Parker also noted the Farmer’s Union will not be serving alcohol this year, as they didn’t apply for a temporary license. They will offer non-alcoholic beverages at the building during the fair.

Three different musical acts will be featured in Wally Bouchey Pavilion this year. Appearing will be Crystal and Dawn on Saturday, Matt Harvath on Sunday and The Country Classics on Sunday.

“We wanted to try something different,” Parker said.

Another new midway attraction will be the Tickler Farm petting zoo.

The community is encouraged to come out to support the local youth during the livestock breeding and market shows and auction.

“We are on track with animals — steer, lamb and hog numbers,” Parker said.

Parker said a majority of the food and beverage vendors are past participants, with a few additions including a new lemonade stand.

The exhibition building is again booked with a lot familiar faces. “Sayklly’s is a big draw every year,” he adds. “The trappers always have a nice setup as well.”

The Skerbeck Carnival will bring its top rides and games for all ages for the five-day event.

The mega bands are only available online at www.skerbeckcarnival.com — click on Dickinson County Fair.

Daily ride bands or individual tickets will be sold at the fairgrounds.

Parker noted they still need of workers for the five-day event. Anyone age 16 or older who is interested in working the ticket booths or grounds crew can stop at the fair office during regular hours.

Admission to the fairgrounds is $6 a day or $20 for a five-day pass, which includes the charge for the grandstand shows.

Passes are available at the fairgrounds or can be purchased in advance at the office in the administration building.

“We hope everyone comes out to enjoy the fair,” Parker said.

———

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.