‘See you at the fair’: Traditional favorites and new seating in Norway
The 116th annual Dickinson County Fair will officially open at 5 p.m. Thursday. The tradition continues through 5 p.m. Monday. Dickinson County Fair Board has focused on making several changes to the fairgrounds. Cameron O’Connor stands outside the new Friendly Farmer building that recently received upgrades. The exterior has been freshly painted and a fence added to allow for outdoor seating. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)
The Dickinson County Labor Day Fun Show begins at 9 a.m. Monday, with registration starting at 8 a.m. in the the Heather Janssen Arena.
The 116th annual Dickinson County Fair will officially open at 5 p.m. Thursday. The tradition continues through 5 p.m. Monday. Dickinson County Fair Board has focused on making several changes to the fairgrounds. Cameron O’Connor stands outside the new Friendly Farmer building that recently received upgrades. The exterior has been freshly painted and a fence added to allow for outdoor seating. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)
The Dickinson County Labor Day Fun Show begins at 9 a.m. Monday, with registration starting at 8 a.m. in the the Heather Janssen Arena.
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NORWAY -- Fairgoers arriving at the Dickinson County Fair will find some familiar sights around the Norway fairgrounds, along with a few changes designed to make their visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
The 116th annual Dickinson County Fair officially opens at 5 p.m. Thursday and continues through 5 p.m. Monday.
Fair Board member Cameron O'Connor said visitors will see improvements ranging from a refreshed Friendly Farmer building to more seating throughout the grounds.
"We're excited to announce we will be selling beer and other beverages in two different locations this year," O'Connor said. Beverages will be available at the Friendly Farmer and during each grandstand event.
The Friendly Farmer has received one of the more visible makeovers. O'Connor and his family spent last weekend painting the entire exterior of the building. A new white picket fence has also been installed around the building.
"There's now outdoor seating in front, as well as the large side door has been opened near the pavilion so it doesn't feel so enclosed," O'Connor said. "People will be able to sit and enjoy the music while sitting and relaxing and enjoying a beverage with friends."
O'Connor said a new "Friendly Farmer" sign will also be installed on the exterior of the building.
They have also cleaned up the interior, and plan to seek photographs from past fairs to hang on the walls.
The Friendly Farmer will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
"It's going to be a great place to meet and greet," he said.
Visitors will also find more vendors on the grounds.
Fair Board member Brian Swanson said the selection will include food, beverages and merchandise, giving fairgoers more options.
Another focus for the fair board this year has been seating.
With recent changes to fairgrounds, the board was able to install electric and water service on the existing concrete pad where the former concession row building once stood.
The area will provide a place for fairgoers to sit down and eat without having to search throughout the grounds.
"That's going to be a perfect place for our vendor trucks and their patrons," Swanson said.
The fair has also added a large number of picnic tables and benches.
O'Connor said the additional seating is an important improvement, particularly for visitors who spend much of their day at the fair.
"When people spend six-plus hours walking around the fairgrounds, you want a place to sit," Swanson said.
The changes to the grounds have also resulted in a new location for some of the displays. The antique and still displays will be housed in the exhibition building this year.
While there are some changes around the grounds, the grandstand schedule will continue to feature many of the events that have become annual favorites.
The Wumpa and local truck pulls will kick off the grandstand entertainment at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Friday will feature the Diann Gendron Memorial free music concert, with popular variety band Next Myle taking the stage from 6 to 11 p.m. A 50-50 drawing will also be held.
Saturday's grandstand action begins with the Pony Pulls at 11 a.m., followed by the Draft Horse Pulls. The evening highlight will be the Demolition Derby at 7 p.m., sponsored this year by the Dickinson County Racing Association.
Local K-9 officers will also demonstrate their skills in the grandstands Saturday afternoon from approximately 3:30 to 5 p.m., Swanson said.
On Sunday, the Dickinson County Racing Association will present its Labor Day 100 Race, with racing beginning at 4 p.m.
O'Connor noted that it will be the final race of the season and encouraged fans to arrive early for time trials because the grandstands are expected to fill quickly.
The grandstand schedule wraps up Monday with tractor pulls beginning at 10 a.m.
All grandstand entertainment is free with fair admission.
Fairgoers should be aware that no carry-in beverages are allowed in the grandstands during fair week. Alcohol will be available for purchase during each grandstand event.
There is also plenty happening away from the grandstand.
The Skerbeck Carnival opens at 4 p.m. Thursday until close. The carnival Friday through Sunday will run from 1 to 11 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. Monday. Rides will be $1.25 each for the Labor Day special on Monday.
All mega wristbands are only available online at www.skerbeckcarnival.com. Daily ride bands or individual tickets will be sold at the fairgrounds.
Bingo will be held daily in the Big Red Administration Building and continues to be a popular attraction.
"We get great attendance," O'Connor said.
"Bingo is a big thing for us," Swanson added.
Live music will also be offered each day at the Wally Bouchey Pavilion.
The community is encouraged to come out to support the local youth during the livestock breeding and market shows and auction. "It’s one of the highlights of the fair," said O'Connor.
O'Connor also hopes fairgoers will also take time to explore one of the fairgrounds' lesser-known attractions -- the horse arena.
The Dickinson County Labor Day Fun Show begins at 9 a.m. Monday, with registration starting at 8 a.m.
"The horse arena is one of our gems out here that many don't know about," O'Connor said. "A lot of people come to the fair and never get back there."
Gates will open at 9 a.m. each day. Admission is $8 daily, with a weekly pass available for $25. Monday admission is $2.
Dove releases will take place at 3 p.m. Friday through Monday near the poultry barn. Spectators are able to take part in the release.
Swanson noted that all the campsites are full for the entire week.
Fairground passes are available in advance at the office in the administration building.
One activity will be missing from this year's schedule. Swanson said the Home Depot Kids Building Workshop will not take place because of instructor illness.
Even as the fair board prepares to welcome visitors for this year’s event, planning is already underway for the future. O'Connor said the board plans to add another pavilion to the fairgrounds next year.
"We wanted to make sure fairgoers have a great experience," O'Connor said. "It's going to be another fun year at the fair."
Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.