Trending
Residents in the region can enjoy a full county fair experience to their heart's content over the next couple weeks, both in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.
This weekend has three such events, all within easy driving distance.
Iron County's 134th-annual fair -- yes, since 1892 -- kicks off Thursday in Iron River with a new carnival and petting zoo to go along with the usual livestock, exhibits and grandstand activities through Sunday.
In Wisconsin, the 98th-annual Marinette County Fair starts Thursday in Wausaukee and the Florence County Fair opens Friday at the fairgrounds on 5505 County Highway N, just south of Florence.
Dickinson County will close out the fair season in the region with five days of activities in Norway, from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Labor Day on Sept. 7.
At most fairs, local participants bring livestock, produce, canned goods, craft items, sewing and other talents to see how they measure up against each other in the judges' eyes.
But fairs offer not just exhibits, but the full sensory experience that seems so synonymous with late summer. Fairs can provide the sights, sounds and smells of barnyards, stables, serious motors, deep-fried and grilled items, the shrieks on rides or other amusement equipment, the live music. The horsepower on display, both animal and mechanical, from such competitions as tractor and horse pulls, demolition derby and mud bogs runs.
The opportunity to eat foods you probably shouldn't and savor every decadent bite. Admire the horticultural, textile or artistic and craft skills of others. Sit and enjoy the bands or other entertainment.
And it's about as family-friendly a setting as can be found these days.
These fairs take a lot of work from organizers and participants alike to come together. Fair boards spend much of the off months making sure grounds, buildings and other accommodations are ready, that entries can be checked in smoothly and ribbons or other prizes awarded. They each year line up entertainment, food and beverage vendors and in most cases rides and midway games that, again, make the fair such an experience.
Let's not forget the 4-H youth who devote much of their time developing a steer, lamb, swine or other animal for the show ring, or mastering another talent.
All deserve praise for their efforts.
But the best way to show support for these fairs is by attending, providing some revenue that can help offset operating costs.
So take the opportunity and go to a fair in the region -- or, even better, go to several. As with summer, it will be all too soon done for the year.