Lee Pulaski, lpulaski@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Fair-goers respond to the singing of the national anthem Wednesday at the opening ceremonies of the Shawano County Fair. The fair concludes its six-day run on Labor Day.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Brooke Breitrick sings the national anthem at the opening ceremonies of the Shawano County Fair.
Wednesday’s opening ceremonies for the 134th annual Shawano County Fair featured nostalgia for the fair’s history and excitement for activities in the coming days.
“It’s the biggest party in Shawano County, and we’re proud to host it,” said Dale Hodkiewicz, president of the Shawano County Agricultural Society.
Hodkiewicz said he looked at the storm clouds in the afternoon and decided to put some water on the speedway track, and sure enough, it kept the rain away. He noted that a lot of effort by local 4-H and FFA organizations goes into the fair every year.
Shianna Gracyalny, the 2015 Fairest of the Fair, recalled being part of 4-H and FFA for most of her life. She submitted exhibits to the fair for 10 years, she said.
“I’d like all of you to take a look at the junior fair building and the youth exhibiting. It’s by far a favorite of the Shawano County Fair,” said Gracyalny, a 2015 Pulaski High School graduate.
Shawano County Supervisor Arlyn Tober welcomed visitors as well as those who have “come back home” after an extended time away. The fair is a highlight of Tober’s year, he said.
“In the past 70 years, I don’t recall ever missing a Shawano County Fair,” Tober said. “I remember the one-room schoolhouses that would bring their arts and crafts.”
Tober said Hodkiewicz and the other fair planners are owed a debt of gratitude for the work they put into preparing the grounds and ensuring the six-day event goes smoothly.
A new lighting system and underground plumbing are among the improvements the agriculture society has completed in recent years.
One project in the planning stages is replacing the junior fair building, where dog and cat shows have taken place, and a number of non-animal projects are displayed. Tober encouraged people attending the fair to view the plans displayed in the building during the fair, then let him and other county supervisors know what they think.
The opening ceremony was dedicated to Melissa Jo Szucs, a longtime participant at the fair who passed away earlier this summer.
“We know you are smiling down on us from heaven, and you will forever be the princess of our fair,” said Dennis Bohm, Shawano AMVETS commander.
The opening ceremony started with the flag presentation by Shawano’s veteran organizations. Brooke Breitrick sang the national anthem.
County Fair Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 3
Events
9 a.m.: Gates open; junior class swine show and pee wee showmanship class with open swine show to follow, Coliseum
5 p.m.: Open and junior beef show, Coliseum
6 p.m.: Homemade beer and wine judging, Crawford Center
Entertainment
6 p.m.: The Taxi Band, under the Grandstand
6-10 p.m.: New Generation, President’s Park
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks, Grandstand
Activities
5 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds
5-10 p.m.: Rainbow Valley Rides
6:30 p.m.: Choose to Move 5K, Grandstand
9 p.m.: Cosmic Bingo, north side of fairgrounds
Friday, Sept. 4
Events
9 a.m.: Open and junior rabbit show, Small Animal Building; open and junior sheep show and pee wee showmanship class, Coliseum; open and junior dairy and meat goat show, Coliseum
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Classic car show, Crawford Center
3 p.m.: Horse trail class, horse barns; open and junior class exotic domestic animal show, Coliseum
5 p.m.: Decorated cake auction
6:30 p.m.: Market animal auction of beef, swine and sheep
Entertainment
1-5 p.m.: Roger’s Polka Party, President’s Park
7 p.m.: Shawano Speedway Enduro Race, Grandstand
7-11 p.m.: Chad Przybylski, President’s Park
7:30 p.m.: Led West, under the Grandstand
Activities
12:30 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds
5 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds
5-10 p.m.: Rainbow Valley Rides
9 p.m.: Cosmic Bingo, north side of fairgrounds