Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Getting a close look at goats Monday at the Shawano County Fair are Skylar Lanphear, 3, left, and her brother, Jaxson Lanphear, 2, both of Shawano.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Fans pack into the Shawano Speedway grandstands Monday for a demolition derby on the closing day of the Shawano County Fair.
Just about anyone who turned out for the Shawano County Fair this year would have to agree that the real grand champion was the weather.
Six consecutive days with pleasantly mild temperatures and scarcely a drop of rain created a nearly postcard-perfect setting for the annual exhibition on the fairgrounds in Shawano.
Good weather was credited with attracting robust crowds, keeping livestock in better spirits and creating a mellow atmosphere that led to fewer problems among fairgoers.
Missy Braun, organizer of the Barnyard Olympics, said rather than running from the rain or finding someplace to beat the heat, she found herself relaxing and spending more time than usual at the fair.
“This has been perfect,” Braun said as she and others enjoyed one last day on the fairgrounds before the fair ended its six-day run Monday.
No attendance figures were available yet, although organizers said they expected to see greater turnout than last year.
Dan Zernicke, chairman of the livestock committee for the fair, said the crowds were especially large on Saturday night, largely because of the pleasant weather.
Saying he could not recall another year when Mother Nature delivered such ideal conditions, Zernicke said he was happy to see so many people enjoying themselves at the fair.
“That’s what we do this all for,” he said. “We’ve got to put on a show for the people.”
Betty Gast, co-superintendent of the rabbit and poultry barn, said caring for the many animals involved in the county fair is much easier when a breeze is blowing through the barns and temperatures are in the 70s.
“It’s been really great for the animals’ comfort — and for ours, too,” Gast said.
With the serious livestock judging events finished, the six-day exhibition of farm lifestyle, industry and culture culminated Monday in one final outburst of fun and laughter. A human crowing contest was followed by a demolition derby, a horse show and the Barnyard Olympics.
Alvin Styczysnki and his polka band entertained, while fairgoers lined the midway enjoying cold beer and other refreshments.
Although the sky was partly cloudy Monday, patrons said they could not remember another county fair with such remarkable weather day after day.
“The weather’s been perfect this year,” said Nancy Netzel, of Matteson. “This one has been one of the best fairs weather-wise.”
Big crowds turned out and filled the grandstands for both the demolition derby and the horse show on the fair’s final day.
Sylvia Zimdars, volunteer at the Leopolis Fish & Game Club beer stand, said she has grown accustomed to having at least one day disrupted by rain during the fair. The good weather seemed to make it possible, Zimdars said, for people to slow down, be more relaxed and stay longer.
“It just seems better,” she said. “People are in a better mood when the weather’s nice. I know I am.”