Fairgoers enjoy good weather, varied events

SAXON, Wis. – Droves of fairgoers were met with near-perfect weather as they came out to enjoy the many and varied activities at the Iron County Fair in Saxon over the weekend.

The antique tractor pull kept attendees entertained at the grandstand on Saturday with “lots of vintage tractors,” fair board vice president Gene Luoma said. He said he didn’t think any of the tractors were newer than 1960.

The kiddie tractor pull also offered excitement, with many entrants in several age groups in both the boys’ and girls’ division. Winners received gift certificates for the fair’s dairy booth.

Volleyball, horseshoe and doubles pool tournaments kept participants busy as well.

Music is always a big draw at the fair and this year was no exception. Marty’s Goldenaires entertained the crowd and acknowledged veterans on Saturday, followed by concerts by Finn Power in the afternoon and the Dweebs that night.

Sunday’s performers included Johnny Propane’s solo act, followed by the popular Lowell Street Band, closing out the evening.

The grandstand also played host to good-sized crowds to watch all-terrain vehicles in the mud and a draft horse pulling contest.

There were plenty of 4-H activities, including a livestock auction and judging in many departments, including dairy and crops, on Saturday. Sunday brought a crowd for the pie auction and horse games in the horse arena.

Though there were “a lot of things going at one time,” everything ran smoothly and went on schedule, Luoma said. “They’re all pretty good.”

Luoma was also pleased with the carnival. “Earl’s Rides from Wisconsin, they do one heck of a job,” he said, adding many parents spoke highly of the carnival.

The success of the fair is thanks in big part to the volunteers, Luoma said.

“We could never do it without volunteers,” he said. “We’ve got a good staff.”