Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
MEGAN PETERSON, competing for the Bessemer High School team, prepares to tumble in the wheelbarrow competition at the youth games at the Gogebic County Fair in Ironwood Thursday. Her blindfolded teammate, Valerie Rowe, took the corner too sharp, resulting in the nose-dive.
IRONWOOD - Cool, precipitation-free weather greeted Gogebic County Fairgoers on opening day Thursday as entries continued to be accepted in all departments.
In front of the grandstand, area high schools competed in wheelbarrow races and other games in the "Youth Challenge," while kids enjoyed carnival rides and animals settled down in their new homes for the four-day fair.
County clerk Gerry Pelissero delivered the youth games play-by-play analyses as the pushers of the wheelbarrows were blindfolded and had to be instructed by the rider teammate, creating spills and thrills.
The youth games were initiated a few years back and have been moved up from Sunday on the fair line-up that offers entertainment for all ages.
The popular ice cream booth wasn't seeing brisk business, but that should change as the fair literally heats up.
Marty's Goldenaires drum and bugle corps, based in Bessemer, performed on Thursday evening, continuing a summer-long string of appearances.
The 93rd edition of the fair continues today. It's senior citizens day and there will be judging of exhibits, with harness racing in the afternoon.
Brad Emanuel performs at 6 tonight and county western crooner Josh Thompson has a 7:30 p.m show.
On Saturday, the fair welcomess crafat beer brewing competition, a new event, to the line-up at 3 p.m. Brittney Bexton performs at 6:30 p.m., followed by the local Lowell Street Band at 8.
The 12th annual Mud Run begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a big truck show.
There will be plenty of 4-H activities throughout the fair, including livestock and horse competitions.
Although there was some traffic congestion elsewhere in the city from the U.S. 2 reconstruction project on Thursday, there were no problems getting to the fairgrounds as more people began to gather in the late afternoon.
Ticket prices are $12 daily for today through Sunday. The price of a ticket includes free carnival rides and free grandstand entertainment.
For more information, visit gogebiccountyfair.homestead.com.
