Fair board reschedules harness racing

By TOM LAVENTURE

tlaventure@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — The Gogebic County Fair Board on Monday approved a change to the days that harness racing will occur due to scheduling issues with other fairs.

Harness racing is among the most popular events of the county fair and has been held for many years, said Jim Lorenson, board chair. The harness racing was typically held on Thursday and Friday during the fair, but will now be held at 1 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. Saturday, he said.

The United States Trotting Association reached out to the fair board with the request for a time change, he said. There was a scheduling conflict for many of the harness racers who also participate at a fair in Minnesota on Thursday, he said. 

In other fair schedule business, the board discussed ongoing discussion with live music entertainment acts including a battle of the bands. There were no finalized contracts as of yet to approve and the matter was placed on the April meeting agenda.

The board approved a grant application to be submitted for approximately $12,000 in funds to install a lock system and high efficiency lighting in the multipurpose building on the fairgrounds. The grant has a 50% match and will need to be submitted by March 15 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The board approved a contract with Zielies Tree Service to conduct weed control around utility poles on the property.

The next fair board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 5 in the multipurpose building. The meeting may also be participated virtually by contacting the fair board office.