Fairground demolition scheduled for next week

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood — Demolition of the grandstands and poultry barn may begin next week, said Gogebic County Commissioner James Byrns on Tuesday.

Byrns spoke to The Globe after a Tuesday evening meeting of the county’s Fair Board, which he chairs.

County commissioners hired Bolle Contracting of downstate Clare earlier this year to complete the demolition.

During Tuesday’s Fair Board meeting, members expressed frustration with slow progress on the fairgrounds, in part due to delays in the demolition, but also because of uncertainty in how best to tackle some projects or in how to fund them.

“I just want to move forward,” said Linda Nelson, emphasizing that next year’s fair — despite now being nearly a year off — will be back in play quickly.

“We really need blacktop and we really need that expo building,” said Thomas Hampston, referring to worn roadways within the fairgrounds and an exposition building that engineering consultants have required to be closed for the past two fairs.

Fair Board Coordinator Marlene Saari said that many people have been calling her to ask which buildings will be available for winter storage.

Byrns said the cattle barn is safe to use but added that horse barns remain in question, due once again to engineering fears regarding snow loads and strong winds.

Regarding the variety of problems, Byrns suggested that opinions from various contractors be sought, so that the Fair Board can get a better understanding of costs and of what direction in which to proceed.

“The sooner we get some ideas, the better because time is of the essence,” he said, adding another issue to explore will be how to approach electrical upgrades at the fairgrounds.

Byrns also said he is working with County Board Chairman James Lorenson toward an overall, viable plan for fairground improvements.

In other news, Melinda Kostak reminded that the fairgrounds’ Fall Fest is set for Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

She is working to gather crafters to set up tables and expects to have bounce houses as part of the entertainment planned for children.

Kostak also emphasized a need for volunteers for that event, which is a fundraiser for fair expenses.

Byrns also said he will inform the county board that Randy Kashich has resigned as a Fair Board member. Byrns expects that the board will advertise for applications to fill that slot.

Fair Board members also voted to approve plans for an equine banquet in the fairgrounds’ multipurpose building on Oct.15.

The Fair Board’s next regular meeting will be on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the multipurpose building.