Officials cancel 2024 Gogebic County Fair

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer - The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners voted last week to cancel the 2024 Gogebic County Fair - 10 months in advance.

The action followed a Sept. 26 fire that destroyed three structures directly after two additional buildings had been demolished. In addition, the exhibition building has been closed due to structural issues for the past two years, and three remaining barns have been declared unsuitable for use due to electrical damage that occurred during the fire.

The Oct. 11 motion by Chairman James Lorenson specifically stated that next year's fair will be cancelled and that no other major events may occur on the fairgrounds throughout that year. The motion also stipulated that seasonal storage within the fairgrounds cannot resume until cleanup from the fire damage is complete.

Although other commissioners did not discuss the matter during the meeting, the vote was unanimous with all of them present.

Lorenson also elaborated on the overall situation.

"While we understand that the fire marshal's visit is complete, we do not yet have the report," said Lorenson, who speculated that it could take 30 days to receive it.

Meanwhile, he added, "We have been notified by Xcel that we need to replace the fairground electrical distribution system."

He noted that the county will take responsibility for that work, but explained that it cannot be done until spring.

Until then, he said that the livestock pavilion and the two racehorse barns remain in question. "We want to be sure the electrical systems are safe," he said before allowing those buildings to be used again.

In addition, he confirmed that the fairgrounds' multipurpose building also cannot now be used for events.

Lorenson assured that construction of a new 4-H barn is expected but cannot now say when that will occur.

Vicki Nelson of Ironwood, who scheduled an appearance on the agenda, told commissioners that members of the audience had attended the session "in good faith."

She added, "I understand there are some challenges, but we want to hear directly from you, not from second-hand rumors."

Several other persons from Ironwood and Ironwood Township also spoke during the public comment period.

"I work at the fair," said David Johnson, who noted of one woman in the audience, "I watched her grow up at the fair."

He emphasized that the fair is an important source of entertainment in the region. "There's nothing to do around here," he said in referring to local youth. "That fair gives them something to do."

Johnson added that poultry and 4-H horses could be housed in excess space in one of the racehorse barns.

He also questioned why fairground buildings have not been better maintained all along and added that the fair also needs more marketing.

"Do you have any idea where we're going to have our auction?" asked Judy Balchik regarding the 4-H livestock auction that occurs on Saturday of each year's fair.

She added of local 4-H members, "They put a lot of money in these animals."

That sentiment was echoed by others, with one gentleman claiming that his daughter already had invested $1,800 in a steer. "What are we supposed to do with it now?" he asked.

Thomas Hampston, a member of the Gogebic County Fair Board, pointed out that some persons who had boats stored within the 4-H barn were uncertain as to the status of insurance coverage.

Lorenson said persons storing property within the fairgrounds should have their own insurance to cover those items.

Throughout the meeting, there was confusion about the board's vote among the audience.

Greg Basom, who works with the annual Snowmobile Olympus, which traditionally has been held on the fairgrounds racehorse track, was one of several persons asking for confirmation of the fair or fairgrounds status.

Lorenson said that it is not possible to host snowmobile races at the fairgrounds.

Michael and Sheila Gregor of Iron City, Wisconsin, also lobbied for the fair.

Sheila said the fair is about family and that it inspires parents and children to work together.

"Are you saying it's gone for one year, or are you saying it's gone forever?" she asked.

"There will be no fair for 2024," repeated Lorenson.

As board chairman, Lorenson also said that any "very specific questions" should be submitted in writing to County Administrator Juliane Giackino, who will relay them to commissioners.

"The reason for that is so that we don't answer off the cuff," he said.