Gogebic Fair Board works toward possible 2024 fair

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — Gogebic County Fair Board members discussed Monday how to move toward a 2024 fair that they have been told is cancelled, but that they still hope to resurrect in some fashion.

After a Sept. 26 fire destroyed three fairground structures, directly after two others had been demolished, the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners voted on Oct. 11 to close down next year’s fair, along with any other major events, in order to allow for expansive reconstruction and repair plans.

Commissioners were met with opposition from the public at that meeting and at their subsequent Oct. 25 meeting, at which County Board Chairman James Lorenson said the board is willing to consider some form of county fair, if circumstances allow it.

One hurdle is getting a formal report from Det./Sgt. Brandon Snyder, the Ironwood Public Safety Department’s fire marshal.

That report is needed in order to conclude negotiations among three insurance companies, before construction plans can proceed.

One alternative for the 2024 fair may be to hold it at the Iron County Fairgrounds in Saxon.

“If all else fails, I have talked to (Iron County Fair Board Chairman) Tom Salzmann to see whether we can use their fairgrounds,” said Gogebic County Fair Coordinator Marlene Saari.

She said Salzmann suggested that members of both county fair boards meet to discuss the possibility.

“It just makes absolutely no sense that we can’t use our own fairgrounds,” said board member Linda Nelson.

She added that all debris from the fire and demolition has been cleared and that needed repairs and construction are all within reach, either with pending insurance funds and/or volunteer assistance.

Due to structural issues with the exhibition building, the fairground multipurpose building has been used to house exhibits during the past two fairs, she said, adding the public managed without the use of the grandstands in the past year.

Moreover, she claimed that, even if a 4-H barn cannot be rebuilt in time for next year’s fair, the 4-H horses could be housed in one of the two remaining racehorse barns.

In the event of any level of fair occurring at the fairgrounds in Ironwood, Fair Board Chairman James Byrns pointed they’d have to “chase contractors out of here” for the duration.

“I think it’s time for the county board to make some decisions instead of just sitting on their hands,” said board member Shelley Suckow. “We have been very patient up until now.”

Byrns, who is also a county commissioner, said the situation is complicated and the county is making progress. “Give me some time,” he said. “We’re making headway on everything.”

For instance, he said he’s working on getting a contractor estimate on the reconstruction of the 4-H horse barn.

Within an agenda report, Saari shared details of this past year’s fairground proceeds.

Daily and season passes totaled 4,956, compared to 4,058 last year — a rise of 898.

Proceeds totaled $28,053 compared to $22,963 last year — up $5,090.

Income totaled $127,050, with major sources including $72,750 from admissions, $30,120 from sponsorships and $21,320 from pie and quilt fund raising. Other income resulted from vendors, parking/camping, fair merchandise and harness racing income.

Expenses this year totaled $98,997, with major items including $35,679 for various entertainment and $21,549 for the carnival. Harness racing premiums and expenses totaled $15,108. Remaining expenses included judges, payroll for fair workers, advertising, utilities, ribbons, tents, wristbands, printing/binding, and other details.

Fair Board members also:

—Voted to authorize Byrns to inform county commissioners that the Fair Board would like to use money from its improvements funds to repair the north side of the east entrance of the livestock building. He said the south side of that entrance had been repaired this year at a cost of about $9,000 and that north side scorching from the fire should be covered by insurance.

—Learned that Saari and board member Melinda Kostac will represent the fair board at today’s Volunteer Fair, to be held from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Ironwood Memorial Building.

—Learned that Kostac and board member Thomas Hampston plan to visit the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions annual convention from Jan. 11-13, 2024.

The Fair Board’s next regular meeting will be on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the office of the multipurpose building.