Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Crawford County fair opens today

By ANNE JUNGEN | La Crosse Tribune

This year’s Crawford County Fair offers more than the traditional event menu for residents slammed by record rainfall twice in 10 months.

“I’m hoping it gives people the chance to take a break and enjoy the town and what it has to offer and remind people why they chose Gays Mills (Wis.) and Crawford County in the first place,” said fair coordinator Heather Hanson.

The 150th event opens today with an inaugural parade at 7 p.m. through downtown Gays Mills, ending at the fairgrounds on Hwy. 131. The fairgrounds weren’t affected by last month’s or last August’s flooding because of their higher elevation. Organizers said the fair provides people hard-hit by flooding a chance to relax and regroup as a community.

“I think the fair will bring a sense of normalcy to an area that really hasn’t been able to get back into things since August,” Hanson said.

The fair features animal entries, 4-H exhibits, a youth pavilion, traditional fair food, a midway, nightly music shows, demolition derbies and an antique tractor show.

“We are a family fair with emphasis on family and youth,” Hanson said.

About 10,000 people are expected the pass through the gates by the time the fair closes Sunday. “It should be a fantastic time,” Hanson said.

The fairgrounds underwent improvements in the past five years, including a new sheep and swine building and updates to existing buildings and food stands, she said.

Admittance to the grounds is free. Parking is $5 per day or $20 for a season pass.

Anne Jungen can be reached at (608) 791-8224 or ajungen@lacrossetribune.com.