by heather stanek The Reporter [email protected] In 1906, a day at the Fond du Lac County Fair would have cost 25 cents. There were horse races, daredevils and fireworks. Forget about having an ice-cold beer — alcohol was banned on the grounds. Today, adult admission runs about $10. The horse track is long gone. Only a small section remains in front of the Grandstand, and it's used for demolition derbies and truck pulls. Big name country and rock bands have replaced the trapeze artists and contortionists. A frosty alcoholic beverage is always within reach. Wisconsin brewer Leinenkugel's even sponsors a music stage, the Leinie Lodge. Cultural changes and financial challenges have forced the County Fair to evolve. Since it's a community event, it has to reflect community interests. Organizers say change is good, as long as it upholds the County Fair's goal — education. The 159th Fair will be held July 20 to 25. Beginning Like most new events, the Fond du Lac County Fair started small. The first Fair was held Sept. 29 and 30, 1852, in Rosendale. More than $260 in premiums were awarded, according to "Fairs — One Hundred Years in Fond du Lac County," by Chas L. Hill. The Fair moved to several locations over the years, including Courthouse Square in Fond du Lac, Ripon and a field south of the former courthouse, according to Hill. The County Fair eventually moved to its current home, the Fairgrounds on Martin Avenue. The County Fair endured growing pains of numerous kinds in the early 1900s. The Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society, the group responsible for the event, put a greater emphasis on education and affordable family fun. The Fair always had exhibits, like animals, vegetables and handcrafted goods, but the arrival of groups like 4-H upped their presence. According to a local newspaper story, 55,000 people attended the Fair in 1919. Attendance jumped to 59,000 in 1920. In 1933, more than 40,000 people went to the County Fair, according to records from the Fond du Lac County UW-Extension Office. It was the first time in 17 years that the Fair was a financial success, despite taking place in the midst of the Great Depression. Entertainment The Grandstand turned into a cultural center and moneymaker for the County Fair. Crowds turned out to see more than the cows, crops and canned goods; they wanted to be wowed by crooners, dashing daredevils and beautiful women. In 1964, one of the Grandstand acts was Maryse Begary. According to that year's premium book, she was "a comely French aerialist" who doubled for Rita Hayworth in the movie "Circus World." The Grandstand offered similar entertainment for about two decades. But the 1970s and 1980s brought about extensive cultural changes on a national level. Guitar gods and country balladeers had stolen the spotlight once held by acrobats, clowns and dancing girls. Since the Fair wasn't getting any cheaper to produce, the Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society knew it had to act. It hired an agent to bring in big-name musical acts, said George Stanchfield, president of the Fair Board and former Fond du Lac County Fair manager. The first major country acts performed at the 1985 Fair. They were Conway Twitty, Jerry Reed and Janie Fricke, according to the Fair's website. There's been big-name entertainment ever since. Some of the artists who have performed over the years include Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Styx, Kenny Rogers, Beach Boys and Alice Cooper. This year's entertainers are Neal McCoy, Billy Currington and Ted Nugent. With big names come big bills, and it's getting tougher to afford the acts. Stanchfield said it may cost $100,000 or more, depending on the performer, for a single artist. The artist fee alone ranges from $35,000 to $75,000, but then the Fair needs to foot the bill for the stage, lighting, sound, catering and an agent. In 1985, the Fair put on three nights of big-name entertainment for $20,000 to $25,000, he said. The Grandstand has been included with gate admission for years, but in order to support the entertainment, the Fair Board started offering VIP seating in 2009. For an additional fee, spectators could get priority seating, separate restroom facilities and a beverage stand. The entertainment lineup has changed, too. Time slots once used for concerts now offer demolition derbies and truck pulls. Fair Manager Matt Immel said that's done in an effort to appeal to the masses; not everyone stops out for the shows. Other additions to this year's County Fair include a Run/Walk, cream puff eating contest and lawnmower races. "There's such a wide variety of people who come to the Fair," he said. No change There are a few constants in the tumultuous sea of change. The County Fair is — and has always been — about agriculture and education. Judging is the highlight of the event. It's a chance for all ages to show the fruits of their hard work, interact with their peers and share their experiences with the public. Immel said the Fair is about creating a fun, informative venue for local youth. "We're a Fair, not a festival," he said. "There is a difference. A fair is about the exhibitors." Stanchfield said the Fair Board also wants to keep admission as cheap as possible. Affordability has been key since the Fair began in the 1850s. Times are tough, and many Fairs have returned to charging additional fees for Grandstand shows. Some have raised their gate prices. Fair organizers know weather is always a factor. Immel said cloudy skies, rain and lightning keep the big crowds away. "You hate to keep pointing a finger at the economy. You can only do that for so long," he said. "You can have the best lineup, the best vendors, and that won't change the weather." And even though family farms are disappearing from the landscape, Stanchfield isn't worried about the Fair losing sight of its focus. There will always be people with an interest in animals, photography, crafts and flowers. "It's more than agriculture, and I think that will continue," he said.
