By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Fair discusses 2017 possibilities
The 2016 Fair had over $47,000 in beer sales
Placeholder Image

DARLINGTON – In a meeting that outlined what the committee would be doing at the annual State Fair Convention, the Lafayette County Fair Committee chairman - Jack Wiegel called the meeting to order on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016.
    Fair Convention - Jolante Olson, fair secretary, passed out State Fair Convention packets to all committee members present. The convention will take place at Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, Monday, Jan. 9 through Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. She suggested that members attend the round table discussions, they will be interesting and will pertain to our fair. There will be a dedication for the late Bill Moody on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017.
    A major topic of discussion was what to do with Wednesday night of the Lafayette County Fair. A couple members thought the rodeo (the rodeo occupied the Wednesday spot for the last two years) had run its course. Also, the over $11,000 price tag wasn’t that appealing.
    A couple new ideas included: Queen Bee Radio from Platteville/Lancaster has a traveling music/dance show; bring back Maggie May; Madison County; or something new that the committee finds at the convention.
    Olson said that she was approached by someone who wants to run a demolition derby on Sunday night. The committee seemed lukewarm on that idea. With prep time, etc.
    Olson was also contacted by an outfit that had Sunday open. That show would be hog racing and goat racing, she asked for information, but has not received anything yet. She was also worried about PETA.
    Fair Superintendents: Beef – Lance Barnes and Pete Whitcom; Swine – Shawn Long and Brad Murray; Sheep – no two have committed yet. Olson thought this year two superintendents for each animal group would make things run more smoothly.
    The Lafayette County Tractor Pullers were on the agenda, but didn’t make an appearance. A phone call was made and the Pullers wanted to eliminate the Semi class, and they want to add an alcohol class. No action was taken.
    Ted Wiegel made a motion to make the opening bigger on the west side of the animal barn, so winter storage could be had in that building. This is Matt Crist’s idea and he will be doing the work. Approved.
    Paid vouchers - $1,023.
    A review of the 2016 fair financials and numbers. The fair had 15,220 total attendees, The total income for the fair was $137,406, which included $46,675 in beer sales and $56,269 in gate receipts. The expense side had a total of $134,555 in monies paid out. The high ticket items were: Rodeo - $11,500; Thursday Tractor - $4,900; Friday Racing - $12,000; Badger State - $20,115. When everything was said and done the 2016 fair made a $2,851 profit.