There’s a fair in the air (Sept. 2-7). The Shawano County Fair has been around since 1881. It’s a wonderful annual event that brings folks to our community in droves — and that’s a good thing! Numerous businesses comment about how the fair boosts their business, too.
The excitement starts well before the fair actually begins. The 4-H kids are busy with their animals and other projects. The Rainbow Valley Rides start arriving, and stock car enthusiasts are getting their cars ready for one last performance.
To me, the fair is about people. I started going to the fair as a youngster, and I’ve missed very few since. One year my folks wouldn’t let me attend; it was the year when there were many cases of polio.
Thinking back over the years, some memories instantly come to mind: Remember “Sixty-six, clickity clicky, to the top of the house, to the bottom of the house, and I-16, oh how I wish?” Don Schoedel loved calling bingo at the fair, always a fun time.
I remember the excitement of my co-workers at Citizens Bank (now Associated Bank). For weeks, Chris Jeske and Cheryl Wallace would keep track of the days, hours and minutes until the fair. I noticed on Facebook that Jennifer Olson has been doing the countdown, too. What fair enthusiasts!
The Fireman’s Stand is a popular gathering place. I remember drinking a sociable beer and visiting with township chairpersons Sonny Pleshek, Alvin Bartz and Steve Gueths. I could always get Sonny going if I mentioned the “annexation” word. He would growl a little and we’d have another beer and shake hands; all in fun.
I think about my friend Charlene Helms and the fun she had selling cream puffs for Wolf River Harmony (Sweet Adelines). Those ladies worked hard but always seemed to have a good time. She will be sadly missed.
I remember a few years ago when they had karaoke and Ron Popelka took the mike and sang “Sixteen Ton.” I didn’t know Ron could sing, but he was pretty darn good.
Someone who never misses the fair is Erv Bartz. My hubby worked with him for many years at Little Rapids. Mill workers often gathered at a beer stand and had a great time; that’s when beers were 50 cents a glass and it flowed pretty freely. I would imagine Erv will be there again this year, probably with his lovely daughter, Debbie, and his loving daughter-in-law, Julie Bartz.
I’ll miss listening to Norm Habeck welcoming fair visitors during the opening night ceremony. His voice was clear and strong and so were his convictions. He was such a gem.
I wonder how many times we will hear “Meet your friends at the pig barn?” I enjoy listening to the announcements, some are quite entertaining. Thanks to WTCH for being on site and promoting the fair.
It is enjoyable going into the numerous fair buildings. The Commercial Building showcases many of our local businesses. The Junior Fair Building is always a favorite of mine. I love seeing the 4-H projects, so much work and talent. We always visit the barns, too. It’s enjoyable seeing the look of pride on the faces of the youth who have raised the animals and cared for them.
Shawano County Historical Society member Elaine Knope told me this year the society will feature its 75th anniversary and Shawano Woman’s Club history, and several townships will be displaying historical photos. The displays are always well organized and a public favorite.
My hubby and Marv Popp will attend the final stock car race of the season, as they do every year. They will enjoy one last “racing burger” and Sun Drop before storing away their seat cushions until next April.
The Peace Church stand will be missed. Bless the hearts of those wonderful ladies who made those scrumptious pies over the years. I guess they deserve a rest, too.
I look forward to making more fair memories this year. “Rain today, fair tomorrow.” See you there!
The answer to last week’s question — Can you name the three lumber companies in Shawano during 1972? — are Garvey Bigelow Lumber Co., John Kadletz Lumber Co., and Retail Lumber and Supply Co.
This week’s question is: Who was Shawano-Gresham District No. 8 School Board president in 1989?
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