‘Biggest party in Shawano County’ begins 6-day run

Wednesday’s opening ceremonies for the 134th annual Shawano County Fair featured nostalgia for the fair’s history and excitement for activities in the coming days. “It’s the biggest party in Shawano County, and we’re proud to host it,” said Dale Hodkiewicz, president of the Shawano County Agricultural Society. Hodkiewicz said he looked at the storm clouds in the afternoon and decided to put some water on the speedway track, and sure enough, it kept the rain away. He noted that a lot of effort by local 4-H and FFA organizations goes into the fair every year. Shianna Gracyalny, the 2015 Fairest of the Fair, recalled being part of 4-H and FFA for most of her life. She submitted exhibits to the fair for 10 years, she said. “I’d like all of you to take a look at the junior fair building and the youth exhibiting. It’s by far a favorite of the Shawano County Fair,” said Gracyalny, a 2015 Pulaski High School graduate. Shawano County Supervisor Arlyn Tober welcomed visitors as well as those who have “come back home” after an extended time away. The fair is a highlight of Tober’s year, he said. “In the past 70 years, I don’t recall ever missing a Shawano County Fair,” Tober said. “I remember the one-room schoolhouses that would bring their arts and crafts.” Tober said Hodkiewicz and the other fair planners are owed a debt of gratitude for the work they put into preparing the grounds and ensuring the six-day event goes smoothly. A new lighting system and underground plumbing are among the improvements the agriculture society has completed in recent years. One project in the planning stages is replacing the junior fair building, where dog and cat shows have taken place, and a number of non-animal projects are displayed. Tober encouraged people attending the fair to view the plans displayed in the building during the fair, then let him and other county supervisors know what they think. The opening ceremony was dedicated to Melissa Jo Szucs, a longtime participant at the fair who passed away earlier this summer. “We know you are smiling down on us from heaven, and you will forever be the princess of our fair,” said Dennis Bohm, Shawano AMVETS commander. The opening ceremony started with the flag presentation by Shawano’s veteran organizations. Brooke Breitrick sang the national anthem.