July 31, 2015 at 5:09 p.m.
Organizers count their blessings as 2015 fair begins
Organizers count their blessings as 2015 fair begins
The sun made an appearance at the fairgrounds in Pioneer Park, which fair organizer Nancy Gehrig said was a sign the fair was blessed.
Tom Rudolph, county board supervisor and fair supporter, agreed.
The fair received a formal blessing from Deacon Ron Bosi of Nativity of Our Lord Church. Before that, a moment of silence was shared for the late Michael Hoople, Mary Ann Huebner and Pat Dineen, all of whom played important roles in past fairs.
Toni Grotenhuis sang the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance was led by Jim Pederson of the VFW.
"On behalf of the Oneida County Board, and the Conservation UW-Extension Committee, I want to wish you a very successful fair, certainly welcome all of you to enjoy this beautiful venue that's been prepared for you," Rudolph said. "I'd also like to thank Nancy Gehrig because without her I don't think we'd have the successful fairs we've had the past few years."
Rudolph also thanked the scores of volunteers who have contributed to the fair's success.
Rhinelander Mayor Dick Johns continued the accolades.
"I'm proud to be mayor of a city with the volunteers that put this on ... I just want to say that without the volunteers I don't think this could happen," he said. "Everybody have a good time."
24th Assembly Dist. Rep. Ron Swearingen, R-Rhinelander, welcomed the crowd as well.
"It does my heart proud to come back to my hometown and see this fair going one more year, and it's getting bigger and better every year thanks to Nancy and her volunteers," Swearingen said.
Lynn Feldman, UW-Extension Coordinator, presented the 4-H youth to the crowd and encouraged fair-goers to visit their exhibits.
Gehrig declared the fair open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Truthfully, this would not be possible if not for all the community support this year," she said as the ribbon fell to the ground.
Gehrig said there is a stand near the fair office which holds a list of all of the donors and sponsors for this year's fair, both in-kind and monetary.
"What you're going to see here tonight, and all weekend, is many merchandise vendors, food vendors, all along the walkway here, and then the amusements," she said. "Everything will be listed in your brochure, all the events."
"I want to thank God for the beautiful weather," Gehrig added. "I feel blessed. Everyone have a great weekend, have a great time, we have great entertainment throughout the weekend."
The fair runs through Sunday, with music, rides, animals and other entertainment available all weekend.
Katie Perttunen may be reached at [email protected].
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