August 5, 2021 at 1:26 p.m.
Oneida County Fair has banner year after 2020 hiatus
Barnett: 'Fair broke all sorts of records'
Oneida County Fair has banner year after 2020 hiatus
"The fair broke all sorts of records, we did so good," Barnett said. "One of those records, I can tell you right now, was the fact that we earned $12,000 for the whole fair in 2019," Barnett said. "We earned $13,000 Saturday night in donations. That was wonderful, and we love our community for backing us up, knowing what we're trying to do. We're trying to move the fair forward in a bigger, better presentation. And we're just going to keep moving forward."
Barnett said it was clear that people enjoyed having an in-person event again, with all of the fair favorites.
A virtual fair was held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think that is a large part of it," Barnett said. "Some said that because we had a new carnival coming this year. People are interested in seeing what we got and what we're bringing in. The kilt contest was the biggest it's ever been, the crowd was huge for that. So I think there is a lot of anticipation for that every year. And I think people just missed it."
Despite a weather forecast that he called "sketchy," fair weekend was blessed with nice weather.
"We were very nervous when we heard that a big storm was going to come through (Saturday night)," Barnett said. "But the Rhinelander bubble prevailed and protected us from that damaging storm and we made it through. It was such a beautiful weekend the whole four days"
When interviewed late Monday afternoon, Barnett said it was too early to say how the fair did financially.
"We're still trying to figure out what we made from the carnival, how much we made from the donation boxes. We'll probably know by the end of the week," he said.
With the likelihood that the softball field will be removed from Pioneer Park in the near future, the carnival configuration may change, he added.
"In the long run, while we're still there, even just taking the fencing down will allow the carnival rides to be better laid out so that people can walk through," he said. "(The carnival) may even bring in more rides."
Barnett is hoping that the success of this year's fair will stave off the budget-cutting knife from the county board.
"I think they are seeing that we're not just talking a big talk, we're actually putting our money where our mouth is and bringing in bigger and better things and trying to prove that we're bringing the best possible entertainment that we can for the community," he said.
"I believe that giving our community fun, family entertainment is worth fighting for and I don't quit, I keep fighting," Barnett added.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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