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ASHLAND — It’s that time of year where wiener-dog races, funnel cake and Abe Lincoln can all be found in the same place.
The Ashland County Fair runs Sept. 20 to 26 at 2042 Claremont Ave., with plenty to see and do throughout the week.
Ashland County Fair Board President Martin Wesner shared some of his favorite events and why the fair is special to him. He’s been involved with the fair since he was a child and has served on the fair board since 2005, including 11 years as president.
“I enjoy the fair, and I enjoy the people,” Wesner said. ” I like to see the kids and how well they do with their projects and all the work they put into it.”
Contests and events
The fair’s Grandstand will host a different major event every day:
- Sunday — OSTPA Tractor Pull, 6:30 p.m.
- Monday — Harness Racing Pari-Mutuel, noon and 6 p.m.
- Tuesday — Gary Allan concert, 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday — Rodeo, 7 p.m.
- Thursday — Motocross, 6 p.m.
- Friday — Stock Tractor Pull, 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday — Demolition Derby, 6 p.m.
The livestock shows and Junior Fair activities will run throughout the week. Wesner said livestock shows are an often-overlooked part of the fair for visitors who aren’t familiar with agriculture.
“I think the public misses out on watching those shows and seeing what all goes into that,” Wesner said.
One new opportunity this year is Your Greatest Showman, an all-inclusive livestock show for people with special needs and disabilities. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Participants will be paired with livestock mentors and do not need previous livestock experience or an animal of their own.
Music and concerts
Country singer Gary Allan will headline the fair Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.
The fair board had sold more than 2,000 tickets when Wesner spoke with Ashland Source. The official fair website lists tickets at $50 for center-track seating and $40 for outside-track, bleacher and ADA seating. Fair admission is separate.
The Grandstand has room for about 3,400 people, some of the remaining seats will be standing room.
More music entertainment located in the Pavilion below:
- Sunday — Mel Stockdale Orchestra square dancing/line dancing, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Monday — Tom’s Kitchen Table-Country to Rock, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Tuesday — Cedar Valley Cloggers, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday — Steve Baxter & Sam Stephenson, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Thursday — Blue Moonshine, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Friday — Sweet Umbra, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday — Midlyfe Crysis (rock), 7 to 9 p.m.
Bronx Country will close out fair week with a free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Coliseum.
A final farewell to Mozelle Hall
This year’s fair will be the last for Mozelle Hall.
The former roller-skating rink will be replaced after this week’s fair.
“Most people know it as the old Rollercade,” Wesner said. “We used to roller skate there when I was a kid.”
Wesner said the building has become outdated and difficult to use year-round. The fair board plans to replace it with the new Frank Goschinski Heritage Hall. The new building will provide a climate-controlled space for events, meetings and other community activities.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new building is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
The fair board also hopes to preserve some piece of Mozelle Hall, potentially including part of the old roller-skating floor. It also plans to carry the Mozelle Hall name into the new building as a piece of its history.
Admission and parking
Admission is $5 per day for people ages 11 and older. Children 10 and younger are free.
Tuesday is Senior Citizens Day, admission is listed at $1 for people 65 and older. Veterans receive free admission Monday with identification, along with a free meal from noon to 6 p.m.
Season passes are also still available. The $25 pass works as a seven-punch pass, allowing multiple people to use the same pass throughout the week.
Parking will be available in the fairgrounds’ main lots. Additional parking is available for overflow. Handicap parking is available near the main gate and in another designated area across Baney Road near the dog shelter.
“If the parking lots get full, we have been known to park on our racetrack for events,” Wesner said.
A shuttle service will also be provided, sponsored by Farmers State Bank. The Polk Lions Club will drive attendees to and from the main parking lot. Maps will be on shuttle stop benches.
Preparing for the fair
Wesner said the fair’s greatest strength is the people who make it happen.
The fair board has 30 members, along with hundreds of volunteers who keep events moving throughout the week.
Wesner said the board meets each day at noon during fair week to review what has happened and prepare for the next day.
“We do a real good job every day at noon,” Wesner said. “We know what’s going on for the rest of the day and what’s going to happen in the morning of the next day.”
The work begins long before the first visitor arrives. Fair planning for the following year begins right after the current fair ends. Board members work throughout the year to line up vendors, entertainment and sponsors.
The work is long, but Wesner says it’s all worth it.
“It’s a great, big weeklong party,” Wesner said. “It’s our Super Bowl.”
