Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
P.J. Glisson/Daily Globe AS SHOWN here on Saturday, the Go-Gator roller coaster proves a popular ride with children attending the Iron County Fair. From left are the children of Erin and Cliff Halvorson: Kas, 7; Stella, 2; and Franklin, 4.
P.J. Glisson/Daily Globe MASTER GARDENER Melissa Geach stands next to a display of produce at the Saxon County Fair. The bags shown on the table in the commercial building are of corn and grass silage, which is used to feed farm animals such as cows and horses.
SAXON, Wis. - Saxon had a high-energy weekend with three fun-filled days of activities at the Iron County Fair.
As the aroma of familiar fair foods wafted throughout the air, ongoing music - whether live or piped in - provided an additional lift, along with the squeals of kids enjoying a host of carnival rides.
Rain posed a threat on Saturday, but resulted only in some inconsequential sprinkles during festivities that drew a steady stream of people of all ages moving in every direction.
"Everything went really, really well," said Cortney Ofstad, secretary/treasurer of the Iron County Fair Board on Monday. "We had a great weekend."
Ofstad said that 5,224 people attended the fair over three days, up by more than 500 from last year.
"I think weather was a big thing," she said, noting that rain did hamper some of last year's activities.
According to Ofstad, some of the most popular fair activities included the draft horse pulling competition and the antique tractor demonstrations by the Lake Superior Tired Iron Club, which also offered a tractor parade.
A kids' tractor pull also was held Saturday in the pavilion.
Horse shows also kept participants and viewers busy. A new horse presentation was offered this year by the Stateline Drill Team, whose members performed their Friday evening routine to country music.
Animals of all sizes also were on display in the horse, cow and small animal barns.
The commercial building featured homemaking exhibitions, including vegetables and flowers and projects in kitting and sewing.
Melissa Geach, a master gardener from Montreal, was there to encourage membership in the Range Master Gardeners, whose members contribute to various community causes.
For instance, said Geach, "We take care of the pocket park (in Ironwood)."
One surprising element of Saturday's action was a volleyball competition right next to the carnival area. Highly talented players representing local businesses showed great spunk in their friendly interplay.
S & J Enterprizes provided carnival rides on all three days, including a hang glider, Go-Gator roller coaster, merry-go-round, berry-go-round, drop zone, and other options.
In the bounce house on Saturday were the daughters of Mike Swartz of Hurley. Calls of "look, dad!" came as Jordynn, 5, and Hattie, 2, showed great acrobatic skills. "Getting them out is the issue," chuckled their dad.
Carnival games and treat stands also were available.
On Sunday, Sgt. Mike Randall of the Iron County Sheriff's Office was present in uniform, providing assurance of safety.
He reported no issues, commending a "nice crowd" and noting that part of his duties included judging pies, which then were auctioned off to support 4-H projects. Afterward, Randall was getting a hot dog from a food booth run by the Iron County Fire Association.
Local food booths included the 4-H Dairy Booth and the Northwoods Christian Academy.
4-H kids had projects displayed in the youth building, where they also ran a silent auction.
Live music throughout the weekend was provided by IV Play, Outlaw'D, Flashback, Spoonsfor, Sean VanZeeland and Johnny Propane.
According to Ofstad, this year's Homemaker of the Year was Penny Ratkowski of Saxon, and the Gardener of the Year was Nicole Bichanich of Iron Belt.
