The Gogebic County Fair has been held in Ironwood, Michigan for over a century. Every other week in August, people would gather at the fairgrounds. When the community learned that the fair might be canceled, they came together to find a solution.
Following the 2023 County Fair, a number of barns were burned down on the fairgrounds in September. This led to the county board deciding in October that they did not want to hold the County Fair at the fairgrounds. Linda Nelson, a member of the fair board, reported what they have done to ensure the fair can still take place this year.
Put the fair back on the schedule
“Last September. There was a fire in some barns at our fairgrounds. And in October, the county board met and said we shouldn’t use our fairgrounds last year. So we had to come up with an alternative and we went to the town of Ironwood. We went to the Pat O’Donald Civic Center. We went to Gogebic Community College and I’m going to ask them if we could use that venue for the Gogebic County Fair. And they said yes.”
“So first I called the city manager and then I had to go to the Pat O’Donnell Civic Board and ask them if we could do it here. And then I went to the college and got permission from the college board to use the parking lots. So we had all our options covered and every single person was more than willing to help and they wanted to work with the communities and make this happen. So it happened, it happened and we are so grateful.”
This was accomplished not only by the fair board and city council, but also by the community through volunteerism and other areas to make the fair possible this year. A local man who does chainsaw carving shared his experience.
“There were rumors that it wouldn’t happen, but there were a lot of volunteers and a lot of hard work. And this year it all worked out. And although some of the elements from last year were missing, the tradition will continue.”
Enjoy the festivities
Thanks to the commitment and support of the city and the local community college, the fair continued to be in full swing. From auctions to rides to chainsaw carving, it was a treat for all generations.
“I think the best thing this year, like every year, is seeing the little kids in the 4-H club with the animals. They really care for these animals with passion and love, and it shows,” said Joel, a visitor to the fair.
The fair filled the days it was held and gave back to the community each time and helped build the fair for years to come. We were also informed that construction has already begun on new barns at the fairgrounds. Fair board members said if all goes well, next year’s fair should be held at the fairgrounds as it has for the last 100 years.
“This way we can get everything up and running and be ready for next year’s trade fair with full momentum.”
They have a website, gogebiccountyfair.com. For inquiries or for those interested in being a vendor at future events, they recommend sending messages to the Gogebic County Fair. One can also call any member of the Fair Board or even send them a private message.
