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Catch fair fever at 160th Crawford County Fair

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This year’s Crawford County Fair Theme is “Fair Fever – Catch the Fun!” Swing into Gays Mills Aug. 22-26 to celebrate the 160th year of the fair. (Courier Press file photos)

The 160th Crawford County Fair is set for Aug. 22-26 in Gays Mills. This year’s theme is “Fair Fever – Catch the Fun!” Area communities are invited to celebrate all weekend, with a special observance for the 160th anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 26, at 12 p.m.

Advance fair ticket sales will be available until Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m., at the fair office and Crawford County UW-Extension office. Advance season gate passes will cover all four days.

Aside from the Crawford County 4-H and FFA youth who show and display everything from goats and cattle to plants and farm dioramas, the midway offers carnival rides for all ages, Thursday through Sunday, from 12:30 p.m. to close. Earl’s Rides provides the midway entertainment. Ride tickets and wristbands can be purchased on-site.

The schedule of events is packed with family-friendly fun. Wednesday, Aug. 22, is mainly animal showing and other exhibits on display. 

Starting Thursday, Aug. 23, animal judging and kids entertainment will happen throughout the day. At 6 p.m., the grilled cheese competition will pit home cooks against one another in a mission to create the tastiest, most-appealing and unique grilled cheese sandwiches. As of Friday, Aug. 24, three young chefs and eight entries in the adult divisions were registered. Another highlight of the evening will be the Southwest Pullers Tractor and Truck Show at 7 p.m. This event will feature over 10 classes.

Friday, country sensation Parmalee will headline the musical stage, following opening act and local favorite, Smoking Gun Showdown. 

On Saturday, Aug. 25, the annual 5K walk/run will start at 8:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Nifty Neighbors 4-H Club, registration begins at 7:30 in the entertainment tent. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers overall and the top three participants in each age group. Proceeds benefit the Nifty Neighbors’ education fund, a Crawford County Food Pantry and the Casa Hogar Running Club in Peru. Please bring new or lightly used running shoes or running clothes for the children of Casa Hogar.

Also on Saturday, at noon, the antique tractor pull will take place, showcasing an abundance of area antique tractors. At 7 p.m., the popular demolition derby, put on by Hard Hit Promotions, will feature cars destroying cars. The last one standing will win.

On the final day, Sunday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m., a ranch rodeo involving horse riders, barrel racers and ropers will enthuse the crowd. At the “Got Talent Contest,” at noon, a celebration will give prominence to the music of the Class of ‘62, featuring The Surf Boys. Also in the talent contest, amateur contestants will compete in two age divisions: youth and teen. The winner will advance to the Wisconsin State Fair talent contest. Performers should come at 11:30 for open practice.

Getting to Gays Mills

Due to road construction on Highway 27, an alternate route from Prairie du Chien to Gays Mills is available. Take Highway 35 North to Highway 171, take Highway 171 to Mount Sterling, then follow Highway 171 to Gays Mills, then take Highway 131 South. 

Volunteers still needed

Each year, the Crawford County Fair Board appreciates the support of residents from throughout the county and beyond. The fair board is asking for assistance, and volunteer registration forms are available online.

Volunteers of any age are needed for a variety of tasks during and after the fair—from working fair events including assisting with parking and security at events, to working the grandstands and entrance gates.

To fill out a registration form for volunteering or for a number of fair activities, visit crawfordcountywisconsinfair.com.

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