District Administrators Corner
by Loren Glasbrenner,
River Valley School District Administrator
Attending a county fair is one of the highlights of summer for many. And, even better is being an exhibitor. The River Valley School District has students involved in more than one. Rural Wisconsin has a rich tradition of celebrating youth, agriculture, and family during these fairs, so I researched the origin of the three that seem closest to home for us all.
County fairs have existed since the 1800’s in the United States, often starting as agricultural fairs or farm fairs (https://www.arcadiapublishing.com). Practices (such as sheep shearing) or improvement on equipment (such as plows) or feed for livestock were often displayed. These elements of a county fair are still present but often overlooked by the kids running to get to the games or rides. However, the intent of the fair was to educate by showing examples or offering samples. Technology was featured and entertainment was offered. Imagine members of an agricultural community gathering to learn, share, and celebrate...some of them only seeing each other at this event for the year.
The Sauk County Fair was held this past week during July 12-18. Livestock and projects are shown, bands are staged, and food and drink are enjoyed. Historically, a Sauk County agricultural society was formed in February of 1855 with a constitution adopted with the highlighted main objective of education. The focus was to improve the condition of agriculture, horticulture, mechanical manufacturing, and household arts for the area. The first fair was held October 16, 1855. It was first held in the downtown area, most likely near the circus area that was present. The fair grew into a success and in the spring of 1870, land was purchased east of Baraboo. This is the current location of the fairgrounds. Many buildings were put up and a fence was also put up. By 1890, the grounds were growing to become some of the finest in the state of Wisconsin. In the beginning there were more classes that were geared towards livestock and horses. Now it has expanded to include breeds of chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigeons, geese, sheep, rabbits, swine, goats, exotics, cats and dogs. You can enter projects that highlight your skills in photography, plant and soil science, knitting, crocheting, sewing, canning, baking, archery, or woodworking, to name a few. Originally entertainment was viewing racing (horse, vehicle, bike), pulls (horse, tractor, truck), derby, and demolitions (again, vehicles). Entertainment has also grown to include local, regional, and national music performers (www.saukcountyfair.com). Though much of our district is in southern Sauk County, families residing in the villages of Spring Green and Plain and townships of Spring Green, Bear Creek, Franklin, Troy, and Honey Creek participate in this fair.
The Iowa County Fair (a Labor Day weekend event, September 2-6) started in 1851 in Dodgeville and in 1856 the fair was moved to Mineral Point where the event has stayed ever since. Again, like all county fairs, it has been showcasing agricultural, educational and entertainment events to people from every town, village, and township in Iowa County. The River Valley School District includes the village of Arena and townships of Clyde, Wyoming, Ridgeway, and Arena with families exhibiting at this county fair. The Iowa County Fair has approximately 12,000 attendees for the extended weekend event. Many generations of Iowa County families have been participating in the Iowa County Fair and have made it an important part of their family traditions. This is the only activity that brings together generations with grandparents helping grandkids with their 4-H or FFA projects, just as the generations may have done before them.
Again, the objective is to educate the public by promoting agriculture and local industry. To fulfill this goal, the Iowa County Fair organizers have focused on helping 4-H groups and FFA teams be successful participants. Within 4-H and FFA, the livestock auction is where the community can support the local youth with their projects. To witness a livestock auction is truly a humbling experience. The donations and payments made to the youth of our communities helps to further their ventures and often pays for future education (www.iowacountyfair.com).
The Richland County Fair, held over the hill in Richland Center, is one of the final county fairs in Wisconsin held September 8-12. The agricultural society that formed this fair originated in 1857. Since then the objective has been to highlight “the character and operation of agricultural, mechanical, and household arts.” One of the founding exhibits was a highly-attended cattle show near the courthouse with the fair being held on the lawn downtown. After the Civil War, and due to the growing numbers of exhibits and participants, the fair organizers purchased four acres, which they outgrew and moved to the current fairground location on the western edge of town. Families in the village of Lone Rock and townships of Buena Vista or Ithaca participate at this fair and have enjoyed its rich traditions and history. The mission of the Richland County Fair remains youth focused--“The enrichment of our youth is important so our ability to strengthen and promote sharing experiences and accomplishments through exhibits and demonstrations are imperative to our Community … by bringing 4-H, FFA, youth and families from all areas of Richland County and surrounding to maintain a life-long learning for generations to come” (https://fair.co.richland.wi.us).
Supporting the history and current trends of agriculture and industry has never been so fun. Congratulations to all the students and families that successfully participate in these great county fairs! It is a labor of love to learn and show off such great work. And, if you get to have some deep-fried cheese curds while you learn, all the better.
(Watch for a future article with information on the River Valley School Fair, which will be held on Friday, September 24. There is no school on this day, and the homecoming parade starts at 3:00 pm, one hour later than prior years.)
