The Fair Truth about Entertainment

Question: What part of "Rock County 4-H Fair" do we not understand?

It's not "Rock County Concert Week" or "Rock County Mega Star Week". Its a FAIR. A 4-H Fair.

Yes, part of the appeal of the fair has always been some form of entertainment. And for a number of years, having well-known performers was a viable part of the entertainment mix of the fair. Due to the incredible inflation in the cost of those types of acts... its becoming impossible to cover the costs with a meager $8 admission.

How people expect the fair board to book artists that would command $30-$50 in any other venue, and provide them for $8 in addition to all the other costs of running the fair baffles me.

The fact is there is GREAT family entertainment. Most people just choose to ignore it.
There is the 4-H and FFA Royalty coronation on Tuesday. These kids are the heartbeat of the fair and the future of our community. Yet the grandstands are never more than half full.
The Star Contest on Wednesday is lots of fun, with your local neighbors putting on a great show. Have you ever attended?
Then there are concert acts - and yes, they are legitimate acts who have music on the radio (even though they may not have superstar status).. and a new Rodeo this year on Sunday which should be a blast.
Plus there is all kinds of "side stage" entertainment throughout the day.
Again... all for eight dollars!!

So let us consider ALL the fair really is:

-- A gathering of community for fun and activities.
-- The largest display of youth projects and activities in one place.
-- Six days of FREE entertainment from the grandstand to the food fair stage and more.
-- A Carnival that is nearly unequaled at any other fair short of the state fair.
-- Dozens of vendors with interesting products who will take the time to chat with you about the products, benefits and innovations.
-- Hundreds of animals, all expertly cared for by our future farmers.
-- And yes, all those favorite fair time foods we probably shouldn't love but we treat ourselves to.

All that. All in one place. For less than the price of a movie ticket to get in the gate.

So please, before you go bashing the entertainment lineup -- give some credit to the folks who work tirelessly to put the fair together. And then, plan to come and support the true stars of the fair -- our 4-H and FFA kids.