8/28/2025

IRONWOOD - The Gogebic County Friends of the Fair Board met to review this year’s fair and start planning for next year. Despite lower attendance – 3,355 tickets, due to the lack of a carnival, thunderstorms, and the Rice Rodeo Company’s Sunday cancellation, the fair was a success, highlighted by a $28,470 pie auction. The rodeo company refunded their fee, which will be returned to donors. Fairgoer feedback was positive, though the flag-raising ceremony started early. The volleyball tournament and 4-H Youth Challenge were successful, but the latter was too long. IV Play has been re-booked for next years fair. The board hopes to rebook the rodeo. The board donated $400 to student volunteer groups, the Bessemer Key Club, Ironwood National Honors Society, and the Ironwood Esports team. Future projects include updating the Fair Premium Book. Other discussions involved replacing fire-lost items, praising the social media team, acknowledging a thank you from McGee Stables, and noting the new fair contact information. The next board meeting is September 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the fair office.