Jefferson County Fair entertainment is announced

By Steve Sharp of the Daily Times staff
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:52 PM CDT

JOHNSON CREEK - Jefferson County Fair organizers were all smiles this morning during a press breakfast at the Comfort Suites conference rooms, during which they debuted entertainment for summer 2008. The fair runs July 9-13.

Jefferson County Fair Park Superintendent Roger Kylmanen, along with fair Secretary Gail Zastrow, informed members of the media and fair sponsors of the entertainment lineup, which includes '70s rock icon Eddie Money as well as “American Idol” singer Bucky Covington. Also on the musical menu are Watertown's seasoned rockers the Screamin' Night Hawks.

Money is scheduled to perform at the grandstand on Saturday, July 12, with the Night Hawks opening. Covington, with Madison County in support, will perform on Friday, July 11.

“We're happy to bring rock music back to the entertainment tent,” Kylmanen said, adding the Screamin' Night Hawks will perform in that venue immediately following their opening for Money at the fair's grandstand.

Kylmanen elaborated on some of the fair's other attractions as well, noting that new this year will be a trout pond, in which fishermen can release their catches or keep them after having them cleaned and frozen.

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Kylmanen noted Senior Citizens' Day has been moved to Wednesday, July 9. He also mentioned, due to a travel conflict, the fair's popular carnival midway, which would normally be operating on opening day of the fair, will begin its run on Thursday, July 10.

He said new this year will be a “Guitar Hero” competition and Big Cat Encounters, in which the public can become familiar with the world's largest cats. The attraction is similar to last year's “Elephant Encounters,” which was immensely popular.

“The ‘Elephant Encounters' went over so well last year that we wanted to continue with that animal theme,” Kylmanen said.

The Badger tractor and truck pulls are also, again, a part of this year's fair, as are the draft horses, demolition derby, assorted “roaming” entertainment and Meat Animal Project sale. The 4-H youths will parade their animals around at auction on Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m.

The 2007 Fairest of the Fair Madeline Anfang was in attendance at this morning's event. She said she has enjoyed her reign as fairest quite a bit and said it turned out to be a better experience than she had even anticipated. Anfang was second runner-up for the state fair's fairest designation.

“The past year has been amazing,” Anfang said. “I've met wonderful people and done some amazing things. I made great friends at the (fairest) convention and met some people with whom I will be friends for life. Thanks for that experience.”

Longtime Jefferson County Fair supporter and fair committee Chairman Howard Wiedenhoeft, who was also recently recognized by the county board for his dedication to the annual event, was honored more informally today, as well. Wiedenhoeft told those gathered he has always loved the county fair, thanked the sponsors for making the event possible and urged everyone to continue attending.

Zastrow thanked Wiedenhoeft and said that he has been a supporter of youths in Jefferson County about as far back as she can remember.

“Howard knows the value of youth programs in Jefferson County and the value of the fair,” Zastrow said.

Admission to this year's fair is $8, but there are special admission prices throughout the event, with Kids' Day set for Friday, July 11, when children 12 and under get in free until 5 p.m. Parking is free. For more information on other fair events and specials, visit the official Web site at www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com.