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LUXEMBURG - The carnival rides, the cotton candy, the midway contests, the animal judging, the bands, the motorized mayhem in front of the grandstand — all are ready to entertain guests of the 102nd annual Kewaunee County Fair this week.
The public is welcome from Thursday through Sunday, although judging for Jr. Fair animals and exhibits started Monday and judging and displays for all classes, the centerpiece of this and county fairs across the country, continues through the week.
But there's more to this year's Kewaunee County Fair, including a couple of new events. Here's a look at five things to know heading to the fair.
The fair traditionally has leaned on country music for its Van's Lumber Midway Stage, usually including at least one nationally known act.
But competition from other places around the area, such as the Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander, made it difficult to book country music stars this year, Fair Board President Pat Benes said.
So, the fair is going in a different musical direction, with tribute bands bringing the rockin' sounds of the '70s and more.
It starts with Strutter, which says it's the longest-running KISS tribute band in the world (formed in 1988), taking the Midway Stage at 10 p.m. Friday. The band brings the costumes and makeup, the smoke and fire and more in a full KISS concert experience.
Saturday offers a triple shot of '70s and '80s rock with Dr. Bombay at 3 p.m., The Richrath Project 3:13 at 7:30 p.m. and Kevin Chalfant's Journey Experience at 10.
Dr. Bombay is led by Rod Scheuer, a 40-year-veteran of rock bands across the region. It plays classic rock hits from a variety of artists.
The Richrath Project is an REO Speedwagon tribute band named for Gary Richrath, its late guitarist and co-songwriter on hits like "Take It on the Run" and "In Your Letter." It's led by vocalist Michael Jahnz, who joined Richrath's own band and performed their music as well as REO's for more than a decade.
Chalfant sang for rock bands 707, The Vu and The Storm before briefly replacing Steve Perry as lead vocalist for rock super group Journey in 1994. His concert at the fair brings the hits that Journey that famous, such as "Lights," and "Don't Stop Believing."
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Also part of the run of old-time rock and pop hits at the fair, with a little country and comedy as well, is the "Frank's Tribute" show from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Local favorite Let Me Be Frank Productions takes the stage to offer the songs of Elvis, Reba McIntire, George Jones, Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond.
Proving that country hasn't totally gone away, Door County band Modern Day Drifters makes its debut on the fair stage at 7 p.m. Thursday.
A new event at the fair is a grilling contest, taking place on the midway from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Nationally recognized, self-proclaimed "griil-ologists" Mad Dog & Merrill of the "Midwest Grill'n" TV show will test their barbecue skills against members of the Casco, Luxemburg and Carlton fire departments, Benes said. Celebrity judges are expected to taste the meats and render a verdict; as of Monday, Benes said WBAY-TV Channel 2 Fox Valley Bureau Chief Emily Matesic has committed to be on hand.
Another new event is a children's scavenger hunt from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Aimed at ages 5 through 10, participants pick up a sheet of objects to find in the Expo Building on the grounds, then bring back the sheet, filled out with the correct answers, for prizes.
Most county fairs include some form of motorsports as part of their grandstand attractions, and Kewaunee County's is no exception.
Thursday's grandstand show is a tractor pull at 7 p.m., with a modified garden tractor pull at 6 p.m. Friday. Saturday's show is a 150-lap enduro race at 5:30 p.m., with stock cars basically trying to keep running the whole time and avoid obstacles such as other broken-down cars on the track.
Admission is free to all grandstand events with paid fair admission.
For a more literal form of horsepower, an Open Speed Show begins at 9 a.m. Sunday. Horses and riders in three age groups compete in 20 different classes.
Benes noted the Open Speed Show and Thursday's tractor pull are accepting entries, and they're not the only ways the public is taking part in fair activities.
Another is the Crown and Sash Dash, a 5K run/walk for all ages starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and ending at the fairgrounds. As the title implies, participants are invited to don formal wear to run; it's not mandatory but prizes are awarded for best dressed male and female in four age groups. Proceeds go to the Kewaunee County Fairest of the Fair contest.
Children get a chance to show their stuff in the Junior Amateur Talent Competition at 1 p.m. Sunday on the Prevea Children's Stage in the Expo Building. The winner in each age group (2 to 12 and 13 to 18) advances to the Wisconsin State Fair contest, and the top three in each earn a medal and cash prize ($100 for first place, $50 for second, $25 for third).
For more information on these events, visit kewauneecountyfair.com/thingstodo.
Also, the traditional Kewaunee County Fair Parade sponsored by the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce takes place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday through downtown Luxemburg. This year's theme is "Salute to America" to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.
The route starts at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1412 Main St., and heads up Main to Ralph Street, then First Street, then Elm Street, ending at the fairgrounds. Businesses and organizations are welcome to join the parade, and there is no charge or advance registration; to do so, be at Main Street and Church Road no later than 10:30 a.m.
The Kewaunee County Fairgrounds is at 625 Third St., Luxemburg. Gates open at noon Thursday, 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 until 4 p.m., $10 after 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; $8 all day Sunday; $25 for a season wristband. Admissions include all carnival rides and grandstand events. Rides open at 1 p.m. and run until 11:30 p.m., with a break from 5 to 6. Parking is $5 daily or $10 for a season pass.
For more information, call 920-845-9798, visit kewauneecountyfair.com or email kewauneecountyfair@gmail.com.
Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Kewaunee County Fair: Five things to know for 2019
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