By Lori EhdeIt’s been a building and rebuilding year at the Rock County Fairgrounds as volunteers and fair board members have been working to prepare for this weekend.The Aug. 3 storm last year damaged 250 feet of privacy fence and downed trees and branches on the fairgrounds. "The county and the city have been helpful in removing debris and assisting us in getting a new fence," said Fair Board Treasurer Isaac De Boer. "We’ve worked on repairing storm damage and updating existing facilities every week for the last two months, so it’s been a lot of work."In addition to storm repairs, the most noticeable improvement to fairgoers will be the addition of 10 stalls to the north side of the horse barn. According to De Boer, the 16-by-100-foot addition was prompted by increasing numbers at the horse show."The area of 4-H that’s growing the most is horses," he said. "And if everyone were allowed to bring all their horses, we still wouldn’t have enough room."He said horse show participants have more than 50 horses involved this year, but the building with its new addition, accommodates 42 horses."The horse people put on a good show," he said. Competition is Friday morning, and a fun show is Saturday afternoon.De Boer said history buffs are another group garnering increasing attention at the fair. "The Historical Society has been working hard and is adding new things to the history barn," De Boer said. "That’s been a good draw."Putting a sidewalk from the 4-H food stand to the barn was another big project this summer. "It will allow better access, especially for handicapped people," he said. "It’s a lot easier to walk on a smooth surface."Back by popular demand, an antique tractor show will return to the fairgrounds again this year. People are invited to bring their antique tractors to the fairgrounds from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday to display them near the history barn.De Boer said the fair promises a solid lineup of entertainment again this year.Chester Yacklay, the chainsaw wood carver, will return again this year. He’ll carve logs into statues and artwork Friday and Saturday afternoons starting at 2 p.m.The Talent Show had 20 entries as of Tuesday for the Thursday night event in the grandstands.The popular Christian pop group, Building 429, will perform in concert Friday night. The group just earned the Best New Artist of the Year by the Christian Music Association, so tickets were expected to sell out.The Biofuels Enduro Races will fill the grandstands Saturday. There were 50 entries as of Tuesday, and organizers are expecting to turn away last-minute requests to race.See page 8A for a complete schedule of fair events.
