Not every little city in America has a "fair grounds" inside it's boundries. Plymouth has been the host of the Sheboygan County Fair for as long as I can remember. It is a fenced in complex with old rickety white wood buildings and a Grandstand that spring to life once a year.
This is it! The Country Fair started Thursday and runs through Labor Day. It allows people to display their prized animals competing for the "biggest bull" to the plumpist tomato. Young future farmers of America proudly display their prize hefers, chicken and sheep. Blue ribbons hang all over the "cow barns".
Nana and Grandpa always waited until the Fair to subscribe to the Plymouth Review because they always got a special deal for an annual commitment. I think an annual subscription was around $15. Saving a dollar here or a dollar there was a big deal. The Sheboygan Press also offered deals.
The 'carnie boys" would always arrive several days early to set up the rides. As a kid, I would help assemble the rides and make a few bucks. When the Fair started, there were always a few tatooed "carnie studs" that operated the rides. I could never figure out why good looking ladies of promiscuous reputation always got to ride free.
Sprinkle in midway games along with beer and brat stands and you complete the festive atmosphere.
I always remember having limited cash. I could go on a few rides, have a brat and soda and then spend the rest of the day wandering through the barns and exhibits. Going home always meant being tired and "broke". It was the last chance to hang on to Summer because school started on Tuesday following Labor Day.
I know the Fair grounds house a few animals during the winter such as horses. My Dad kept several horses in the barns including a palomino named Duke. Starting in April each year, stock car races blast the air each Saturday night continuing thoughout the Summer.
After this weekend the Fair Grounds again becomes a big fenced in empty complex waiting for the next years County Fair. What can you say? It holds fond memories. It is tradition!.
Love,
Dad