Advertisement The 119th annual La Crosse Interstate fair will be July 15-19 at the fairgrounds in West Salem on Highway 16 at Highway M.
Those in charge of putting the fair together always make sure there’s at least one new improvement each year. A new horse building added last year is a tough act to follow.
And, said fair event coordinator Marla Stello, you can’t put up a new building every year. “Each year we try to do something,” she said. This year’s most noticeable improvement to the fairgrounds is a new coat of paint on some of the pole buildings.
As with every year, this fair will see a mix of newcomers and fair veterans. The broad range of exhibits, vendors and entertainment offer a little something for everyone.
“I think we get a variety (of people),” Stello said. “Some folks come back every year. You always get a new group who’s never been before.”
Stello grew up going to the fair. After getting her start showing dairy and swine, Stello went on to become the fair coordinator, a position she’s held for 15 years.
“It’s not a job that many people want, but I’m good at it,” she said. Her years in 4-H, doing the necessary preparation for the fair, honed her abilities to see a project through and prepared her well for her current duties.
Having something of interest for everyone has always been a priority for Stello and other organizers. “We always like to have new family entertainment,” Stello said. “And the exhibits are always new.”
The 4-H Showcase Singers will perform at this year’s fair. The group will feature Bangor High School graduate Siera Holzhausen.
Both young and old alike have spent weeks, or even months, getting exhibits ready and preparing their animals for the fair.
“Certainly there’s some preparation that goes into it,” said Steve Huntzicker, UW-Extension agent. “It’s a nice opportunity to show off their hard work. They put (exhibits) on display not only for family and friends but for the whole community to see.”
The fair itself is quintessential family entertainment. “It’s a week together, because (families) all do get involved,” Huntzicker said.
Kids — those 19 and under — can show animals or crafts in the junior division. All others compete in the open division. Stello said that watching people smile and have a good time at the fair is the best part of her job. Getting a ribbon or trophy is an added bonus for them.
“It’s amazing how good people feel when they get something,” she said.
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