By Eileen Persike
MMC Staff
RHINELANDER – It’s been two years since Rhinelander’s Pioneer Park was lit up with the sights and sounds of the Oneida County Fair. The good news is the 2021 edition expects to make up for lost time with new entertainment and a new carnival.
“The public, for years and years, have been complaining about the carnival we had, they wanted different things, wanted new rides,” said Fair Coordinator Thomas Barnett. “We decided to look around to see if there was a better option and we found Tri-State Amusements and said we need to give him a shot.”
The carnival will be selling wrist bands for $25, which will be valid for unlimited rides during one of the selected four-hour time slots, and Mega Bands for $60 that will be valid for the entire fair weekend. See www.ocfairwi.com for details.
More than anything, Barnett said he is looking forward to seeing people having a good time again.
“The smiles, the excitement in the kids’ faces when they’re playing Kidbucks Game Show or they’re watching our ventriloquist/musician that we have this year,” Barnett said. “And obviously I’m uber excited for my favorite contest of the year, the Sexiest Men’s Legs in a Kilt contest.”
That contest, which Barnett describes as the “WWE of the kilt world,” takes place at noon Saturday on the Red Pine stage. This year will include a local celebrity contestant.
“Yes,” Barnett said. “The Hodag bought an actual kilt and will be competing this year.”
And it’s all free.
A variety of musical entertainment kicks off with a blues and rock band, the Dave Steffen Band, Thursday at 7 p.m. Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. features Feed the Dog, with a high-energy jam-rock-grass style. The funk-fusion group Wurk, from Madison, performs Friday at 7 p.m. Northwoods favorite Tuck Pence takes the stage Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The audience will hear the music of Elton John and Billy Joel come to life Saturday at 7 p.m., when Mike Sigman brings his Piano Man show to the fair.
Sunday, Aug. 1, features bestselling author, humorist, playwright and radio show host Michael Perry performing at 2 p.m.
Each day kids can visit the Havens Petting Farm, and participate in the KidBuck$ Game Show. Friday and Saturday will also include Magic Village, a magic and ventriloquism show.
It wouldn’t be the fair without food vendors, 4-H exhibits and events, a beverage tent, and much, much more. For a complete listing of events, visit www.ocfairwi.com. See you at the Fair!
