jimbob- somebody should tell wclo to stop makingup things on the radio then!!!!

Ohhh a free tickle!!

Smoking is very pleasureable after eating one of my turkey legs.

Those legs are best enjoyed near the poultry structure where wind blown feathers will stick to the chocolate.

Yes me-a-cab would be wonderful. the driver and i could smoke cigarettes all day long.

westside, would Call-Me-Cab be Okay?

Gazettefan i will accept the offer- only if you provide an ambulance just incase i have a heart attack

I like the little pig races.... Especially when they take the loosing pig and put him on a rotisserie!!

Sure.

You can also get nuts reading some of these posts!

Could I get nuts on that?

westside, I could sue you for that!

I'd like to make amends though. Come back for a complimentary big giant turkey leg dipped in boiling chocolate.

OH my goodness people, all of you who are just complaining about the fair need to just not read the articles. You can read that most of you dont even know what the fair is really about. I have been in 4-H for the past 10 years and this year will be my last. With out the fair and 4-H i would not be where i am now. The fair is what i look forward to all year. If people dont like the rock county fair then instead of complaining about it do something to help change it!! And for all of the people complaining about the smell grow up and get over it. As i always say "Its the fresh smell of Wisconsin"

I tried the chez gazettefan food tent and now i have food poisoning! lol

Be sure to visit my food stand: Chez gazettefan. Where this year I'll be featuring soup on a stick for you calorie counters and deep-fried lard for you who know that real good eatin' is not for the nervous.

jvlsucks,
Thanks for taking the time to remind us, repeatedly, that the Rock County Fair sucks. I know that I really appreciate the fact that you've nothing better to do than post these ridiculous entries.
Keep fighting the good fight.

Yes some animals do die at the fair , but it is not any more often than they would at home. A year or two ago we lost some pigs, but that was due to a inexpeienced youth who poured cold water on them. He thought he was helping them to cool off but what really happened it threw their body into shock and they died.

As for the poultry barn I know we were very proud of ourselves and didn't lose a single bird last year.

Extreme heat dose kill animals but they could just as easily die from it at home as at the fair. In fact they have more attention paid to them at the fair than if they were at home and it is far more likely that if a animal is getting stressed out from heat that it will be treated faster (if its at the fair)than if it was in the barn or pasture where they may only be loooked at chore time.

Good luck to everyone on what is the start of the longest week in any 4H families life LOL

I'm with you, MikeF.

Walworth County Fair might have a better location, parking, food, rides, prices, and entertainment, but it lacks something that Rock County Fair has...the connection to the community that I grew up in. When I go to the Rock County Fair, I see projects made by kids that I know in my club and kids that I see at county wide events. I see business vendors that I patronize year round. I see friends and neighbors walking around that I greet. When I go to the Walworth County Fair, I see projects by strangers, businesses I do not ever patronize, and maybe one person I recognize in a sea of strangers.
To me, the Rock County Fair is the better fair (even with the small location, no parking, smelly animals, overpriced food, and "has-beens and never-will-bes") because of the local community connections.

You don't have to repeat yourself...no one cared the first time you posted it.

Be sure to visit my food stand: Chez gazettefan. Where this year I'll be featuring soup on a stick for you calorie counters and deep-fried lard for you who know that real good eatin' is not for the squeamish.

Those pigs in George Orwell's Animal Farm had the right idea!!!

I wonder if all those circus animal protesters will now become fair animal protesters?

Hannah,
The animals are most definitly NOT cooler at the fair. Exhibitors are not allowed to bring fans no matter how hot it gets down there. I can guarantee that our animals are much cooler at home where we are able to take care of them properly.

hannah - sorry, I do not get WCLO over here.
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Would someone else confirm that the animals are cooler at the fair than they would be tucked in at home?
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If not the heat, then perhaps it was the smells that killed those bacon-breeders from a few years ago.

long-time gone- they mentioned on the radio that the animals are actually cooler at the fair than if they were at home because mostly i guess from the tank of water to keep them cool.

deweeze- old doesnt always mean better or best.

Example GM- old but not best anymore compared to the OHIO plant i have been told.Somebody I know whos husband had to go there (i know hear it from bla bla bla) anyway see saw the plant there and could understand now why they shut down this one. So they closed it.as they mentioned tooo much money to bring it into new standards. sorry to bring up gm just an example. please dont jump sown my throut.

jvlsucks- not a real nice name to use but oh well- Yes Walworth Co Fair is suposed to be the best. They have truck pulls and LOTS of events. we used to have truck pulls here long ago. I havent been to walworth fair since I was young but do remember if my parents went at all they prefered that one.

mgmgrand- do you think it is down because they DONT take care of it????? Go to jefferson co fair. that is a NICE fair and they have their own parking lot.

Good post, deweeze! It's great to see Janesville and the surrounding communities coming together!!
**
We get it,jvlsuks. Our fair isn't really a fair. It's too small. It isn't Walworth, etc. Great insight. To some people (me, maybe others) our fair may not be the biggest, but it's what we have, and it's a good time for us. I understand that I'm not the blog police, but I can assure you that you've gotten your point across, maybe it's time you moved on to other stories so that you can enlighten us in other areas as to how much Janesville sucks. You're obviously an asset to not only the discussions taking place on this website, but to the city itself.

The Rock Co fair is not the best, but it is very special - trouble is, animals die when the heat is such, and the bathrooms are gross, and where are the horses, and tractor pulls, I would love to see tractor pulls. And more local bands off the main would be great, and the grandstands may be standing, but they are far from grand, but it is a romantic little place, when pigs are not dying from heat and animals are not stressed from lack of airflow through those decrepid buildings, but oh, it is very special, just wish they had a place for horses, did I mention tractor pulls?

mgmgrand... The gentleman in Nashville that the fair board worked with to book entertainment is no longer with us. God rest his soul. He had a special talent of knowing who were the new up and commers and who would become the next generation's legends. They would do the fair tours to get their name and music out there and they played for next to nothing. They knew how to pay their dues. Not so with new performers now days.
Also it use to be that they could not perform with in 150 miles of Janesvile within 90 days of the fair (before or after)(if memory serves me right). I dont know if that is still true or not.
I would much rather pay $8 a day/night and suport Rock County's Youth and to see these great shows. Then to spend over a $100 to go to Madison, The Dells or whereever these great classic country performers play otherwise.

THINK LOCAL! SUPORT LOCAL! Thats why we have the oldest 4-H fair (youth only!!!) in the nation!!!! And in my opinion the BEST FAIR AROUND!!!

mgmgrand said - "New buildings would have to be constructed, roads installed, land leveled, etc. All this would not just be donated for free."
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Did you just land on planet earth? Of course this was all being "donated for free."
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The chairman of the fair board, and the town board of LaPrairie rejected moving, rejected the site, rejected sharing the site with a baseball stadium, rejected year-round entertainment, rejected fears of traffic conjestion, rejected new infrastructure, rejected and distrusted "rich people" for wanting to leave behind a legacy as Joseph Craig once did ....
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Now, Mr. "ABC Supply" Hendricks has passed, Mr. "Milwaukee Bucks" Fitzgerald lives in California, and the rich people that are left there in my ole hometown will not touch that hot stove again, seeing how the motives of others were questioned on the front page of thie newspaper for weeks on end.

mgmgrand: you are right about people complaining about the animal smell. Last year we had several families plug thier noses as they walked through the barns and asked why we didin't have air freshners. I laughed so hard after they left that I had tears in my eyes.

People - do you ever think the fair is losing money because of attendance being down? And that is why everything is going up? I do remember the fair being better when I was younger too. I found out the reason there were such good bands 15-20 years ago, is because whoever was in charge of the entertainment had an 'in' with the music industry. But now that person is no longer associated with the fair, and someone else is doing their best to find good entertainment.

One thing I do agree with, is moving the fair to a larger location. But it will cost millions to do so. How many of you would donate to the fair just to help them with the move? New buildings would have to be constructed, roads installed, land leveled, etc. All this would not just be donated for free. It is going to cost money. I would love to see things added to fair. But they do not have the space to add anything else. So once again, instead of B****ing about the quality, see what you can do to help improve it.

We are a town full of whiners and complainers. Most of the people I see posting here, are the same ones complaining about the Jaycees having to move the fireworks (which was awesome), and/or having a beer tent. Next will you be complaining about the smell of the farm animals??

These organizations do the best with what they have (as far as money goes). You need to applaud them for providing the entertainment they do provide for you. If you want better entertainment, donate more money.

lakeneddy- I am not sure who funds it? the church hahah??!! I didnt really remember the parking part (that you missed)I just wrote about the shuttle because I heard it on the radio.

ihavealife- I believe it is $55 for the week now to park. INSANE. ofcourse we shouldnt complain topo much if you park for the DAY in chicago it is $35 unless your at an event like Wicked and get your ticket stamped then it was $12. I forgot to do that the first time when I went. Did it correctly the second time. I would give up the fair $'s and go see wicked if I were all of you. It is a must see!!!

I remember riding the Black spider thing when i was very WEE and my dad was 150 lbs or so. I begged and begged. we spun around so fast because of the weight diff. That was the last ride my dad ever took me on with him.

gravatron ugh.

There is a ride at Great america that takes you up straight very high then just drops you. also ugh

I wasnt right and felt unbalanced the rest of the day.

You used to be able to pay once at the church,you HAVE to ask for a weeks pass to park.That's how it was when my girls were in 4-H.

I guess I could have just read that part of the article:) Sorry, disregard my last post, Hannah!!

lakennedy- I also believed the school house was moved to that location but I dont remember why and from where.

Hannah, who funds that shuttle? I had no idea it existed. What a great option.

Thanks for the info. I think we will go after we have our State Fair musical performance.

upnorthwi- I can see the church wanting to ban the move of the fair or theyll lose tons of funds. you can get FREE shuttle from creston park

Twerp, to get to Marshall you take the Deerfield exit off I-90 (heading West). It only took us about 35-40 minutes to get there. I didn't see any games, just rides. They're unlimited, though, when you buy the wristbands (there are four levels to choose from). It's only open until the end of September, so take your daughter soon!!! It is well worth the trip, and we rode that wood rollercoaster at least thirty times. It never got old:) Check out the website: www.littleamerricka.com

That is the Francis Willard Schoolhouse and it was Janesville's First school I believe.

What is that school house on the fair grounds? I remember going there for a field trip when I was younger...it's right by the cheese curd stand, isn't it? Just wondering...

lakennedy I can't remember how far away (from Janesville)is Marshall? I was thinking of Little Amerika the other day when I saw that they have a new wood roller coaster there. Sounds like a fun place. Do they have games as well?

As for fair food I am looking forward to the eclaires and the cheese curds.

I'm lucky I have to be at fair all week with my daughter for showing so I guess I will just HAVE to try out a little bit of everything. No wonder why my clothes don't fit the week after fair LOL.

I too think the parking costs are a bit high. I remember when it was only a 1.oo to park there. At least nowdays I get to park at my moms house a block away from the fair so I can save $$$ on the parking( all the more for fair goodies)

I'm still bummed I missed Garth Brooks. Tilt-A-Whirl and hot dogs sounds like a bad combo. lol. Hope you have a good time watching Randy Travis, Twerp!!!

tilt a wirl and hot dogs are a bad combo too
LOL
. I remember Tiffany at the fair had to see her and I also remember when Garth Brooks came. They were both packed shows !

I can't wait to hear Randy Travis this year.

Nice, I got a good chuckle out of that!

I threw up once when I was younger due to a nasty mixture of a funnel cake and the Gravitron...which I believe is its sole reason for existing.

lakennedy..Are you throwing up because you eat so much food b/c it's not from all the beer they don't serve?

yep, I've been there too. It was years ago when my older kids were little. They had a wonderful time. We will have to make it a point to go to Little Amerikka next time we go down south. Thanks for reminding me:)

Oh, and more on topic, even though the fair seems to grow more expensive every year, it definitley has its merits. Besides funding my trip, the only real problem I have with going to the fair is figuring out what I'm going to eat...everything is so good, and it just tastes better at the fair.

If you're not in to spending money on the food...FREE SMELLS on the food walk-way and in the barns:)

And for those of you complaining about entertainment...we can't be as lucky as we once were when Tiffany graced our lovely grandstand! There is no way to appease everyone's musical interests. Make the best of fair week. Everyone who grew up in Janesville has to have some great memory from the fair...throwing up, meeting up with crushes, etc...

Upnorth, I went to Baybeach last summer with my son and was very impressed with the park. If you're interested in more finance friendly family fun, check out Little Amerikka in Marshall, WI. My sister and I took our children there on Saturday. The admission standards are set up according to the specific childs ability to ride...meaning my son is only five, so we paid $11.95 to ride every ride in the park (around 15) except the largest three, because he was too short to go on them (and his mom was to afraid to accompany him, anyway). In addition to excellent pricing, we didn't have to wait in line for more than 5 minutes anywhere, and you can bring in a cooler with lunch/snacks, so no need to spend extra money on their concessions (even though they are available). The employees here are also extremely kind and entertaining. I hope you go soon.

I guess ALL WEEK doesn't include ALL the DAYS in the week, according to twerp13.

I'd rather see local bands versus the so called "national" acts the fair brings in. I mean come on no REO Speedwagon this year?? (for those of you with no humor, that was a joke)

Next year ask11 is going to be in charge of entertainment for the fair, seen as they do not like what line up is here.

I'm sorry, but I think for the church to charge that much for parking is robbery. They can make a ton of $$ even if they only charged a couple $$ or took donations. Why does EVERTHING have to be so expensive??? The rides are way too much. I only used to take my kids on the free day to see animals and pay an arm & leg for treats. We recently went to Green Bay, they have a park called Bay Beach on Lake Michigan. What a wonderful amusement park!! All rides were either 25 or 50 cents. The kids had a ball on $10.00.

Rock County 4-H Fair = waste of money!!
FYI...get some real musicians not some "has beens" and "never will be's".

ljs64 Daily tickets are $5 for youth 7 to 12 and $8 for 13 and older Wednesday through Saturday. Children younger than 7 are admitted for free. All admission is half-price Tuesday, and senior admission Thursday also is half-price.

Season tickets also are available for $10 for ages 7 to 12 and $22 for those 13 and older.

What part of DAILY TICKETS didn't you understand?

Also it stated that ride specials run all week, it didn't say every day. Please read a little more carefully next time.

I think the Gazette did a good job on this article keep up the good work.

ljs 64 has a point they dont proofread very well. No, I dont want to do it either as you all know if you read my comments I am NOT qualified. But even I can catch their silly errors like that.

http://www.rockcounty4hfair.com/

for exact info. I didnt see the site listed in article but I may have missed it. Very imformative on the specials youre asking aobut.

Yes please do visit the 4H Pepsi/Cream puff tent. As MikeF mentioned a part of every sale goes directly to the 4H clubs here in Rock County.
What a tasty and easy way to support the 4H youth !

Remember 4H IS NOT JUST FOR FARM KIDS and you don't have to raise animals to be a part of 4H. There are so many projects that you can do. Visit the awarness tent next to the cream puffs to find out more about 4H and how/where to join.

We'll see you there. :)

Don't forget to check out the garden veggies and crops in the Block building.

I did read the entire article and even after reading the "details" the article is still confusing. I don't think it is too much to expect a newspaper to be able to communicate to their readers in a clear and concise manner.

ljs64- Why don't you go back and reread the ENTIRE article and you will see the details on admission pricing and the details on the ride specials.
After you are done with that, why don't you submit your resume to the Gazette to be an editor or proof reader, because obviously you are perfect and have nothing better to do with your time than to pick apart newspaper articles.

"For a mere $8 you can see Ronnie Milsap at 8 p.m. Thursday; Randy Travis at 8 p.m. Friday; Corbin Bleu at 8 p.m. Saturday and Lady Antebellum at 6 p.m. Sunday."
So, if I buy 1 admission ticket I can come back all 4 days and see all the music acts?? That's what the article states.
"Ride specials run all week, starting with Kid’s Day from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday"
"There are no ride specials Saturday"
Ok which is it?? Ride specias all week or not??

Be sure to visit my food stand: Chez gazettefan. Where this year I'll be featuring soup on a stick for you calorie counters and deep-fried lard for you who know that real good eatin' is not for the squimesh.

There are a lot more judged entries than just animals at the fair. There are over 1000 photo entries in the Craig Center this year! Also, check out the clothing projects. These items were hand made by high school and younger aged kids! Head over to the Blackhawk building and check out the ceramics, the drawings and paintings, and other visual arts items. While there look at the woodworking projects and the model rockets (gotta love something that flies hundreds of feet into the air in a couple seconds). Also, there is a display area where all the projects are covered in plastic, these are the cloverbud projects and were all made by 1st and 2nd graders!
I highlighted only a few examples, but hopefully you can see there is much more to the fair than animals, carnival rides, and fattening food. Speaking of fattening food, make sure you stop by the creme puff and Pepsi food tent near the Craig Avenue stage. The profits benefit local 4-H clubs. While there, pop into the awareness tent next door and see what 4-H is all about.