County Fair07

Waupaca County Post – Prime Time

September 21, 2006

When Waupaca Was Young

By Dan Nerhaugen

County Fair Drew Crowds of 12,000 per Day in 1906

Waupaca was “about deserted” 100 years ago this week thanks to the “most successful” Waupaca County Fair to date.

The Sept. 20, 1906, Waupaca Post observed, “There was a large crowd at the Weyauwega fair yesterday, and all unite in praise of the exhibition. The main hall is well filled with exhibits and the display of stock of all kinds, and machinery and buggies, is larger than usual.

“Yesterday was old soldiers’ day, and a large number of the survivors of the war enjoyed the hospitality of the fair association.

“Today an immense crowd is expected it being the banner day of the fair. Tomorrow will be children’s day.”

That day’s Waupaca Record noted, “Waupaca is about deserted today as many of our citizens are in attendance and tomorrow the public schools will close to enable the school children to attend.”

After the fair closed the Post reported: “The annual fair of the Waupaca County Agricultural Society, held at Weyauwega last week, was the most successful of any in the history of the association. The weather was fine all three days, a light rain on Friday afternoon being the only difficulty, and that did not materially affect the enjoyment.

“On Wednesday the receipts were $j50 large than ever before on a Wednesday, and on Thursday there was the largest crowd present ever on the grounds, it being estimated that 12,000 people were there. Friday, which was children’s day, called out another big gathering, about 600 going from this city.

“The Uden Wild West show and balloon ascensions were given as advertised, and were well worth seeing. The band contest on Friday was between the Waupaca and Readfield bands, Waupaca getting first prize, $50, Readfield second, $30, and Tustin, third, $20.

The following day’s Waupaca Republican focused on the county schools and their exhibits: “We saw principal Faust of our schools on Friday working hard on a fine exhibit of district and grade work from the Waupaca County schools.

“We noticed that two schools in Waupaca township carried off the first and second premiums for best drawing and written description accompanying same by pupils; the first being awarded to the school known as the John Ware district, Miss Mary Christianson teacher. There were also other very meritorious exhibits.”