Headline: State’s oldest fair gears up

This is the Dodge County Free Fair’s 165th year, and will be held July 13-17.
Located at the fairgrounds, the fair will introduce a few new elements this summer. A big, metal canopy called Township Square is being unveiled for people at the free stage to get a break from the sun. All of the townships in the county donated money to buy the $6,500 canopy.
There will also be an expanded farmer’s barn, with a new petting zoo, said Marilyn Lermon, president of the Dodge County Fair Board.
New this year to the Grandstand is a pick-up truck pull on July 15. There are new lights at the Grandstand and new aluminum seats have been installed and take the place of wood seats.
As always, food will be plentiful at the fair. There will be as many as 22 food vendors, featuring everything from mini donuts, funnel cakes, and roasted corn to burgers, brats and cheese curds.
Two of the new food vendors this year at the fair will be Sammy’s, which sells sandwiches, and Hammero’s, which is known for its barbecue, Lermon said.