For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – It’s the largest traveling carnival midway in the U.S., and Central Wisconsin State Fair executive director Dale Christiansen says it’s in Marshfield this week, direct from the Indiana State Fair.

“We were able to land the largest mobile carnival in the United States (North American Midway), and we’re pretty proud that we were able to do that,” Christiansen said.
The Central Wisconsin State Fair opened Aug. 21, more than a week earlier than in the past. Because of the change to a new midway, Christiansen says the carnival rides open Aug. 22 at noon.

“The carnival was set and lit by 6:00 Tuesday night,” Christiansen explained. “And we are going to do a grand opening for the carnival at noon on Wednesday.”

The new fair director is in his second year at the helm, and thinks the change to the new carnival should be well worth any growing pains encountered along the way.
“I think the impact of this carnival is going to be quite great, and you’re going to notice the difference, and I think you’re going to appreciate it,” he said.

Christiansen said that the midway carnival will include 20-22 rides, including a 100-foot Ferris wheel.

The Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield runs through Aug. 26.

For more information, visit www.centralwisconsinstatefair.com.