BY MIKE WARREN

MARSHFIELD – Organizers of the Central Wisconsin State Fair are gearing up for another six-day run. The annual event runs Aug. 23-28 in Marshfield.

Day one is Junior Fair Day, when tickets are $5. Carnival rides will not be running that day.

Wednesday, Aug. 24 is Senior/Veterans Day, with half-priced admission for those eligible. The highlight of that day will be the Memories 50th anniversary show at 2 p.m., featuring all three original members of the group.

Saturday, Aug. 27 is “BOGO” day, when you can buy one adult admission ticket and receive a second for free, available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. only. On Sunday, Aug. 28, Cornerstone Church will be leading a half-hour worship service at 9:30 a.m., followed by Christian music with Brandon Brooks from 10-11:30 a.m. Those coming into the fair before 10 a.m. that day will receive free admission for the entire day.

As for regular gate admission, Executive Director Dale Christiansen says the fair is trying something new this year. He says if grandstand show tickets are purchased in advance, gate admission is included.

“This seems to be going over very well,” says Christiansen. “Last year there was some confusion at our gates, like ‘Well I bought tickets for this show. What do you mean I have to pay to get in the gate?’ So, we just included that in that ticket price, and the feedback on that has been very good, and ticket sales are going very well,” he added. General admission, VIP and trackside ticket prices vary for the various grandstand acts.

Tuesday night’s live band will be Johnny Wad, playing in the entertainment tent on the midway.

 On Wednesday, Aug. 24 the “Hotel California” Eagles Tribute act will take the grandstand stage at 7:30 p.m.

Hairball is back by popular demand, and will be featured in front of the grandstands on Thursday, Aug. 25. “They’ve got a huge following around the state,” Christiansen says.

Gary Allan performs on the grandstand stage on Friday, Aug. 26.

Saturday will feature the All-Star Monster Truck shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. “This is the fourth year for them and the shows keep selling out. As long as people are happy with them we will continue to offer them,” Christiansen says. Sunday features the popular classic demolition derby at 2 p.m.

The Jer Lang Show Palace will feature the annual Dress-A-Cow contest on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 5 p.m., followed by the Market Animal Sale on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

The fair is still looking for service groups that would like to volunteer to help raise money for their organizations. All details pertaining to this year’s six-day event, including advance tickets, can be found at centralwisconsinstatefair.com. The Central Wisconsin State Fair office can be reached at (715) 387-1261.