DC Fair affected by hot weather and torrential rain
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DARK SKIES — The sky grew dark over the Dunn County Rec Park early Friday evening, July 28 before high winds and heavy rain swept through the area causing the cancellation of the Friday Night races at the 2023 Dunn County Fair and the following evenings’ NTPA Truck and Tractor pull. —photo by Shawn DeWitt
By LeAnn R. Ralph
MENOMONIE — Although the Dunn County Fair had just gotten started on Wednesday afternoon, by Thursday afternoon, with a heat index over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, fair officials decided to close down the fair at 5:30 p.m.
A post on Facebook announced the closing on Thursday, July 27.
“We regret to inform you that the Dunn County Fair will be closing at 5:30 p.m. due to the extreme heat and impending storms. This was not an easy decision and ask for your understanding. Be safe.”
Thunderstorms moved through the area later that evening that included torrential rain.
By Friday, the weather was still hot but without the high heat index of the day before. That evening, more thunderstorms dumped additional torrential rain and caused other storm damage.
According to another Facebook post from the Dunn County Fair on Friday:
“We are re-grouping after the storm. Red Cedar Speedway has cancelled the races for tonight due to flooding. The carnival has damage and will try to get the midway up and running but it may take at least 45 minutes to an hour. The iHeart Media free stage entertainment, Bear Creek Band, is cancelled due to wet equipment as the tent went down. The food court and beer tent will be opening up soon. The gates are free for the rest of the evening. Come see the exhibits, enjoy some great food and beverages. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
The Spectrum Carnival posted in the comments to the Dunn County Fair Facebook post:
“Safety is our number one priority for our patrons and employees. We are getting everything ready to re-open. Some rides may not open. We are hoping for sunny days the rest of the fair.”
The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) Truck and Tractor Pull was scheduled for Saturday night at the Dunn County Fair.
Unfortunately, so much rain had fallen over the past two days, that the track was full of standing water and mud.
The Dunn County Fair posted on Facebook:
“We regretfully announce that the Dunn County Fair Regional National NTPA Truck and Tractor Pull presented by Silgan Containers for tonight has been cancelled due to the condition of the track, infield and pits after two days of storms with heavy rain. Thank you for your understanding.”
By later Saturday afternoon, a cool breeze — with sunny skies — helped make conditions more comfortable for the Dunn County Fair Meat Animal Auction, which included a large audience to watch the more than 80 pigs, beef, sheep and goats that were auctioned off.
Skies were overcast on Sunday for the last day of the Dunn County Fair, but the weather was cooler, and there were no more thunderstorms.
