Heading to the county fair?

First: If they had any good concerts playing i would. Last several years all they had were no-talent national bands or singers. The last concerts at all that I attended was some battle of the bands (i think that was in 2004 or 2005?). I think Ag park needs to book some good acts like Korn, GWAR, Metallica, CKY, NIN, white stripes, Flogging molly, or dropkick murphys. Someting good like that. Otherwise the only good places for concerts are Lincoln, omaha, or kansas city.

Second: Recently i've noticed less and less rides every year and less junk shops. Although I've grown up it bums me out that i wont be able to be going on any rides that were around when i was 11.

Go Madison County Fair! 3 nights of Rodeo, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy. Sunday BBQ and Charlie Daniels Band all for $30.00. Platte County Fair is worthless.

ahh i cant wait for the 10th im going to see james auto and dsanielle peck... yeppers... my friends and i r gonna have a good time

I agree with chris. Some really good bands they should have: Slayer, Marilyn Manson, and Unearth. Something like that. Oh well, Slayer and Marilyn Manson will be in Kansas City on the 21st.

Haven't been there since 92', don't plan on breaking from that tradition. I'm just not into fairs.

Blooming onions in Madison, From Eat My Bloomers, Wash it down with lemonaid, then hit the spiral patato. Anyone know a good hart Dr. ?

Heck no. My plans are to stay as far away from Ag park as possible. The best part is when its all over.

3 funnel cakes, a pitcher of red beer and a ride in the tea cups.

Yea. Ag Park should book the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, or U2.

If you can't get them, you suck!

Ag park will not succeed until they get in touch with what the community wants and I am not talking the ones who live at the fair. The biggest grip is that they can't attract any great bands. Maybe we were all spoiled in the mid to late 90's along with early 200's. Maybe that was because they had a commission that cared and were in touch. These people now do not know how to plan and find the right groups. Heck, I remember when 38 special was there and many other "True Country Bands." Unlike the jokes that they have now that are pop country and crud like that. Good Luck Platte County fair, until you decide to step up then you will alwasys play second fiddle to even the samllest county fairs. Heck, they even attract better bands then you guys!

I'm not going back until they get rid of the smokers. You can't go anywhere near the rides without getting a face full of smoke and I'm not going to subject my kids to that. Smoking should be banned from any areas where there are children present.

If you whiners won't pay a lousy couple of bucks a month to read the Telegram then who do you think is going to fork over the thousands it takes to bring in better bands? You whine and complain that you want more but who will pay for it? Do you think the bands donate their time? Get your checkbook out!

We wouldn't come to your town even if you did pay us because you're all a bunch of whiners!

I like to look at the animals, especially the chickens. A couple of rides are alright. Looking at the kids exhibits is always fun. Why don't they have the rodeo anymore? I would like to go to the Monster Truck show but it seems to be a smoker’s paradise in the stands and I spend half of the time coughing. I wish they wouldn't allow smoking in the stands. Bigger name bands would be alright but I understand that it takes money and there doesn't seem to be much in Columbus. (and again the smoking drives me away from that too)

Smokers keep you from the county fair?! How ridiculous! Sounds like you will be happy going through life just staying home and swatting misquotoes in your own back yard. Or, maybe you don't go outside because of bugs...........? How about the grocery store - maybe the smell of freshly fried chicken bothers you? Bet the odor of popcorn keeps you from going to the movie? Can't go for a walk because you might step in dog do-do. Maybe not to church because you don't like the music? Probably don't enjoy the pool because you don't like clouds, sun or it's too hot or too cool. The library - too quiet? Besides that - at the county fair, the animals stink. Think we have you figured out. "You just don't get involved."

I think that the fair board should build a big caged area that would hold a couple of monster trucks, all of the
smokers and all of the exhibit chickens.
The smokers would line the outside of the cage and the monster trucks could chase the chickens around. In the end, there would be smoked chicken patties for everyone. A couple of local bands could provide the music. That would ensure that no one would stay around too long and eat more than their share.
Also, the city council could fill
balloons for the kids. They have plenty of air to go around. Cheese on a stick
could be provided by the 4-H's as well.

Have a fun and safe fair everyone!

TO: Jeez
What does the smell of fried chicken or popcorn have to do with anything? Those and everything else on your list won't kill you but cigarette smoke will. If that's how your thought process works you better lay off the marlboros before it's too late.
P.S. The animals at the fair still smell better than the smokers.

I agree that smoking shouldn't be allowed at the fair. The majority of the attendees are children. There is a beer garden to keep the minors from drinking so why not a smokers garden? It would make more sense to have the beer drinkers walking around out in the crowd than the smokers. At least no one will get cancer when the beer drinkers exhale. (Maybe if the smokers just didn't exhale)

The entertainment acts the fair got this year are very good. All you people that say well Kansas City is getting these people Slayer and Marilyn Manson. Well i'd hope so , its Kansas City not Columbus, Nebraska. No county fairs can afford to bring in huge big names. You people are sounding like idiots. James Otto who had the most played single on the radio, in all genres of music for 2008, i think thats a pretty big deal. Most played song on the radio in the US out of rock, pop, country, metal. WOW and he is coming to Columbus! Danielle peck is a great country music female artist. Shes had 5 big radio hits! The reason they don't bring in those rock bands that you guys want, is because they are all dicks and demand the world for themselves. Many fairs around here used to have rock bands but then the bands would try someway to screw the fairs over, which is why most fairs have country acts. In the previous years we haven't competed with madison county for entertainment, but this year we do. I think this year is going to be a great turn around year for the platte county fair!

to Jeez:

You sound a little defensive! - I'm guessing you are one of those annoying smokers!

To Entitlement Issues:

I agree 100%. Seems like everybody expects to see big time acts, but don't wanna pay the big time price. It's the same argument every year on here. There ARE other things to do at the fair grounds besides get drunk and listen to a mid card band ya know. I know when I actually did go to the fair years ago, the band that was playing was the LEAST I was concerned with. I went there for the rides and games. Like I stated earlier, I haven't been there since 92, and I don't plan on going, but that doesn't mean the fair won't be getting any of my money. Just because I don't care for the fair much anymore, doesn't mean I should deny my kids the pleasure. So if your like me, or one of those who won't go because the entertainment isn't for you, then do something else to help promote it, like getting your kids tickets and arm bands, or if you don't have any kids... be nice and buy someone else's kids some arm bands. There is always joy in giving someone else entertainment memories that stay with them for a lifetime as well.

"Jeez"
Your logic makes absoultely no sense at all. How can you compare the smell of cigarette smoke with chicken and popcorn. I agree with "overall not a bad fair". They shouldn't allow smoking in the stands! Jeez is hacking up the wrong hairball.

Music Business Man

Finally, someone with some sense and reason.

Do they still have that one thing where you go up and over and then come out the side? It had some red and mostly blue. I think it used to face South or East. I remember when I was a kid it was the best. Or was that in kearney? Oh well, it was fun just the same.

If you really want to hear some good music just ask Walter for some of his old prescription.

Agree totally with Manhawke

x2 for Madison Fair>Platte County Fair

Not the Platte County Fair...waste of $$$$...too bad we can seem to get it right....

what happened to all the rides. last year there was a big no mans land right in the middle of the midway.

anyways you would think with all the multi million dollar industries we have here in columbus, we could do a little better.

First people(non smokers) complained about not being able to go to bars, restraunts, ect because of smokeing. Well that finally got banned. Now your freaking complaining about people smokeing OUT SIDE!!!, my god come back to reality, you all think your god because you dont smoke????

grow up!!!!

the county fair is not just about the rides and the amusment. Its based off the 4-H and FFA. Think about all the animals and exibits...as far as the rides i still see hundreds of people ride them every year...and smokers...u dont want smokers inside you dont want them outside make up your mind...go during the daytime where there is not as much smoking...and the bands...they take whatever we can get like we really need marilyn manson...cuz he is a great influence...at least we get some bands and most of the time they are pretty good so i wouldnt complain at least we get some music...

For those who didn't figure it out, I was mocking those of you who want Slayer, NIN, Korn, etc... when I suggested the Stones, the Boss and U2, because you were being completely unrealistic in your expectations of what acts are feasible in Columbus Nebraska.

Realist, 38 Special wasn't at the fair. They came as their own event.

to OMG -
Yes, I am complaining about outside smokers. Sitting "outside" next to someone in the grandstand doesn't really matter when it's getting in your face, your clothes, eyes, etc.
(Some)Smokers are the ones who think they are gods and should be allowed to do whatever they damn well please. I'm guessing you are a smoker so how about you grow up and get a clue!

are you people kidding me? its a county fair for crying out loud in the rain! if you don't wanna spend any money there, then don't, problem solved!

and then you cry about the smoking...i called that one! the law says i can smoke outside, so guess what, we as smokers are going to use that right if we so choose. if you don't like that, then go to a bar, we can't follow u there.

its never enough for you people, it seems to me. next thing i bet someone cries about is that the county should pay for the gas to drive to the fair too! don't like the way things are, then act to change them...whining about it to the telegram blog isn't going to do you much good.

If you ban all smokers your going to loose all the ride operators. And because of the smoking ban your going to get more smokers at the fair this year.

also Korn played in Grand Island back in April (I think). Although it would be nice to get some good bands: Bruce Springsteen, and DMB. I also wonder what happend to the rocking on the runway/racetrack. Those were some good entertainment.

TO: OMG
Are you serious? What difference does it make where you smoke if I have to breathe it in wherever I go? Shouldn't I be able to go out in public without endangering my health? Do you think that you're god judging where you can smoke and ruin peoples health? Do I have to stay home because people like you feel you have the right to do what you want? I don't care if you grow up or not just go away!

for those of you who dont like the attractions, exhibits, midway, at the Platte Co. fair, go to the Colfax Co. fair. You will not have to worry about smokers at the midway because there is no midway, no rides, no games. Just tractor pulls. But beware, those tractors belch out a ton of smoke! Good thing the tractor pulls are outside. At the current price of cigarettes I should be charging you for inhaling my second hand smoke for free!! Yea, dont that sound fair? If you are outside and are exposing yourself to second hand smoke you should have to pay for that exposure, otherwise stay indoors.

To Joe G: You are correct in the fact that they were not brought as an act by the county fair and I stand corrected. But, they also did not come on their own. If memory serves correct, they were part of an experiment put on by KLIR in August and it was an awesome concert. All I am saying is this, I really do think that the County fair at one time was awesome even with the great acts that the Madison County Fair brought at the same time. You see smaller county fairs in Nebraska bring in acts every year that are way better then what Platte County has brought in for the past years. It is just sad. It does seem that every year the fair gets worse in quality and that is sad as well.

Plain and simple we are not going. Big joke Big waste of money

YOU'RE is YOU ARE (as in you're an idiot)
YOUR is possessive as in "your car"

Please get your grammar correct if you are going to post on here. It is very tiring to see so many people without proper grammer. And please don't tell me to not read the posts - it's my entertainment!!!

to joe g: not only being an avid slayer and manson fan, im also a fan of the who, rolling stones, springsteen, pearl jam, and tom petty.

To Gary
Grand Islands acts are not throught he fair. This year they have Gary Allan and jamey Johnson. Both very good acts im not saying they arent. The big bands that come to GI are through there event center at fonner park. Its like the one in Kearney that they bring big tour into. A couple years back we tried to vote to get one but the whole town said no don't take my tax paying dollars and now we suffer. Stupid people in this town! But gary i totally agree but its just out whole towns actions that put us were we are now. Columbus is afraid of change, the town is ran by elders who think all the youth coming up are a bunch of bad kids. The town of Columbus will be dead in 30 years if we don't do something to turn it around.

oh brother you people are a bunch of complainers. does anything make you happy? wow, you all remind me of the women i work with. not very pleasent.

I stopped going to the fair. Why? Every year you end up paying more for less.

The concerts aren't what get me to go. It's the food, the exhibits, and the rides. You take those away, then what's the damn point?

We live in a county where the County Fair is really small. My daughter loves big rides and they have 1 maybe 2 that would be considered a big ride and even those are dismal. I take her to the Platte Co. fair on wristband night and she has a blast. It's cheaper and closer than driving to an amusement park. As for the entertainment, they get what they can afford. If you want better bands donate money towards the bands. Neither act is bad they just aren't huge names. As for the smoking, I don't like it, but it's outside. Hold your breath as you walk by, turn the other way, or stand upwind. It's not that hard and not a good reason not to go to the fair. Don't forget to check out the exhibits. There are a ton of kids and adults that put time and hard work into those. Embrace what you have instead of complaining about what you don't.

to Fair time:
You are annoying!!! I am paying for second hand smoke by having to put up with it!

fair time

We already pay for your second hand smoke in added health care costs and higher premiums.

And all others who are making an issue about smoking at the county fair. Let me see, which should consume your mind with worries about going to the county fair? A smoker blowing smoke and the hamburger stands emitting smoke? Solution: Stand Upwind! YES, it works!! Oh yes, in the grand stand, sit away from EVERYONE - trust me - the grandstand won't be full. Getting bit by a misquoto and getting the West Nile Virus? - Be sure and wear insect repellent! Coming in contact with bird poop and getting the Bird Virus?? Maybe take some anti-bacteria wipes with you and wipe off all the chairs, bleachers etc.... and ask the fair grounds to install hot water in the bathrooms so you can disinfect your self every 5 minutes. Be sure and not link your fingers! How about sunburn- we all know the solution for that. Rain - bring an umbrella or wrap yourself in plastic. Oh yes, be sure and take mace so that you can ward off any one that seem a threat to you! How about the animals? DON'T stand BEHIND them!!!! Oh yes, stay off the rides - they may break! And the entertainment may be too load and will hurt your ears - take precautions! Follow all these steps and you should be safe! If I were you I would just stay home from life! Just think - the horse races are coming next!! Imagine you will miss those too. Funny - I've seen people having a great time at both. What ever you do - stay happy and sterile (at home)!

Haven't had the opportunity to enjoy any of the entertainment, good or bad, for years, due to spending that time in the Arena building watching after the animals. Last concert I went to at the fair was Rascal Flatts, that was back in '02, right as they were getting big. I just wish we didn't always have to have country music, but I think I am in the minority on that.
Noticed that the number of 4-H exhibits is even down this year, which is sad. If you do go out to the fair, check out the 4-H exhibits, there are some talented, creative kids involved. Without 4-H we REALLY wouldn't have much of a fair.

Am curious why the Telegram doesn't put the fair schedule in the paper a few days before it starts, like maybe the Sunday paper?

I was curious about when the horse show was among a few other events. When we got our Tues. edition and I read it last evening, there was the schedule and the horse show started that morning. There was a list of events for Mon. and Tues. and if you don't get a chance to read your paper till Tues. evening, you obviously have missed 2 days.

I think they could plan that better and hopefully next year, they will print the schedule in a timely manner. Would be nice to have it a few days in advance so families can plan their week.

Some of the concerts in the mid-to-late 90's were GREAT! Unforunatley, a lot of artists don't want to play the dust circuit. Too, bad for them. Before you start spilling out names you want, set a budget, figure the costs (including sound and lighting) and price your tickets accordingly. You'll be suprised bands don't come cheap. Merriam Midway is one of the best in the country, ENJOY if you go.

TO: To Trying to Breathe

I can use mosquito repellant and sun block but I haven't found a good smoker repellant. I'm not worried about getting rained on or any of your other idiotic examples. I'm frustrated by inconsiderate people that think they have the right to blow carcinogens in my face.

I would just like a very simple question answered. If I walked around the fair (or any other public place) with a squirt gun and shot people in the face with water how long would it be before someone yelled at me or punched me or called the cops? The water presents no health problems, it would just be annoying but I bet you wouldn't put up with it. If I kept doing it to you, you wouldn't just turn away or move you would get upset. So why is blowing smoke in my face okay and I'm just suppose to put up with it? I would just like an answer to this.

Things have changed a lot over the years.
I miss all the exhibitors. My friends and I would spend hours walking thru all the booths and displays. It would fill both floors and the hall. Now there are just a few in the main hall and it only takes about 10 minutes to see everything.
I also miss the school exhibits. We used to love looking for our names and those of our classmates. We felt so proud to have something chosen to show at the fair.
Last year the midway was less than half the size of years past. I rarely go on rides, but we usually blow a chunk of money on the midway playing skeeball and the stupid crane game, eating "fair" food and drinking a Coke or two. We also go to the 4-H displays and check out the animals. We would then head to the beer garden for a cold one. Last year, there was hardly anything to do. We left after less than hour.
As for the entertainment, yes it's pricey to get good bands, but it's like anything else "If you build it, they will come". Take a risk and bring in a bigger name now and then, people will pay the ticket price to see them, especially if you PROMOTE it!(ie. keep your website updated!!!). More ticket sales=more money. Basic economics!

It's a shame to see the fair, once the highlight of the summer, dwindling to nothingness!

If all of you inconsiderate smokers would reread your comments or have a friend read them you would see how long term smoking has affected your intelligence. It's really kind of sad to see what you have become.

I doubt I will come to ya'lls fair, When I go online here to the newspaper, I read about these scary Gangs yall have. I refuse to subject my children to the hardened criminals that reak havoc on Columbus. I can read the head lines now after the Fair is over, "Local Gang-Bangers Spray Paint The Zipper". *tisk tisk* I wont be a part of it.

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE. There has been smoking at public events for a lot longer than the crabbin about the second hand smoke. People, No matter what you do the Non-smoker is never going to be happy, They can make a box where all the smokers can go smoke, BUT there is going to be that 1 non-smoker who walks by and complains because the door opened and they got smoke in their way. There is nothing ever that will satisfy a Nonsmoker, except the stopping of smokeing period. And we all know that wont happen. So until then there will be complaining about everything a smoker does. AND TO Please quit before you do any more damage, smoking does not effect your intelligence, do your homework before you start pointing fingers about intelligence, because you look pretty dumb right now. And yes, I am a nonsmoker who beleives smokers need there space.

Magenta:
Well said! I completely agree and couldn't have said it better myself!

I like the fair. Best place in town to go watch a fight! I seriously have not been to a fair in columbus yet that has not had at least 1 fight break out around me. And the last time I went to that little carnival outside the old menards some little wannabe gangbanger idiot started shooting at somebody! My kids were right next to me. If I knew who that little gangbanger was.......

Please use Grammar CORRECTLY


must be an ovrpaid englsh techer on smmer break. good thng he or sh cant red bad grammr#

TO: Wow a bunch of complainers

Smoking doesn't affect intelligence directly but the indirect effects of it does kill brain cells. I don't have a problem with smokers except when they're around me. I agree they need their space, somewhere seperate from everyone else. Why is that so much to ask? It's not the smell that bothers me as much as the health hazards. Your argument that second hand smoke has been around for a long time is meaningless. Just because it has doesn't mean it should continue. Asbestos was around for a long time but is banned because of health hazards just as smoking will eventually be banned. As far as looking dumb, show me a smoker that looks smart with a cigarette stuck in their mouth sucking in all of those deadly chemicals.

Why do you have to put up with it? Because you are in a public place with all sorts of people. Imagine you have noticed before, the world does not revolve around your axis. People can many very nice, delightful, or just plain rude about anything. Are you one of them? I hope I'm not but I also know I'm not going to worry about your reactions. Go with a fun attitude, teach your children to have fun with simple things and don't waste your breath on about making a mountain out of a mole hole. By the way, your example with the skirt gun is way off the mark unless someone chases you around the fair ground and purposely and repeatingly blows smoke in your face. Seems a little ridiculous, doesn't it? Main thing to take to he fair - Chill!

I read online the paper, since I am now 300 miles away. The county here just displayed the open class listing in the weekly paper. My kids and I are making our lists to decide on what we will enter. We are looking forward to the locals' demo derby, mutton bustin and greased pig contests. The rodeo will be well attended. The county is so small that no carnival would come anymore, so people pooled their money and bought some rides. every couple of years a new ride appears. They are up to 8 now.
A local dj will do the FFA dance. They have booth space available in a non air conditioned building for free and every space is taken. (42) photographers, mary kay, pampered chef, jewelry companies, wooden sign makers, etc.
Since we moved here, we don't hear whiners, we hear doers. And this is a town of 800, county pop. 2000. people from three states will come. (we are on the kansas,colorado corner) it's not til the end of the month but excitment is in the air all over. I got my start in 4H in platte county, and am passing it on to my children. One of my kids is trying to get the neighbor's llama to do a knee bend to enter him. (good luck!)

I do miss all the booths Platte used to have. I think it was because the price went so high for a booth. Less booths, less people.

Don't you remeber going to the fair on thur. fri and sat nights. When you were a teen you didn't care who the band was.All we did was ride the rides and walk for what seems like 5 miles every night. Now that I have a kid of my own we walk and do the bracelets for the rides. Yeah they are losing more things every year but dont let it take away from the fun for the kids.

hey man, how bout this?: let book some good band like chris brown, emenim, snoop dogg, 50 cent, limp bizkit you know stuff like dat.

Last year I had the joy of taking my grandson from Lincoln to the Platte County Fair. We arrived at the fair early Sat. morning. It was cool and there were very few other spectators. We walked thru all the barns and the exhibits, watched the dog competition, the swine judging, viewed all the roosters and chickens, watched a family including kids his age clean out the horse barns which afterwards he vowed he'd never complain about cleaning his room again. He loved the baby chicks probably spending a 1/2 hour watching them in their little swimming pool and picking them up to hold them. As a Grandmother, I was raised on the farm so I tried to share my knowledge of the judging, the different animals etc.... What surprised me the most was the sudden awareness that my grandson had never seen farm animals up close before. He was totally engulfed in what he was seeing. As I said, we had a wonderful morning. It wasn't long until he had picked a favorite in the dog show, and we both were stumped as to why the lambs were wearing "body suits" so I had to ask one of our farmer friends. Ending our day, we stopped for a hotdog and one of those ice creams with the frozen marbles. It was a wonderful day for both of us and one I will always cherish. By the way, my grandson was 12 years old. The next night, we took our older granddaughter to the mid-way. She had a blast along with 3 of her other friends. And tomorrow, I'm bringing her to Columbus again for the weekend so she can go to the Platte County Fair which is a "must do" for her!

TO: Please use Grammar CORRECTLY

You had to know that was coming. People get very defensive when it comes to their ignorance of grammar. It's amazing how uneducated and semi-illiterate some of these people are.

TO: skirt gun

I have read your comment several times but can't make heads or tails of it. Your rambling nonsensical diatribe makes absolutely no sense or is that the point? I'm putting you on ignore.

you people are freakin' crazy. smoke is EASY to avoid while walking around the fair. i've done it many years in a row. and will do it again. how about they get rid of the beer garden so the drunks can't come ruin everything. i can't avoid them on the road because i have to drive.

by the way, my father got a lung removed last year because of lung cancer from smoking and i STILL don't throw big fits about people smoking. IT'S THEIR CHOICE. it's OUTSIDE. they won't be hurt if you don't go to the fair because there is smoke there.

Evidently the crowd at the fair Wednesday night didn't care what the naysayers had to say here.

The food court has a lot more venders than last year. Had to get my Spiralspuds!

I THINK IT'S FUNNY HOW WHEN THE RADIO IS ADVERTISING THE CONCERT THEY SAY IT'S THE BEST CONCERT IN THE AREA. NOT!! MADISON IS ONLY 25 MILES AWAY AND THEY HAVE BETTER CONCERTS AND ATTRACTIONS. CRAZY THING IS, MADISON IS ALOT SMALLER THAN COLUMBUS! WHAT'S UP WITH THAT? WE NEVER HAVE ANYONE GOOD COME HERE TO SING. AND THE FAIR GETS SMALLER AND SMALLER EACH YEAR.

The Madison County Fair has billed "big name" entertainment for years. Just as Neligh had the big 4th of July celebration. That is their tradition and Columbus has never tried to compete with either. Just the way it is!

I think Im going to the fair to smoke about 3 packs a night.

Seriously, it's something for the town to do and get involved in. For those of you b****ing about the smokers (and no I am not one) get over it. Every where you go you can run into it. Bet it never kept you out of the bars when they weren't smoke free!!! Get over it for cryin out loud. Get involved in your community to make it a better place then sit and complaining about it and doing nothing!
The fair is what the fair has always been and no one should expect this or that, but i look forward to the band this year as he is a GREAT artist and so is Danielle Peck. Last year Cross Canadian Ragweed! Come on. They were awesome. Like i said you whiners unless you care enough to do something about it quit continously b'ing about it. It's old and it's not going to change anything. Go to the board and put in your two cents!

I wrote that one (improper grammer). It’s very funny that some people will get so bent out of shape about comments being posted that have misspellings and bad grammar. But of course it’s very dumb to go way off subject on a topic that’s about the fair and try to make it more about smoking. All comments should be more positive. Bombarding this website that portrays cigarette smoke and alcohol in a negative light is very ignorant, stupid, and self-centered. (Almost like P.E.M.)

If you do go to the fair have a good time. Either looking at things, riding the rides, eating, going to the shows, and/or drinking a beer with your smoking friends. HAVE A GOOD TIME! DON'T BE NEGATIVE!

I also won't be surprised if all non-smoker complainers don't even show up at the fair at all, just like at the bars since the ban came into effect. The places that I go to always have the same crowds, they don't even go their at all.


If you do go to the fair have a good time. Either looking at things, riding the rides, eating, shows, and/or drinking a beer with your smoking friends. HAVE A GOOD TIME! DON'T BE NEGATIVE!

I also won't be surprised if all non-smoker complainers don't even show up at the fair at all, just like at the bars since the ban came into effect. The places that I go to always have the same crowds. They don't even go their at all.

I've smoked 2 to 3 packs a day since I was 7 and have always smoked around my kids, it toughens them up. Let me tell you about smokers rights. We have the right to breathe in and out as much as everyone else and if there happens to be some smoke included that's just too bad. All of those alleged health risks are biased. End of discussion!

You guys are soo funny!!!!! OMG blah blah blah WAH WAH WAH cry cry cry!!!

Here's the answers to all your questions and concerns:

A good community event takes money, time, effort and involvement/VOLUNTEERS from YOU the community!
Stop complaining and get involved. Volunteer your time (all the while teaching your children about good citizenship, responsibility and community involvement). If you volunteer your time it may reduce expenses then you may get better entertainment out at the fair. That's what the folks in Madison County do. Their community volunteer's their time, equipment etc..

The Platte County Fair is NOT a venue that Metallica, korn, NIN, Rolling Stones, U2, Marilyn Manson or any others listed would even CONSIDER playing at. It's too small! That's why they play at larger concert venues. Get a clue!

Alot of the past entertainers that have played at the Fair have become famous music groups (i.e. Chris Cagel, Rascal Flatts, Joe Diffie)

As for the smoking comments. Here's a thought............DON'T take your children into a Beer Garden! That's generally where the smokers go and it seems there are more and more children with their parents in there while their parents are getting DRUNK!

i'd rather drive my fuel burning crew cab pickup 40 miles north to madison fair than waste my time going 2 blocks to pathetic platte fair..

I think that all the people complaining about the entertainment at the fair should understand that a GOOD band would cost $150,000 - $250,000 for a 1 hour show. Is that where we want to be spending our money? I have heard that the Ag Park is struggling with their budget just like every other business. I agree with the person who said more emphasis should be put on 4-H exhibits and what did happen to the school exhibits?

I went to the fair last night with my kids and we had a great time! 20 bucks each for all the rides they could do in 6 hours...we only made it 4 hours and my kids haven't stopped talking about it. All you complainers should shut up and let your kids have some fun...who cares if you have fun or not! I can't imagine one child not going there and having fun! And yes, I even took them into the beer garden for 20 minutes when Thudwinker started...they didn't take their eyes off the band, something new and they loved it! No, I didn't have a beer...too much to do, but so what if I would have had one or two. Didn't smoke either...and my kids were not damaged from smoke inhalation...it is outside people! Wow, so many people need to get a life so you can actually enjoy yourselves!

WOWWWWWWWWWW
to OMG -


Here is a clue. I quit smoking and I dont cry about smokers. If you don't like smokers then go somewhere else and cry. People like you are the reason our great country is going down the drain. Freedom is what we are about!!!!

My granddaughter made it to the fair Thursday night during "band night" ($20 for all the rides). She is 13 and had a blast with her friends. After reading all the postings, I sat on a bench and "observed". We stayed until 11:30 pm. I did not see anything that anyone should complain about. As far as an abundance of police presence, I saw 2 policeman standing on the midway, not bothering anyone or anything. They obviously were there for everyone's protection and aid in case something did happen. I did not see any drunk people wandering the midway. The beer garden appeared to be full and orderly, the band sounded great. Nor did I see any obnoxious smokers. The main thing I saw was alot of kids having fun running from ride to ride and parents sitting on benches waiting for the fun to end. I will continue to do what I can to have my grandkids enjoy the old country tradition of the County Fair.

@non smokersmoker

Why should those people who don't want to subject their kids to that kind of atmosphere not be allowed to enjoy the fair at all? Just because they care about their health and don't feel it's your right to ruin it for them and their kids, they're anti-freedom? "People like you are the reason our great country is going down the drain." Really?? Perhaps it's because they're tired of paying for you to lie in a hospital bed being treated for lung cancer through their taxes and higher health premiums? Wise up man.

There was less then 500 attending the concert last night. Plenty of room for smoker non-smoker segregation.

to looking for an answer:

see now, in the example u provided, if u were to run around shooting people w/ a squirt gun, u would probably be arrested for assault if you didn't get your rear wooped by bubba first. however, walking thru the midway, beergarden, or grand stands smoking is perfectly fine (now stay with me here, this might get confusing for you) becasue THE LAW SAY THAT WE CAN.

there's ur stinking answer, go cry to a senator if you don't like it.

Big-D,

I hope you walked or rode a bike to the fair instead of taking your kids in a motor vehicle. I would hate to think you are a hypocrite and sneaking all that pollution into their unsuspecting little lungs. Unless you are sitting on a smoker lap while they are outside, all that horrible pollution becomes quite diluted in the open air. I guess you’re more concerned about how you are killing your children more than if you are killing your children. Make sure you buy them plenty of cotton candy and funnel cakes too. You wouldn’t want the little buggers to deal with all the peer pressure of being thinner than the 80%+ of their overweight peers.

Oh, and by the way, the annual medical costs for being fat are almost double that of smoking. Just statistically speaking, most people on this blog are likely fat non-smokers. You might want to think about that the next time you go to the fair and start packing your pie hole full of the good stuff while your complaining about the few smokers.

No I don’t smoke. Yes, I am fat. No, I don’t really care about the smokers at the fair or what anyone thinks of this post. I am not that fat that I cannot move 10 feet away if someone is smoking an entire pack at once and the smoke is somehow funneled directly to my lungs. Wise up man. Just enjoy the fair.

I took my 4 year old out to the fair Friday afternoon before it started to get really busy. We had a great time on the rides and enjoyed some fried cuisine. Smokers or no smokers, you don't even notice that if you're there enjoying yourself.

I didn't realize they had bumper cars at the fair. Have they always had bumper cars?

I have been a commercial exhibitor at the fair 25 years. Last year I thought it couldnt get any worse. I was wrong. This year was the worse in history.
There was absolutely no one in the exhibit hall In fact talking with a few people from out of town did not even KNOW WE were OPEN. There is nothing that says anything is even IN the building.
They didn't make enough last year and ost 16 vendors - this year they raised OUR booth rent to cover what they lost last year only to olose at least 6 more. There is NOTHING to bring people .Why come here to this one when Madison has terrific entertainment . The crowd was there many from Columbus were there. I do know 4 more vendors wil not be back next year.
If people want to have a great fair again it can be done. You just got to
have your heart into making it the best it can be. I feel no one cares.
No one from the fair board stopped at my booth asking how things were and what I felt was the problem. I assume those few of us that MIGHT be back next year will feel it again with another price increase. Do they not know it is better to have 10 booths @ $100 each then 5 booths @ $200 each.and add some thing sthat actually will bring people out .
This fair cannot compete with madision and hasnt been able to and I doubt they ever WILL be able to. Best thing this fair can do is move the fair to one week later. Cant go into the last week because this fair cannot compete with Butler OR Colfax.
If enoug people complain to the Fair board do you think they will listen. I read in the delivery paper how great the fair is? Why didnt anyone ask the vendors.? Bad economy? yes probably but still if people came out and not bought fine but they need to come out. People do need to know the real results of the fair- 4H things yes. But what about us the vendors that were sitting in the exhibition hall?

added comment.
I didnt realize so many were agaisnt smoking. Thing is ,while I am not a smoker,cannot stand the smell of smoke I really dont think it can be dictated wha tthey do outside. Last year the exhibit hall was No Smoking anyway. BUT the guards smoked in there. I noticed they didnt this year. Someone must have complained.or maybe the inside smoking ban?
Anyway the Merriam carnival is the same one that is in Madison . So WHY would this carnival want to put the best rides here when they crowd is in Madision. yes there were good rides but the BEST was in Madison and will be again next year. But truthfully you need to actuallyGO tot he Ag park office and voice your complaint . Maybe if enough people complain they will either resign and let people that care in or they will step up. WHY do we the commercial vendors in the ag hall have to PAY for their ineptness? Yes top entertainment is expensive. So how can Madison bring them? and Fullerton? While Aaron Tippin isnt a top draw he will still draw.
I had several people ask me who the singers were here. I love country , I wonder WHY I never heard of her?
Platte Fair is going broke? well yes it is SOME of it is because they raise our BOOTH rent THEY are losing the commercial hall vendors . If I were in charge there for vendors? First I would see if we could get some interesting things to bring people out and would lower the booth rent to allow for more vendors. I used to be proud of our fair. now I am truthfully ashamed of it. The people that came in the bulding commented this was horrible.
There was more people in the beer garden then there was going past our booths. Something has to change. Small county fairs are thriving. Colfax- great little fair. Madison fantatsci Only reason Ican't go as an exhibitor is because thye have a vendor there selling what I sell
Hopefully i can recover SOME of my loss whne I go to the Colfax fair .
Is it true the carnival even closed down early the last night? A few of them told me it was NOT a good year

I too was a vendor at this years fail, I mean fair. This is it I'll never be back as this was the worse attendance its ever been. I do have some questions.

Who is the manager and board members?

How are they elected/appointed?

How many employees work at Ag-Park?

What do they do when the fair and races are not going on?

Why don't they buy some paint and fix the broken gates, windows, plumbing, and do general maintenance?

How long can Ag-Park, once the gem of the area, last with a fair and upkeep like this?

Sad! I am extremely sad at how we are missing the point! Please take a look at the pictures that are posted with the kids and their 4H animals. They could care less about the entertainment or the rides. They work with their animals almost everyday walking, cleaning and getting them ready for the fair working towards that top prize. That top prize might get them a prize award of anywhere from $3-$15 for a purple ribbon. All that hard work for mayeb $5.00 depending on the animal. But they don't care and neither do their parents because its the memories they make that last a lifetime. I showed at Colfax County Fair for 10+ years and now my daughter started showing at Platte County. I am extremely grantful that at her age she is learning to take pride in the fact that it's not all about the money it's the feeling she get when she walks her animal in the ring with the biggest smile on her face showing off all her hard work. And at the end of the day with her purple ribbon hang out of the back pocket of her jeans I shake my head and smile and say to myself this is what the fair is all about!

The reason Madison gets good acts is because private donors give money. We complain but no one gives money for it! Stop complaining about the entertainment. I went to both Madison and Platte county fairs. And James Otto was a much better performer than Miranda Lambert. Neal McCoy always puts on a great show, but Madisons crowd was pretty crappy for Miranda and Neal. Last night they had Charlie Daniels and he is a legend. Nothing I can say about him. Overall I had more fun with James and Danielle Peck, than i Did in Madison. People James Otto had the most played song in the country in 2008. He is BIG, stop your complaining. Donate money is you wanna see bigger acts. As for the Platte County fair board. Fantastic Job! Friday Night was packed! Great Year, Can't wait for next year! Thanks Ag Park! -Tayler Bock

One More Thing. All that keep complaining that Madison is smaller and has a bigger fair. The fair is for Madison County not Madison the town, and for all you dumb people, look what county Norfolk is in..Oh, its Madison county Hmmm....Maybe thats why. haha. People think before you post comments.

I was there Friday night. Less then 500 attended the concert, the beer garden was packed though.

Why don't you smoking nazi's take your left leaning, no smoking anywhere mentality and move out to Calif.where your lives would be much better than the outdoor activities right here in Platte Co. Hell hit a rib joint in south central L.A. and let them know you're upset about the smoke billowing out of the spit! When I open the "Down Town Bass Club" right here in Columbus come on down and enjoy the aroma of second hand cigar smoke.Not to mention the smell of ditch weed filtering over the city nightly. Quit your belly-aching and light up a fatty!

Guido: Thinks all this second
hand smoke talk is no
more than hog wash.

Ya Thats what i meant, not the concert packed but the fair in general. The midway area was incredibly crowded and the beer garden was shoulder to shoulder.

Madison County Fair wins hands down this year. They really know how to put on a fair with more family friendly events. It seems like the only big draw for Platte was the beer garden. Read back thru the posts and see how many times the beer garden is mention. Seems pretty sad when that's the only spot that was packed consistently. Those who say there wasn't much difference between the 2 fairs must not have gone to both. They need to find a way to put some life back into the Platte County Fair before its too late. Maybe a Funpass like Madison. Lowering the price charged to vendors. Get the radio stations and businesses more involved. Do something besides standing at the railing of a sinking ship remarking about how pretty the iceberg was. Let's just hope it isn't too late already.

Sharon: Norfolk had Heart of America rides not Merriam.

Good idea. Remeber your primary sales have to come from cigar sales and not alcohol, plus no cigaretts alowed. In a blue collar town I wonder.......