DE PERE, Wisc., (SPECTRUM NEWS) - A rare sight across Wisconsin this summer is happening in De Pere. The Brown County fair kicked off Wednesday with safety precautions in place but organizers say they plan for an as-normal event as possible.
Jerry Kabat of Greenleaf has brought piglets to the fair for twenty years. He’s glad the coronavirus didn’t shut things down this year as it has done to so many other county fairs across the state.
“My wife’s in the medical field. She’s been very nervous about it through this but we take the precautions necessary,” says Kabat.
Food vendors and carnival rides line the midway.
“It’s good to see that people will get out. We’ve got a lot of fresh air around here and we’ve got a lot of good animal smells,” says Kabat.
Presenters are thrilled to be able to show their animals after seeing other fairs canceled this year. This is Sarah Vander Heiden of Wrightstown’s 13th and final year as an exhibitor. To her, the experience is invaluable.
“It has taught me so many life skills such as hard work, dedication, responsibility. Just owning these animals and being fully responsible for them every day has truly shaped me into the person that I am today and I would not be where I am without it,” says Vander Heiden.
Justin Ossmann of Greenleaf feels for others who’ve put time and effort into their animals but won’t be able to show them off.
“I feel bad for the people that can’t come to the shows. It’s what they love to do and what they worked all their summer for,” says Ossmann.
Evan Mennen from the Howard-Suamico area is showing his hog named Beans and his steer named Moose. He’s glad the fair board decided to go on with the show.
“I think being able to come and socialize with other people, friends, family, whoever they want to be with, I think that’s awesome. Kids need that social aspect to maintain good mental health and well being,” says Mennen.
Jason Albertz of Green Bay agrees. He took his sons out for some fun before school starts up again.
“It’s been a hard summer for a lot of people, especially young kids and families. A lot of things being closed, you don’t have a lot of opportunities to get out and socialize. It’s important for kids to be able to do so. I’m glad they have this opportunity,” says Albertz.
Social distancing signs are posted all over the grounds. Sanitizing stations are abundant, too.
Bobbie Rebman of De Pere has been attending the fair her whole life. She came with her daughter and grandchildren and says people need to find their own comfort zone.
“You have to make up your own mind. I think if you’re careful, you have to keep on living and you have to keep on doing things. I’m excited to be here,” says Rebman.