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 | Tricia Rosendahl is a busy woman with a Fair attitude
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| | Les Houser |
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July 03, 2008 - To say that Tricia Rosendahl is a busy woman would actually be an understatement, especially this time of year. She is entering her seventh year as secretary/manager of the Wright County District Junior Fair, and admits that it's become a year-round job.
"I tell people it's a full-time part-time job," said Rosendahl. "Even though you might think I could relax a little once the fair is here, it's still pretty busy with long hours during that week. But I love it. I make an attempt to just enjoy the fair and maybe try to take in one of the shows, but something always comes up and I get called away."
Maybe Rosendahl can find that time this year. The fair runs from Wednesday, July 9 through Monday, July 14, with grandstand shows on three of those nights. Friday night Jason Brown takes the stage, Saturday night features a sanctioned tractor and truck pull and the T & C Rodeo winds it up on Sunday night.
Rosendahl is originally from Eagle Grove, and still resides there. She had been doing some grant writing for the Clarion-Goldfield Schools when she was approached by the fair board about becoming a combination secretary and grant writer for the fair. Since then, her title is now manager. "It has turned into a lot more work than either party thought," said Rosendahl. "We don't go after many big grants, mostly smaller local grants. Every little bit helps."
The planning for next year's fair begins almost immediately after the previous fair. "I give the board a week off after it's over, then we get a meeting scheduled to get together and review the fair," said Rosendahl. "We look at what worked and what didn't, and if anyone has any new ideas. We start the planning process right away."
Current Fair Board members are: Shorty Anderson, Dennis Brady, Angie Charlson, Don Grandgeorge, Denise Hocraffer, Dean Kluss, Brian Marker, Larry Pals, Kent Rutherford, Scott Thompson, Lanette Watts and Brian Worden.
The board meets monthly, with twice a month meetings in May and June, to begin setting up the entertainment schedule. "We start looking to fill the grandstand schedule first, and try to have them signed or already in the works by early December," said Rosendahl. "That's when we attend the Association of Iowa Fairs Convention in Des Moines."
They can attend many different informational sessions at the Convention, along with watching a showcase of different entertainers for either grandstand or free stage shows. Fair boards can then visit with them at the hotel and try to set up a contract for them to come to Wright County. "You have to compete with 102 other fairs so it's not easy to get who you want," said Rosendahl. "That's how we found the Smith Amusements a few years ago, but we still had to sell our fair to them."
The annual meeting, with election of board members, is held each November. "Members are elected for a three-year term, and it's up to them if they wish to continue or not," said Rosendahl. "We have a great board. They volunteer a lot of time, from attending meetings to going out to get sponsorships to helping prepare the fairgrounds."
Rosendahl is pleased with the response to the sponsorship program started a few years ago. Sponsors can join at the Blue Ribbon, Silver, Gold or Diamond levels and receive buttons, ride tickets and food coupon packs. For the price listed at each level, they are an exceptional value. "The entire county has responded well to this program, and we're very appreciative of that," said Rosendahl. "The list has grown every year. We also have additional sponsors that aren't listed, which provide free meals or are willing to help with shows or sponsor the parade. Any sponsorship help is welcome and appreciated, and they're all important to the success of our fair."
Right after the first of the year, the board looks at any revisions needed in the fair book. "That's a huge job," said Rosendahl. "PSI in Belmond does a wonderful job with designing the book along with the layout for all our ads." She also lines up the contracted services, including everything from trash pickup to portable toilets.
A big part of the job is to evaluate the fairgrounds, provide upkeep on buildings and look for ways to improve the grounds. "We're working with ISU on a long range master plan," said Rosendahl. "The board also has some ideas. Our biggest immediate needs are with the show arena and the hog barn. Something needs to be done soon with those. These are big decisions to make, but the board has a good view of long range needs." The board also hires a groundskeeper, Dan Dooley, who helps prepare things for the fair.
Which leads up to fair week itself. Somehow for Rosendahl and the board it all comes together, and the long days during that week start to seem worth it when you see people enjoying themselves.
"Every year we see more people on the grounds," said Rosendahl. "In these times of record high gas prices, why not stay closer to home and have fun locally? Support the county youth and all their hard work. You don't have to travel a lot of miles to see top quality entertainment. We feel a wider variety of entertainment brings in a wider variety of people to the fair."
She is excited about the larger array of acts for the free stage, including several Wright County people. The lineup includes: the Parlor Boys, Heads or Tails, Annie and Terry Avery, Buffalo Chips, Kid Fiddlers, Bob Bohm Magic Show and Family Survivor.
Rosendahl also commented that she has nearly filled both commercial exhibit buildings. "It's been a struggle for me to fill the booths, but I appreciate the stability of the ones that return every year," said Rosendahl. "We have several new exhibitors this year. It's a way to promote the things we're proud of in Wright County." She is also busy right now taping promo spots for the local radio stations.
There is also the myriad of other little behind the scenes details, from ordering food for the free suppers to signing contracts with show judges.
Rosendahl just recently signed a contract herself for her new job in the fall as C-G Elementary principal. People have asked her if she would quit the fair job. "What the kids gain from the fair is the reason I continue to be involved," said Rosendahl. "There's a lot more to the fair than just the 4-H and FFA shows but those reasons are why I want to continue to be involved. I don't want to quit this, but it remains to be seen. I really hope we can mesh the two together and make it work. The fair board is willing to try to help make that happen."
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