Houghton County Fair underway in Hancock

HANCOCK – Big rides, small animals,  great family fun. Copper Country residents have gathered at the Houghton County Fairgrounds to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the fair. Fair Board President Jack Dunstan says a couple of the attractions really caught the eye of the attendees.

“I know they got a ride that there were only a few of them made in Michigan and there’s only one in Wisconsin. I got sick just looking at it. It’s a big ride. The local motocross was a big event. The weather held up so we had a pretty good crowd last (Thursday) night,” Dunstan said.

Spectrum Entertainment was in charge of the midway this year and they certainly haven’t disappointed. Also on display were the local livestock from the area.

The traditional Miss Houghton County Fair Pageant took place in the Houghton County Arena. Pageant Superintendent Ruth Antioho explained what a little about what they judges look for from the girls in the pageant.

“I think the judges are generally looking for a girl who is confident in her own skin and is able to come up with an answer to a question and knows what she wants and is confident in her talent,” said Antioho.

Hope Gockenbach was named this year’s fair queen. Gockenbach said she’s honored to be a part of the whole event.

“To me, it’s a childhood memory. They’ve had it every since I was young and we’ve always lived around here as far as I can remember. And it’s just good, clean fun and I think a fair should be a part of everyone’s childhood and I am so thankful that it was part of mine,” Gockenbach said.

The fair will be open throughout the entire weekend. For a complete schedule of the shows and entertainment, click here.