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Fair Board Drops 2005 Season At Dodge County
PRESS RELEASE - Dodge County Fair Association
Source: Daily Citizen
By Jennifer Woldt
Devember 16, 2004
BEAVER DAM - Dwindling attendance and lower participation rates have caused
the Dodge County Fair Board to decide not to sponsor a 2005 racing season.
After sponsoring a season for more than 20 years, the board announced their
decision on Wednesday not to continue sponsoring a regular season racing
program at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway.
"It's a business and nobody's funding this for us," said Sharon Keil,
secretary of the fair board. "It was a long, hard deliberation."
Fellow board member Steve Hannan said it was a decision that was difficult for
the board to make, but it had to be done.
"When we made the final decision, I can guarantee you there was no one
who wanted to see the program end," Hannan said. "But we are
stewards of the fair board and we had to stop the bleeding."
Keil said the decision to discontinue the racing season was an economic one.
Declining attendance and lower participation among drivers were factors that
the board took into consideration when determining whether to sponsor a season
in 2005.
"At one time, we packed the grounds and stands," Keil said.
She noted that during the height of its popularity, the fair board sponsored a
racing season that began on May 1 and ended Sept. 1, with about 15 races
taking place on Saturdays. In those days, the grandstand was full and between
60 and 80 cars would race around the half-mile dirt oval. However, over the
years, both spectators and drivers have declined.
For Dennis Haldemann, who has raced at the fairgrounds since the first race in
1984, hearing the board's decision not to sponsor a season was disappointing.
"The fairgrounds by far has some of the best racing services in the
United States," said Haldemann, who has raced at various tracks around
the Midwest. "It's sad to lose one of the best tracks in the nation for
racing."
Keil said the board is now actively looking for opportunities to rent the
fairgrounds out for various events, including racing. In addition to the Olde
Time Gathering and a medieval faire, she said the track has already been
booked for two IRA events, one in April and one in September.
A special thanks to our devoted staff of corner workers, flag person, pit
steward, scoring people, push trucks, wreckers, fire department, ambulance
crew, photographer, concessions, track preparation people, deputies and many,
many sponsors, your devotion has been outstanding!
IN ADDITION:
Anyone interested in renting the facility for any event or promotion should
contact the Dodge County Fair Association. (920) 885-3586 fair@dodgecountyfairgrounds.com
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