MARSHFIELD, Wis (WSAU) — The Central Wisconsin Fairgrounds in Marshfield will soon be getting a new, permanent stage to help showcase entertainment in front of the grandstand. City administrator Steve Barg says the new concrete stage will replace a rented temporary stage, and that it’s being funded by a generous donation. “Central Wisconsin State Fair Association currently uses a temporary stage. They are looking to make that a permanent stage. They’ve got somebody who’s willing to donate some monies to put up a permanent raised concrete stage,” Barg said.
Ed Wagner sits on both the Fair Association Board and the Board of Public Works. The stage will save rental costs, and facilitate even more profit generating events. According to Wagner, “This is something they’ve wanted to do out there for a long time, and I think it will enhance the profitability of the fair in the long run.”
However, home owners like David Hirsch who live near the fairgrounds spoke out at a public hearing, and said that more activities will also mean more dust. “There’ll be more activities, and the parking I’m sure is going to be in the fairgrounds. And the dust is really a health issue. So that was my concern, with more activities, we’re going to be eating more dust.”
Plans for the new stage have been approved by the Central Wisconsin State Fair Association, as well as by both Marshfield’s Board of Public Works and City Plan Commission.
by Terry Pezl, WSAU
