[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 102 (Tuesday, July 10, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RICHLAND COUNTY FAIR

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 150th 
anniversary of the Richland County Fair. I am proud to honor this 
celebration and all that this event has contributed to the State of 
Wisconsin.
  The Richland County Agricultural Society was founded in 1857 with the 
mission to improve ``the character and operation of the agricultural, 
mechanical, and household arts.'' In order to achieve its mission, 
later that year it sponsored a cattle show and fair. The success of 
that first cattle show led the organization to purchase the fairground, 
which has allowed them to evolve and continue to sponsor this popular 
fair for the next 100 years. Since the original fair in 1857, year in 
and year out, organizers have proudly showcased the beauty, simplicity, 
and fortitude of rural Wisconsin life; the only years the fairs were 
not held were during the four summers of our Nation's Civil War. After 
turning over the fairground and buildings to Richland County in 1957, 
this landmark celebration became officially known as the Richland 
County Fair. For 150 years, the Richland County Fair has built upon the 
foundation of recognition of the agricultural, mechanical, and 
household arts that truly represent the beauty of Wisconsin.
  While Wisconsin's agriculture has changed since the mid-19th century, 
the fun of the fair traditions has not. It is through events like these 
that our communities come together to celebrate Wisconsin's unique 
offerings, culture, and traditions. It has stood the test of good and 
bad economies and serves as a reminder of our dairy and farming 
heritage. In recent years, the fair has provided entertainment to the 
citizens of Richland County and visitors by holding tractor pulls, 
magic shows, music concerts, games, and rides. With a rich, illustrious 
history, the Richland County Fair rings in its sesquicentennial 
anniversary and will no doubt head into many future fairs that build 
upon a wonderful community legacy. I am proud to have the opportunity 
to honor this event and honor the spirit of celebration that the 
Richland County Fair brings to the great State of Wisconsin.

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