Special Sections

WAUKESHA COUNTY FAIR The FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE JULY 2022 3 County fair main stage to feature nationally renowned bands By Dan Colton dcolton@conleynet.com 262-513-2661 WAUKESHA – Chart-top- ping names in rock 'n roll and country music will be hitting the main stage at the Waukesha County Fair this month. And luckily for music lovers, the concerts at the Miller Lite Main Stage are free for those who've pur- chased general admittance to the fairgrounds. Starting Thursday, July 21, Randy Houser, Ted Nugent and Seether will bring their sounds to the area. Randy Houser is set to start July 21 at 8 p.m., followed by Ted Nugent at 8 p.m. on July 22 with Seether scheduled for 8 p.m. on July 23. Chrissy Gluege, execu- tive director of the Wauke- sha County Fair, said the event prides itself on bring- ing in a plethora of nation- ally-renowned acts for resi- dents to enjoy. This year's headliners variety ranges from contemporary country to '80s and '90s rock. Local bands are also slat- ed to perform at the fair's two side stages. "Our whole purpose is to integrate a wide array and variety of music," Gluege said. "...and for us in Waukesha, we have a strong track record of haling well- known, national talent." Gluege added, "Our entire entertainment com- mittee works hard to put together the best entertain- ment that we can within our means." Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend the con- certs each night. Exclusive and VIP tickets are available for purchase, although they're quickly running out, according to Gluege. Thursday, July 21 Randy Houser is an acclaimed country music singer and songwriter known for his hits like "Anything Goes" and "What Whiskey Does." His last album was released in 2019, but his upcoming and sixth album "Note to Self" is set for release later this year. "We were really fortunate that Randy Houser was coming out with new music, so having him be our head- liner on Thursday is some- thing we're very proud of," Gluege said. Friday, July 22 Ted Nugent's illustrious career spans decades, and he's made a name for him- self as a showman and top- notch entertainer. One of his most famous songs, "Cat Scratch Fever," was the namesake of his 1977 album. He last appeared at the Waukesha County Fair in 2011. "The Waukesha County Fair wouldn't be the Wauke- sha County Fair without having the '80s," Gluege said. "With bringing in Mr. Ted Nugent, he's always a showman and he's very well known for his showman- ship. So we know Friday night is certainly going to be rocking." Saturday, July 23 Seether is a South African rock band that formed in 1999. Their hits like "Broken" and "Fake It" are widely known among many fans of the rock genre. "There are so many hits Seether has, and they've toured all over, so to inte- grate them into what we have is an exciting offer as well," Gluege said. Sunday, July 24 Following the headliners, a more local approach is being focused on Sunday as part of the fair's theme of bringing the Waukesha community together after the tragedy during last year's Christmas parade tragedy where Darrell Brooks, 40, has been charg- ed with driving through the parade route, allegedly killing six people and injur- ing more than 60 others. The Miller Lite Main Stage on Sunday, June 24 will feature performances by the Xtreme Dance Team whose members suffered injury that day. There will also be per- formances by Anita's Dance Center out of Mukwonago, Gluege said, as well as a performance by southeast Wisconsin's The Gabriel Sanchez Band, which has promised to perform "No Reason," a song written for the Waukesha Strong community following the parade tragedy. "The fair's theme this year is 'Bringing us Togeth- er in 2022, County Pride Through and Through,'" Gluege said. "The idea behind it is just a sense of pride. A fair should be a place of happiness, making memories and bringing people together ... and just enjoy time together." Take in the rides at the Waukesha County Fair By Hunter Turpin Special to The Freeman WAUKESHA — Visitors can expect up to 25 rides and over 16 games at this year's county fair, some traditional and some new in 2022. Rides will include the Rock Star, which ele- vates riders and then whisks toward the ground, and the Freak Out, which spins riders while swinging on a pendulum. For children, there will be a rock jungle and the Starship 3000. There will also be a 110-foot ferris wheel with over 20,000 lights where riders can see the entire fairgrounds. Rides are provided by North American Midway Entertainment, the world's largest traveling outdoor amusement park, according to the Waukesha County Fair website. New games and activities this year are an old western shooting gallery, axe throwing in partnership with Throw and Go Mobile Axe, laser tag courtesy of MKE Tag and Xbox gam- ing. Other popular activities include Duck Pond and Bob's Fishing Hole, as well as pony rides sponsored by R&R Insurance. There are two types of ride specials this year. Wednesday is Dollar Day, where rides are $2 each, courtesy of Pick 'n Save. Thursday through Sunday, visitors can receive an unlim- ited ride wristband for $33.

• Cover