Fair camping convenient, popular

HARTINGTON – The highways between Randolph and Hartington can get long and weary when you make three trips back and forth daily during the Cedar County Fair.

With 4-H projects to turn in, animals to tend to, and rodeo and concerts to enjoy, Christina Junck found herself on the road more than what she wanted.

Starting two years ago, instead of hitting the road, she decided to stay.

Junck borrowed a camper and solidified one of the 35 camping pads at the fair.

The Ashley and Zach Schmidt family, Randolph, also have made the fair a camping destination for the week.

For the second year in a row, camping pads at the fair sold out well in advance of opening day, said Patrick Wieseler, a St. Helena resident and Cedar County Fair Board member.

He said three-fourths of the camping sites are occupied by 4-H families. Another handful of campers are there for the rodeo and concerts, and the rest are taken by fair board members.

Wieseler started managing the camping sites about four years ago, with sites becoming available in December and generally full by February.

“It’s crazy how much interest there is. This year, we’ve turned down probably 10, 15 campers,” he said, adding he always keeps a waiting list as there may be cancellations. “It’s a good thing but it’s also kind of a headache sometimes.”

The fair board has discussed making more sites available although no definite expansion plans have been approved, Wieseler said.

“It’s a cheap way to stay,” he said. “If you want a spot, book early.”

Wieseler enjoys camping at the fair every year with his family, too.

“It’s nice to have somewhere to go. Usually it’s hot so it’s nice to sit in the camper for awhile or just late nights and early mornings working, instead of driving home and coming back all the time,” he said.

Ashely Schmidt and Junck can relate. The duo operate the 4-H Pop Stand during the fair. It’s the main concessions area during the fair and for nightly entertainment, open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.

The fairgrounds at night, after the beer garden closes, is actually quiet.

“It’s silent back there, even with the horses,” Zach Schmidt said.

And his wife agreed. “We don’t have any rowdy, craziness here. At the end of the day, I think we’re all exhausted and we’re all ready for bed,” Ashley said.