New stage a huge addition to Clay County Fair
By Russ Oechslin, Journal Correspondent | Posted: Saturday, September 06, 2008
Clay County Fair Secretary-Manager Phil Hurst, left, contractor Bob Maurer, middle, and fair board member Dave Potratz discuss the new stage they’re standing on in front of the grandstand at the Spencer, Iowa, event. Maurer built the 3,360-square-foot platform that will see its first use tonight when country star Trisha Yearwood will be the fair’s opening night entertainment. (Staff photo by Russ Oechslin)
SPENCER, Iowa -- What has 24 wheels, 8,000 screws holding a 48-foot-by-70-foot plywood deck to its frame, and weighs 47 tons?
In Spencer, it's the new grandstand stage for the Clay County Fair, made by Bob Maurer of Sutherland
The stage will be used for the first time Saturday night when Trisha Yearwood and Rockapella perform on opening night. A concert is scheduled each night of the fair's nine-day run, concluding with a Beach Boys show.
"You won't see another stage like this," said board member Dave Potratz, who has been master of ceremonies for the stage shows longer than most people can remember coming to the fair.
Maurer, who formerly owned Maurer Manufacturing here, worked on the project for about a year. He had help from four grandchildren, including granddaughter Amanda Maurer, this year's Clay County Fair queen. She will appear on the stage during the opening show.
The previous stage was smaller and got stuck in the mud path in front of the grandstand more than once when it was being moved between shows, Potraz noted.
"This stage is not only easier to transport but will move on a concrete strip from the center of the grandstand to storage between shows and over the winter," added fair secretary-manager Phil Hurst.
In addition to the 3,360-square-foot platform that will support 240 tons of entertainers and equipment, there are two wings that extend another 64 feet, putting performers closer to almost twice as many concertgoers in the stands. "This is one of the biggest improvements we have ever made for fairgoers," Hurst noted.
Another big improvement, the fair secretary said, is the U.S. Cellular Plaza near the food court, where there has been very limited seating in the past. The canopied area will seat about 100 people comfortably at tables, he said.
A deck built by Farm Credit Services of America as an addition to the Ag Learning Center on the west side of the fairgrounds is another addition to the 2008 fair. The deck is to be used for presentations as well as a place to sit and relax when it is not used for classes.
Dubbing this year's fair the "Destination of a Lifetime," Hurst said he strives to find unusual things that Siouxlanders won't see elsewhere and might not expect to see at a county fair. One of the most unusual exhibits Hurst found this year features exotic pheasants of the world, which he says will involve dozens of the colorful birds.
If you go
The Clay County Fair opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 14 at the fairgrounds, 1401 Fourth Ave. in Spencer. Cars enter on West 18th Street.
For more information about grandstand acts, free entertainment stages and a complete daily schedule, visit www.claycountyfair.com.
In Spencer, it's the new grandstand stage for the Clay County Fair, made by Bob Maurer of Sutherland
The stage will be used for the first time Saturday night when Trisha Yearwood and Rockapella perform on opening night. A concert is scheduled each night of the fair's nine-day run, concluding with a Beach Boys show.
"You won't see another stage like this," said board member Dave Potratz, who has been master of ceremonies for the stage shows longer than most people can remember coming to the fair.
Maurer, who formerly owned Maurer Manufacturing here, worked on the project for about a year. He had help from four grandchildren, including granddaughter Amanda Maurer, this year's Clay County Fair queen. She will appear on the stage during the opening show.
The previous stage was smaller and got stuck in the mud path in front of the grandstand more than once when it was being moved between shows, Potraz noted.
"This stage is not only easier to transport but will move on a concrete strip from the center of the grandstand to storage between shows and over the winter," added fair secretary-manager Phil Hurst.
In addition to the 3,360-square-foot platform that will support 240 tons of entertainers and equipment, there are two wings that extend another 64 feet, putting performers closer to almost twice as many concertgoers in the stands. "This is one of the biggest improvements we have ever made for fairgoers," Hurst noted.
Another big improvement, the fair secretary said, is the U.S. Cellular Plaza near the food court, where there has been very limited seating in the past. The canopied area will seat about 100 people comfortably at tables, he said.
A deck built by Farm Credit Services of America as an addition to the Ag Learning Center on the west side of the fairgrounds is another addition to the 2008 fair. The deck is to be used for presentations as well as a place to sit and relax when it is not used for classes.
Dubbing this year's fair the "Destination of a Lifetime," Hurst said he strives to find unusual things that Siouxlanders won't see elsewhere and might not expect to see at a county fair. One of the most unusual exhibits Hurst found this year features exotic pheasants of the world, which he says will involve dozens of the colorful birds.
If you go
The Clay County Fair opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 14 at the fairgrounds, 1401 Fourth Ave. in Spencer. Cars enter on West 18th Street.
For more information about grandstand acts, free entertainment stages and a complete daily schedule, visit www.claycountyfair.com.
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