Open carry will be allowed at CWSF
By Hub City Times staff
MARSHFIELD – Those attending the Central Wisconsin State Fair (CWSF) in Marshfield will be allowed to carry alcoholic beverages outside the areas where they are sold. With Alderman Chris Jockheck absent, the Marshfield Common Council voted 6-3 on Aug. 13 in favor of a recommendation from Police Chief Rick Gramza to allow the open carry of beer and other alcoholic beverages throughout the fairgrounds.
Gramza said wristbands would be used by the fair to identify those eligible to carry open containers.
Alderman Rebecca Spiros voted against the measure. She said the open carry concept would add to an already existing substance abuse problem.
Aldermen Ken Bargender and Steve Mac Swain joined Spiros in voting against the open-carry concept.
Chief Gramza said the idea worked in late July for Hub City Days and the downtown Wine Walk in May.
Gramza said open carry would be prohibited in the campground and softball diamond areas, and parking lots which are outside of the fairgrounds. The Central Wisconsin State Fair runs Aug. 20-25.