BY MIKE WARREN

While the junior fair and open-class dairy shows remain the backbone of the Central Wisconsin State Fair, this year’s musical entertainment has been a smashing success.

The Memories’ 50th anniversary show attracted standing room-only crowds to the Family Entertainment tent Aug. 24, as all three original members – Tim Stevens, Warren Petryk and John Lynch – performed together once again.

Nice weather and great crowds enjoyed the Eagles tribute act Hotel California on the grandstand stage Aug. 24.

Rock tribute band Hairball drew a huge crowd of fans to their Aug. 25 grandstand show, as they paid homage to some of the greatest acts of all time, including Kiss, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Queen, Ozzy Osbourne and AC/DC. Much like Hotel California, Hairball brought great musicianship and stage presence, along with spot-on lead vocal similarities and infectious harmonies.

A sellout crowd packed the grandstands and trackside seats for country star Gary Allan Aug. 26. The show also featured opening act Diamonds & Whiskey. The rock country duo put on a post-show performance as well.

While kids of all ages still gather for mainstays like the Dress-A-Cow contest, great fair food and well-executed 4-H and other projects, music still provides a steady rhythm of success and popularity among fairgoers.