During their monthly meeting, the Gogebic County Friends of the Fair Board addressed construction progress following the fire that destroyed the 4-H horse barn, a hay barn, and grandstands. The new horse barn is expected to be finished before this year’s fair, with volunteers soon setting up stalls. Repairs are also underway for the livestock pavilion. Board members also discussed staffing for this year’s fair, specifically gate tenders. Paid workers earn $5.50/hour, and there’s a proposal to involve National Honor Society and Key Club students for volunteer hours. A key concern is people sneaking in through rear gates, leading to plans for staffing all three entry gates. The committee will also be operating a food stand during Festival Ironwood to support ongoing fairground operational costs.