The Friends of the Gogebic County Fair Board at its meeting at the beginning of the month, announced premium payments will be mailed soon, excluding checks under $5. The premium is for everybody who exhibits at the fair, — they are eligible for premium money, based on how they place . TheDailyGlobe reports fair funds cover those payments. Off-season storage drop-off dates at the fairgrounds are today, the 25th and October 2, starting at 2 p.m., with individual drops possible. The board is struggling to find a carnival for the 2026 fair,due to bidding wars. The Band IV Play has confirmed for August 13; other bands are being sought. The board also discussed Michigan state support for harness racing, set the 2026 vendor charge at $50, discussed a new P.A. system for the fairgrounds, and scheduled the next meeting for October 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the fairgrounds’ multipurpose building.