How long have you been going to the Fair? What are your favorite memories? Travel back to the earliest days of the our local Fair when the Marathon County Historical Society presents “150 Years of the Wisconsin Valley Fair,” another topic in our History Speaks series, at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau.

For 150 years the Fair has been an important part of the social and economic life of the people of Marathon County, which has reflected and influenced the changes in the county itself. Ben Clark will outline the history of the Wisconsin Valley Fair, ranging from 4-H competitions to the politics of beer tents, automobile and harness racing, the range of entertainment on and off the midway, and more.

Ben Clark is archivist at the Marathon County Historical Society.

There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required.

The Historical Society is grateful to Janke Book Store and to Compass Properties for their sponsorship of the History Speaks series.

Visitors might also enjoy a guided tour of the Yawkey House Museum, or visiting our free exhibit spaces. Rural Electrification: Outlet for Change depicts life before and after electricity made its slow way into rural areas of Marathon County in the 1930s and ‘40s. Our Stories: The History of Marathon County features reminiscences of how people arrived in this area, and how they worked and played in days gone by.

For more information, please call the Marathon County Historical Society at 715-842-5750.