Communities in the flood-ravaged parts of the state are asking would-be fair-goers NOT to let the floods keep you away.
When considering attending local fairs and festivals, Wisconsin Emergency Management's Lori Getter says you needn't worry about recent heavy rainfall and disaster declarations in 14 counties.
"We are encouraging people to continue with their plans. If they're planning on going to the Gays Mills Apple Festival, which is the end of this month, or other events where there could have been flooding."
When in doubt, check it out, says Getter, but so far local officials are asking for your support after tirelessly working to clean up the water damage and make appropriate accommodations. Getter says officials wouldn't be asking for your attendance if there was any potential for danger.
"Contact the county, but we haven't heard of any cancellations. And all the communities want to go forward and kind of put the flood behind them. They've done a lot of clean-up and so, we encourage people to go to the local fairs, go to the apple fest and the other all harvests that are taking place."
Money generated from the festivals is needed to help the local economies. The Richland County fair is going on now through the 9th. Gays Mills Apple Fest usually attracts about 10,000 visitors to the tiny town. Getter notes, because of the rain, there is one thing that might get in your way…
"I guess right now the only concern is mosquitos, but I think that's statewide with the rain."