Dunn County Fair Board awards beer-sales rights to racetrack in 4–2 vote, pledges to consult Fish and Game

The Dunn County Fair Board voted 4–2 on a motion to allow Red Cedar Speedway to handle beer sales at the fair, a change the board said is intended to boost attendance by expanding racing and grandstand programming.

The board’s chair announced the outcome after a lengthy discussion of trade-offs between nonprofit partners and the racetrack. "4 to 2, it passes," the chair said during the vote.

Supporters argued the racetrack can attract larger crowds by shifting certain events (including a proposed high‑purse Friday race and a Saturday demolition derby) into more prominent slots and by reinvesting added beer proceeds into higher payouts to draw more competitors. Board member Speaker 3 proposed that, if the racetrack takes beer sales, the board should pay the Fish and Game chapter roughly the same average revenue it has historically received and ask the chapter to provide volunteers for parking or other fair duties so it is not left worse off.

Facilities staff framed the conversation in budgetary terms: "The FAIR has lost money the last 3 years," Speaker 6 said, underlining why the board is testing new revenue and programming approaches.

Opponents urged caution, noting Fish and Game and the Lions Club have relied on fair proceeds for youth and community activities. The board’s vote included direction for staff and board liaisons to meet with Fish and Game to present the proposed plan and identify specific alternative roles before implementation.

The board said the racetrack arrangement is a trial starting with this fair; members asked for a follow‑up report on revenues, volunteer commitments, and any agreed payments to Fish and Game so the board can reassess the approach after the season.