Comment on Linn County Fair to kick off Wednesday

CENTRAL CITY — Linn County Fair organizers have simple hopes for this year’s event after last year’s was disrupted by a funnel cloud that formed above the fairgrounds on opening day.“After last year, I’m hoping for good weather,” said Springville resident Albert Martin, 35, president of the fair board.The fair will host carnival rides, livestock shows and a lineup of grandstand events from June 27 to July 2.Fair organizers are making light of last year’s bad weather, selling T-shirts for $15 with the phrase “Come for the funnel clouds; Stay for the funnel cakes” printed around an image of the funnel cloud darkening the sky over the fairgrounds.Proceeds will go toward a public-address system to use in future emergency situations, fair marketing manager Heidi Steffen said.The system is estimated to cost about $5,000, she said.