County panel eyes
Derby racetrack
for fairgrounds

By Ken Anderson
News Correspondent

A feasibility study on moving the Vilas County Fairgrounds to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby site was approved last week by the county’s advertising and economic development committee.

Chairman Jay Verhulst said they went to the Derby Track to look it over for possible relocation.

“We got a good view of the infrastructure on the site, but at this point, we’re not going to have any clear indication the parcels can accommodate our fair,” he said.

The committee is looking at the present developed portion of the property, which has about 13 acres fenced in. In addition, they would also consider the north property, which has about 25 acres and is used mostly for parking during a number of events.

The south portion is in the city of Eagle River and the north parcel is in the town of Lincoln.

Verhulst said price has not been discussed.

“In the committee’s conversations with the Deckers to date, there have been no specific offerings. They have said the option would be there for us to buy everything. They would come back to us with an offer to lease as one opportunity. Another opportunity would be they would retain some of the infrastructure and as a result, some equipment necessary to operate their events,” said Verhulst.

Owner Chuck Decker was out of town and could not be contacted for comment.

WANT TO READ MORE? SUBSCRIBE TODAY!