Griebel makes things happen at county fair

By MARTHA KRIENKE

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- "I'm always glad when the fair is over," said Dennis Griebel, fairgrounds manager for the Ag Society. From early spring to fall, Griebel is busy preparing for all the shows, fairs and picnics taking place at the fairgrounds each weekend. For the past 18 years he has worked behind-the-scenes to make sure events such as Oktoberfest, Relay for Life and the Brown County Fair run smoothly.

Griebel's job is to do general maintenance on the grounds. Dressed in his worn leather boots and work jeans, he completes a variety of projects, from replacing windows to setting up chain link fences. Most recently he and his team built a new wooden fence near the grandstand and reshingled two buildings. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the great people I work with," said Griebel. "They might use my tools, but they go ahead and do the job."

The Brown County Fair brings a special challenge to Griebel because of the different grandstand events each night. The demo derby, rodeo and supercross championship all require a new setup. "That's the hardest part of the fair," Griebel said. After a show is over, his crew cleans up, moves the barricades, lays down more dirt or whatever else needs to be done for the next day.

The President of the Brown County Ag Society Dan Kotten said Griebel is the "lifesaver" of the fair. "He makes things happen." Kotten has worked closely with Griebel for the past six years. He said he admires Griebel's ability to quickly come up with solutions and answers. "He is always willing to help out and gets things done one way or another," Kotten said.

In the peak season, Griebel said the cell phone strapped to his belt rings all the time. "My 600 minutes doesn't last a month," he said. Griebel's wife Ardis, who he describes as an "angel," has learned to tolerate all the calls. "She doesn't like to answer the phone in the summer time 'cause it's always for me," Griebel said.

Griebel said his job involves "being available seven days a week, 24 hours a day." "I could put in 14-hour days and still not get it all done," he said. Before the county fair begins on Wednesday, Griebel has to get the grounds ready for the KRAFT company picnic on Saturday and the tractor pull on Sunday.

Griebel was a farmer for several years before his first wife died, and he sold the farm. His brother-in-law Jerome Schwab, who had been the fairgrounds manager for three years, asked Griebel if he would like the job. "I was really dumb at first," Griebel admitted.

Today seventy-one-year-old Griebel continues his work with a good attitude and plenty of experience to depend on. Kotten said, "Even in the bad days he finds one good thing about the day and smiles." Ardis said her husband is always patient and friendly. "He puts everyone else in front of himself," she said.