Hale to retirement

One of the most iconic figures of the Steele County Free Fair is hanging it up.
Todd Hale, who has become known as the voice of the fair for nearly three decades, says it’s time to go. Beginning Friday, he’s leaving behind the publicity and entertainment position he’s had since 1990.
“It’s been 27 years. That’s enough,” Hale said. “I have enjoyed every day and every year working with the fair. I have especially enjoyed my association with the entertainers that have visited with us and performed for us each year,” he added.
Fair president Dan Deml said Hale has been “a tremendous asset” to the fair for many years. “Todd has been a real icon of the fair. I hate to see him go,” Deml said. “But we know he can’t go on forever.”
Deml attributes some of the success of the fair becoming the largest fair in Minnesota to Hale. Deml said the fair experienced significant growth during Hale’s tenure because of his expertise in publicity as well as the entertainment field. 
Hale also served as the voice of the fair as he made announcements on the public address system. “His voice was recognizable to anyone who has been around Steele County,” Deml said. He added that Hale’s announcing of the Human Cannonball for several years “enhanced the enjoyment” of the experience for fairgoers. 
Hale began with the fair as an assistant to Dr. Louie Allgeyer, secretary of the fair, handling publicity and advertising. In the late 1990s, he assumed the task of booking the entertainment for the free stages on the fairgrounds. 
Though Hale has been officially working for the fair for 27 years, his association with the fair goes back even longer. For years he worked with KRFO-Radio doing live remotes during fair week.
Taking over Hale’s duties will be Wayne Steele, who has been the coordinator of Fair Square Stage for the past five years. Steele is a member of the fair board. 
The fair board is discussing ways to keep Hale involved on a limited basis with the fair. Deml said the board is considering making Hale a superintendent of one of the fair’s departments. 

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“We really want to express our appreciation and gratitude to Todd for everything he has done,” Deml said.