A State Fair Staple For 14 Years

For 14 years Craig and Jean Gass have been bringing the 50s back in style.

The Gass family has owned and operated the Gass Station, a vendor spot near the 4-H and Education buildings at the .

The Station includes old-fashioned food and a family atmosphere where people can take in some 1950s memorabilia collected during the years that chronicle Craig's family background in the food service industry.

"We had to wait 15 years to get here," Jean Gass said. "Then we were among others chosen for this site and they liked our 1950s concept."

The Gass family had to build their malt shop and burger joint from scratch in the spot where a church vendor had once stood.

"We had one month to get this place ready," Jean said. "We worked really hard to get this going."

Each year brought its challenges and changes. During the past 14 years the Gass Station has expanded to include homemade, real ice cream malts, salads, lettuce wraps and more. The food vendor offers a variety of daily deals during the 12 days of each State Fair duration.

One nice thing about the Station is its in and outdoor seating area that seats around 100 people. It's a great gathering spot for families, said Jean's daughter Kelly.

"We haven't changed the prices much either," Jean said. "People will only pay so much and we just try to stay competitive."

The Gass family has seen the expansion and changes of the fair itself as their business has remained in the same spot, a fixture among many changing booths and structures.

Around 20 employees can be working at the Gass Station in one day. The busiest times are weekends, especially the second weekend of the fair.

"Last year was the best attendance of the fair, which was surprising to me with the economy," Jean said. "This year attendance is down so far."

Many of the Gass' employees are neighbors, friends and others they know from the Plymouth community, several have been come back to work each summer for the past 12 years.

Though Craig and Jean Gass have three grown children and three grandchildren at this time the Gass Station's future may or may not be in the next generation's hands. But Jean doesn't plan on retiring from the business anytime soon.

You won't find anything on a stick at the Gass Station, but if you looking for some good eats that are a blast from the past at the fair, you don't have to go far.