Sizzler week has arrived in Humboldt, and this year, the annual festival is going to be bigger and better.

Mike Ulriksen, who spearheads the work behind lining everything up as the city's Events Manager, says that as of Monday morning, the midway has started to arrive.

"There's a few trucks sitting in the parking lot already, and they're going to be setting up later today, so that's exciting."

Anticipation has been building for new rides, and Ulriksen says that it has showed in ticket sales.

"We've already sold more than last year, so we're already up to 260 sold," he explained. "It's worth noting that last year, 65% of tickets was sold three days before, so if we have that again this year, they're going to be sold by Tuesday."

He added that the number of weekend passes sold is capped at 500, and unless they are sold out by Tuesday, the likelihood of more passes becoming available is slim.

Each pass sells for $50, and gives you unlimited access to rides throughout the four days of the midway. Single day passes will be available as well.

This year will once again see a rise in the number of rides available, according to Ulriksen.

"We've got two more rides this year than what we've had in the past," he said. "We're really excited this year that the Zipper is coming to town. The drop tower is back again this year, so we're not replacing, we're expanding."

The midway opens at 3:00pm on Thursday, ending at 6:00pm on Sunday.

Another hot ticket item as the week moves along is expected to be a new event to the Sizzler.

High Impact Wrestling is making its way to Humboldt to put on a show at 7:00 Friday night.

"300 is all we're selling. We're going to pack everyone into Jubilee Hall. To date, we've sold 80 to 85," Ulriksen stated. "It sounds like there is a lot left, but I think everyone is that 'we're going to wait and get them right before the show'. I'd be shocked if by Wednesday they're not gone."

Other new events to the Sizzler for 2016 include a kickoff concert, which will feature Chris Culgin Band on Wednesday night. There will also be a Strongman competition and Monster Truck rides new for this year.


You can hear more from Ulriksen below.