A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
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8 Can’t-Miss Summer Fairs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s fairs celebrate and appreciate all things local – from locally-sourced food and beverage, to 4-H competitions, to art shows, to musical performances. We’ve teamed up with Something Special from Wisconsin™ to highlight the Wisconsin Association of Fairs and our great state’s iconic summer fairs. Pencil these local celebrations into your summer calendar:
Trempealeau County Fair – July 19-22
The Trempealeau County Fair is the epitome of Wisconsin fairs. Highlights include goat, llama, dairy, sheep and swine shows, plus a truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, scavenger hunt, carnival, hypnotist and comedy show. This Western Wisconsin celebration offers fun for all ages!
Washington County Fair – July 24-29
For something a bit on a grander scale, check out the Washington County Fair, which features musical artists like Scotty McCreery, 3 Doors Down, Walker Hayes and Carly Pearce. In addition, you’ll find a petting farm, pig and duck races, auctions, fireworks, and plenty more.
Door County Fair – August 1-5
Door County is already a summer hot spot in Wisconsin, but its annual county fair makes it even more of an attraction. The event features on-site wood carving, drill team competitions, 4-H exhibits, delicious food stands, and plenty of local music, including Whiskey Ditch – a Green Bay Rock’n Roll Party Band.
Wisconsin State Fair – August 2-12
We can’t write an article about Wisconsin’s fairs without mentioning the granddaddy of them all! The Wisconsin State Fair knows how to do it big when it comes to entertainment, food, and family fun. While trying the classic cream puff is a must, you’ve also got to get your hands on all those “on-a-stick” foods, like spaghetti and meatballs, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, and every kind of candy bar you can imagine.
Bayfield County Fair – August 9-12
While the Bayfield area is another popular summer tourist hot spot, the Bayfield County Fair is just another reason to make your way north. With Great Frontier Bull Riding, a tractor pull, stunt team, carnival, pony rides and live music, the whole family will find something they love at this Northshore celebration.
Lincoln County Fair – August 15-19
The Lincoln County Fair is celebrating 130 years and is keeping this “classic Wisconsin”, with horse shows, dog shows, school exhibits, bull riding, a carnival, and so much more. This centrally-located fair is calling your name!
Burnett County Fair – August 23-26
This weekend event boasts family fun, food, animals and rides, and plenty more! Friday is Senior Citizens Day, which features bingo, polka, old country music, and a free slice of pie for anyone over the age of 60! Saturday is Family Fun Day, where kids will enjoy Pickles the clown, face painting, a parade, and free ice cream cones!
Sheboygan County Fair – August 30-September 3
The Sheboygan County Fair takes us in to Labor Day weekend, and features the (seriously impressive) Wisconsin Dockdogs, pig and duck races, an ag-venture tent, and plenty of carnival fun. Watch live music, tractor pulls, and several unique competitions, like arm-wrestling and beer and wine making.
Which Wisconsin fair do you attend year after year? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin!
Something Special from Wisconsin™ is a trademarked program administered by the Division of Agricultural Development at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 1983. Every dollar spent on Something Special from Wisconsin™ products and services supports local farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs, our communities and livelihood, as well as the Wisconsin way of life. Something Special from Wisconsin™ products are unique and of the highest quality, making them perfect for gift-giving, special occasions and every day!
Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
