MENOMONIE, Wis. — People attending the Dunn County Fair – which they have done since 1885 — will find more entertainment, food, music and family fun than ever.
The Dunn County Fair runs Wednesday, July 22, through Sunday, July 26, at the Dunn County Fairgrounds in Menomonie. This year features a new carnival provider, a larger covered Free Stage, expanded food and vendor offerings, popular livestock and youth exhibits, and motorsports, live music and agricultural events.
“We have something for every age group,” said Deric Wolf, president of the Dunn County Fair Board. “Whether people come for the animals, the music, the rides, the food or the grandstand events, there is always something for them at the fairgrounds.”
Wolf said there is a new carnival this year.
“Badgerland Midways is coming, and that is pretty exciting,” Wolf said. “There’s more options” with rides, food and games.
Wolf and Austin Witt, Director of Dunn County Facilities, Parks and Transit, said a major addition to the fair this year is in the area of entertainment, all of which is free. A new covered hydraulic Free Stage will provide a larger and more professional setting for performances while improving the experience for audiences.
“The focal point of the fair will be main stage,” Witt said. “We are having bands every day with two bands daily starting Thursday, and that is huge,” Witt said. “There’s music all day long, and that’s exciting.”
A highlight will be Thursday night as Wisconsin native Chris Kroeze takes the Free Stage from 7 to 10 p.m. Kroeze, is known nationally for his runner-up finish on NBC’s The Voice and his blend of country and rock music,
Live music begins Wednesday evening with Homegrown Tomatoes. Thursday features Wreckless followed by Chris Kroeze. Holy Rocka Rollaz and Tucker Baker Band perform Friday. Uncle Muskrat and Bear Creek Band take the stage Saturday. The long-running fair favorite The Memories will close out the fair Sunday with both gospel and variety performances.
“We have gospel, rock and roll, 60s bands, country, bluegrass and folk,” Witt said. “So, we have every generation covered there.”
In addition to the new midway, visitors will find an expanded lineup of food vendors offering traditional fair favorites and new menu options. Commercial exhibits and vendor displays will be featured throughout the grounds.
The grandstand schedule has undergone some changes as well.
“The Demo Derby is under the lights Saturday night instead of Sunday,” Witt said, adding Saturday evening’s Demolition Derby begins at 7 p.m. Saturday night, while the popular Enduro Race returns to the fairgrounds Sunday afternoon after being absent for several years. On Friday night, Red Cedar Speedway hosts the Dave Shackleton Memorial Race along with Kids Night, one of the largest racing events of the season.
Livestock judging throughout the week includes dairy cattle, beef, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, poultry and horses. Additional attractions include the Summer Showdown Beef Show, Horse Fun Show, Little Britches Show, Meat Animal Auction, 4-H exhibits and activities, livestock displays and educational exhibits.
The 4-H Activity Barn will be open daily from Thursday through Sunday, while the popular Meat Animal Auction takes place Saturday afternoon. Families also can enjoy a Stuffed Animal Show, the Sunday Pie and Ice Cream Social, and dozens of youth exhibits that showcase the work of Dunn County young people. Witt said the Tractor Show will be expanded this year as well.
The fair also is adding payment options this year. Credit and debit cards will be accepted at the Fair Office and designated admission gates, while cash will continue to be accepted at the Main Gate. Daily admission is $5, a season pass is $15, children age 6 and younger are admitted free, and parking is free.
“You can spend an entire day here and see great entertainment, enjoy the exhibits, watch livestock shows and make memories without spending a lot of money,” Wolf said. “That’s what the Dunn County Fair has always been about.”
Additional information, schedules and entry forms are available at https://dunncountywi.gov/fair.
