For nearly three decades, longtime quilter Zan Pierce has stitched quilts and handmade gifts for the people she loves. This summer, that tradition has taken on a distinctly Wisconsin twist.
Inspired by the 2026 "Wisconsin Best in Show" fabric collection, Pierce transformed colorful fair-themed prints into custom window valances and a vibrant quilt for the Monroe County Fair office, where her daughter, Shae Fox, serves as operations manager for the Monroe County Agricultural Society, the organization that oversees the Monroe County Fair.
The mother-daughter project celebrates more than quilting. It honors Wisconsin's county fair traditions while reflecting the bond between a mother whose passion is sewing and a daughter whose work helps bring one of Monroe County's favorite summer traditions to life.
According to the Wisconsin Quilt Shop Hop website, the exclusive "Wisconsin Best in Show" collection was created by Riley Blake Designs to commemorate the Shop Hop's 15th anniversary. The collection includes 18 coordinating prints inspired by Wisconsin county fairs, featuring blue ribbons, Ferris wheels, carnival rides, livestock, fair foods, admission tickets, quilt blocks, and a signature panel celebrating the sights, sounds, and traditions of fair season.
Pierce first discovered the collection during a winter preview at Quilt Corner in Sparta, where shoppers could admire the fabrics but not purchase them until the statewide Shop Hop officially began on June 1.
"When I saw it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it," Pierce said. After telling Fox about the collection, the idea stayed with them until just a few weeks before the June release, when Fox called and asked whether her mother would create pieces for the fair office—including a quilt.
Together, they selected prints featuring Ferris wheels, carnival tents, fair foods, county fair ribbons, and the names of every Wisconsin county. Pierce incorporated the ribbon and county prints into custom window valances before creating a quilt centered around the collection's signature fair panel. She is still making additional curtains and a table runner, and hopes to use leftover fabric to sew tote bags for next year's fair.
Originally intended to hang only in Fox's office, the quilt will now be displayed in the Exhibit Building during this year's Monroe County Fair, allowing visitors to enjoy it throughout fair week.
"I enjoy making things for the family," Pierce said. "They enjoy getting my stuff, so that's what it's all about."
The Monroe County Fair will be held July 22–26 at Recreation Park, 1625 Butts Ave., Tomah. Fairgoers can see Pierce's quilt on display in the Exhibit Building while enjoying the fair's exhibits, livestock shows, entertainment and family activities.
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