For five days each summer, the Monroe County Fairgrounds transform into a gathering place where agriculture, family traditions, education and entertainment come together. This year's Monroe County Fair, scheduled for July 22-26, promises a full slate of livestock shows, exhibits, carnival rides, live music and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
While many people think of the fair as a place for rides and fair food, Annette Trescher said its greatest purpose is helping connect the public with agriculture while giving young people valuable life experiences.
"It's probably my favorite week of the year," Trescher said. "I hope people come, have fun, learn something new, enjoy a little fair food and spend a great day together as a family."
New this year.
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the Championship Rodeo, which has been moved from Friday evening to Thursday night. Trescher said the move is expected to attract more rodeo participants by avoiding scheduling conflicts with another event while also opening Friday and Saturday nights for live grandstand concerts.
The fair will also feature two nights of musical entertainment with The Highway Men Live on Friday and The Classic Rock Experience on Saturday. Other returning attractions include Peter and Penelope, Scott's Foam Party, Rockin' It Robot, the AgVenture Center and other strolling entertainment throughout the grounds.
Educational exhibits continue to expand as well. A new cranberry display has been added this year, and organizers hope to introduce an exhibit showing how milk is transformed into cheese, highlighting Wisconsin's dairy industry. The fair recently received a memorial donation in honor of Ronald Michell that will help fund either a milking simulator or an interactive cheese-making display for future fairs.
Open-class exhibitors will also notice the addition of LEGO competitions, reflecting changing interests while encouraging creativity among participants.
More than livestock.
Although livestock remains at the heart of the fair, Trescher said today's fair offers opportunities for everyone.
"In Monroe County, our biggest project is actually photography," Trescher said. "The fair has evolved into something that's for everybody and all ages."
Visitors are encouraged to explore not only the animal barns but also the exhibit hall, where entries range from photography, sewing and woodworking to food preservation, crafts, antiques and fine arts.
"The creativity and talent of the kids in our county is always an eye-opener," Trescher said. "It's important to walk through all of the exhibits."
Preparing young people for life.
Beyond ribbons and trophies, Trescher believes the fair teaches lessons that last far beyond fair week.
Young exhibitors learn teamwork, leadership, responsibility, sportsmanship and public speaking while caring for projects that often require months of preparation.
"If their project doesn't place where they hoped, they learn how they can improve it," Trescher said. "All the things kids learn at the fair help prepare them for real life."
She also noted that many exhibitors do not come from farms. Through mentorship programs, local farm families often help young people raise livestock projects, allowing children from town to participate in agriculture.
Education remains a priority.
Agricultural education continues to be one of the fair's central missions.
Throughout the livestock barns, educational displays explain animal care and modern farming practices. The AgVenture Center offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Wisconsin agriculture, while the popular animal learning area lets families see baby animals and watch chicks hatch.
"This is a place to educate the consumer," Trescher said. "It's hugely important for agriculture."
Volunteers make it possible.
Behind every successful fair is an army of volunteers.
Every livestock and exhibit department is supervised by volunteer superintendents, while countless others help operate events throughout the week.
"We could not have the fair without them," Trescher said.
Planning for each year's fair begins almost immediately after the previous one ends. Some entertainment acts are booked two years in advance as organizers continually evaluate new attractions and improvements.
Economic impact
In addition to serving as a community tradition, the Monroe County Fair also provides a significant economic boost.
According to a recent statewide study referenced by Trescher, Wisconsin's fair industry contributes approximately $1 billion annually to local economies. She said a fair the size of Monroe County's possibly generates over $2.5 million in annual local economic impact, with the county fair typically attracting about 12,000 visitors each year.
A tradition dating back to 1858
The Monroe County Fair traces its roots to 1858, when the first county fair was held in Sparta. 168 years later, the annual event continues to celebrate Monroe County's agricultural heritage while bringing together families, exhibitors and visitors from across the region.
For Trescher, the fair has been a lifelong tradition. She estimates this summer will mark her 60th or 61st Monroe County Fair.
"My dad never quit showing after he aged out of Junior Fair, and then my kids showed, and now my grandkids are exhibiting," Trescher said. "The fair has always been our family vacation."
As fair week approaches, Trescher hopes residents will discover that the Monroe County Fair offers much more than rides and food.
"Anything we can do to encourage more attendance helps ensure the fair continues," she said. "When youth are involved in things like this, they're learning, they're growing, and they're doing something positive. That's something worth keeping going."
More information can be found in this special section, or you can visit www.monroecountyfairwi.com
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here