Ready to take the kids to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun? Don’t miss the world-renowned Walworth County Fair! Since 1849, the fair has been a symbol of tradition and community spirit. And with the Fair’s 175th anniversary running from Aug. 28-Sept. 2, this year’s six-day event will be especially rewarding. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes and Fair Delights.”
“Tradition is the key to our fair,” says Larry Gaffey, CEO of the Walworth County Fairgrounds. “While we have new things each year, our guests come to experience the long-standing fair traditions that make an event like this so special.”
Fair traditions make it fun
The Walworth County Fair offers kids and families a window into the past with traditions that have remained in place since the fair began. “Livestock judging, the grandstand, pie-baking contests: this is all part of our current experience and something that our visitors cherish,” says Gaffey. “Yes, we have big-name grandstand concerts, rodeos, tractor pulls, a large carnival company and other attractions, but it’s the youth projects and interactive things for kids to do that set us apart from most fairs.”
Another thing that sets the Walworth County Fair apart? It’s commitment to excellence. “Everything we do here is at the highest level. We are recognized not just in Wisconsin but are one of the world’s most award-winning fairs,” says Gaffey.
The Walworth County Fair is a tribute to human endeavor with over 15,000 registered exhibits annually, many of which are youth exhibits. It also boasts one of the largest quilt shows in the upper Midwest.
From the beloved Plein Air painting competition with a $1,000 prize, to Pies in the Park, there’s something for everyone to showcase their skills and creativity, Gaffey notes.
“We strive to make it accessible for as many people as possible to exhibit or participate. Many of our contests don’t require registration and for some, you just show up. There are no barriers to participating in our fair.”
How kids can get involved
Gaffey emphasizes that it’s easy to join a competition or exhibit. “Our fair has a huge amount of youth participation, one of the biggest of any fair in Wisconsin.” Not a farm kid? Not a problem, says Gaffey. “You don’t have to be in 4H. We’ve got everything from Legos to junior cooking competitions.”
Other junior competitions include pet exhibitions, flowers, houseplants, arts and crafts, woodworking, computer science, junior clothing, knitting, crocheting and genealogy. “Check out our website for the complete list,” Gaffey suggests. “Kids will have a hard time NOT finding something they are interested in.”
In addition to these, kids can enter all sorts of lighthearted contests from milk chugging to cream puff eating to the traditional county favorite: the pie-eating contest.
For kids, the fair is more than just a venue for fun—it’s a place of learning and growth, says Gaffey.
“When kids put their work out to be judged, they learn how to take constructive criticism and develop confidence. Through participation in activities like the Pinewood Derby or junior competitions, kids develop essential skills such as leadership and teamwork.”
Special fair perks for kids
To reward kids for their participation and hard work, the fair offers kids a few perks. “For kids who want to enroll in the Pinewood Derby we will send you a free kit and tell you how to create your car. Or stop by the fair office and pick one up,” says Gaffey. These free kits are made possible through local sponsorship from Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan.
The best part: You don’t need to be part of Scouts or another group. Just show up with your car and get ready to race!
Plus, all summer reading program participants who can show proof of completion will get a free fair ticket. Just show your certificate from the library and you’re in, courtesy of local company Tanis Construction.
Inclusivity and accessibility: Sensory-Friendly Time
The fair is committed to being inclusive and accessible to all, says Gaffey. This year, his team is delighted to introduce their first Sensory-Friendly Time, catering to kids with sensory sensitivities. Be sure to register online for this event, says Gaffey as numbers are limited to reduce crowd size. Sensory-Friendly Time takes place from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, August 30.
“We will have reduced noise levels and no flashing lights,” says Gaffey. “If your child needs a little more time getting on a ride, for example, there will be no pressure to hurry. Our welcoming fair workers are there to help and give you a great experience.” This event is also sponsored by Tanis Construction.
New attractions and classic favorites
No visit to the fair with the family is complete without a trip to the Family Adventure Area. Here you’ll find things like the daily butterfly release and Combines for Kids, now in its third year, which takes kids on a thrilling farm equipment ride. Families will find many opportunities for learning about animals, home economics and agriculture. You’ll even find camel rides for a taste of the exotic.
This year, two new attractions add an extra layer of excitement including the uncannily authentic Walking Tree of Life, a towering, stilt-walking spectacle. “This performer is so popular, we’ve waited years to get him,” says Gaffey. “He looks like an authentic tree and moves around the fair – look behind you and he just might be standing there.”
For another larger-than-life experience, there’s the Dino Encounters Show. Combining scientific learning with large robotic dinosaurs and music, all ages will enjoy the spectacle.
Celebrating family and community
The Walworth County Fair offers so much for so many, and Gaffey is proud of what they’ve achieved as they celebrate 175 years. “It’s a beautiful thing, seeing all the families enjoying the fair together, witnessing kids exhibiting on such a high level. The best part is knowing that we are providing kids with opportunities for not just fun, but for learning and life lessons that will benefit them down the road.”
For more information on the Walworth County Fair which runs August 28-September 2, visit, walworthcountyfairgrounds.com
