“It truly is a magical place to be,” says Melody Judge, office manager for Walworth County Fairgrounds. “It gives families that one last summer smile before gearing up for another year of school.”
Held in the city of Elkhorn, just eight miles from tourist-friendly Lake Geneva, the fair is a fun getaway complete with farm animals, grandstand thrills and old-school carnival fun.
“A lot of Illinois families come up,” Judge says. “We’re rural, so you’re out in the middle of corn fields. You truly do get that country charm.”
Here are eight reasons to add the Walworth County Fair to your end-of-summer bucket list.
8 top reasons to visit the 176th Walworth County Fair
1. The Barnyard Adventure is chockful of activities
This two-acre spot features a Kiddieland Stage packed with shows and contests, from cupcake eating to straw bale throwing to milk chugging.
“This year there’s a new circus, Amazing Anastasini,” Judge says, with acrobats, aerialists and clowns. “We also have a chainsaw artist and live glassblowing performances.”
Learn about agriculture and explore a koi pond, giant bee colony (safely behind glass!) and herb and hops gardens. Or unwind in a “Binzebo” — a grain bin turned into a gazebo.
And at 5 p.m. daily, don’t miss monarch butterfly release over in Family Adventureland.
2. Kid-friendly combine rides (and farm machinery)
On Saturday morning, kids can ride in a real combine harvester around a track.
“Many farmers throughout the area drive their combines here and kids wait in line to ride. It’s really cool,” says Judge. “And the donation proceeds all go to our Discovery Barn” (see #3).
Plus, check out twice-daily demos of heavy-duty dirt-moving machines. “Kids actually get hands-on experience running these,” she adds. “It’s all done by iPad!”
3. Discovery Barn and baby animals
Piglets, baby bunnies, calves and ducklings are among the newborn animals on display at this walkthrough barn — and, yes, some critters can be pet.
“You’re able to see baby chicks and all sorts of animals that were just born,” says Judge. “I grew up on a farm, but I still like to go see those calves and how the mothers care for their babies.”
Spot the sliding ducks, too, along with goat-milking and sheep-shearing demonstrations.
4. An open-to-all Pinewood Derby Showdown
Welcoming all kids — not just scouts — this $5,000 contest provides free car kits to those who register by Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. Kids are encouraged to build their entries on-site with help from a mentor.
“We give the winners a big check like you see on The Price is Right,” says Judge. “We try to make it a big deal for them. And it is a big deal.”
5. Classic rides and carnival favorites
North American Midway Entertainment returns to run the rides, including a Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, giant slide and kiddie coaster.
“Who doesn’t love the Ferris wheel?” says Judge. “It’s all of the rides you grew up with and still want to go on. We have all of the main attractions.”
6. Sensory Friendly Time on the midway
On Friday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, the midway turns off the flashing lights and loud music, offering ride support for kids who need it.
“We take extra care to help children,” Judge says. “Their guardian or parent can ride with them. A kid can be a kid — and experience things that might typically really disrupt them.”
Register by Aug. 25 to claim two free tickets (space is limited and may close earlier).
7. Evening grandstand events, including a demolition derby
Each night features something different — from pro rodeo to classic rock concerts (catch southern rockers Alabama on Aug. 30) to the truck-and-tractor pull and more.
“There’s entertainment on the grandstand every night,” Judge says. “It’s huge.”
The fair wraps with a demolition derby, featuring painted cars and multigenerational drivers.
“The crowd goes wild when they run into each other,” says Judge. “There’s only one last standing car.”
8. Over-the-top fair food that goes beyond funnel cakes
Indulge in the crowd-fave Silver Dollar cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, “donut hamburgers” that swap a sliced donuts for the bun — and, of course, the iconic “steak sundae.”
“They put french fries in the bottom of a cup and load it with steak, cheese, bacon and jalapenos,” says Judge. “If you’ve never had a steak sundae, you’re missing out.”
This content is sponsored by Walworth County Fairgrounds. Discover more about the 176th annual Walworth County Fair in 2025.
