The oldest fair in the state of Wisconsin opened its doors today for its 183rd annual season.
Wisconsin officially became a state in 1848, and the fair was first held in 1842. This means that this special county fair is 6 years older than the state is.
Waukesha County does not take this claim to fame lightly and every year, they deliver a stellar experience that draws in crowds from across the state.
This year, the fair will be held over the course of five days, running from July 16 through July 20. Apart from Wednesday’s noon opening, the fair will be open daily at 10 a.m. and will close at various times depending on the day. Friday and Saturday night, the fair will be open as late as midnight.
The fair is a great spot for the entire family. There will be a carnival with dozens of rides and games, tractor and truck pulls, a classic car show, a demolition derby, and a ‘Fairest of the Fair’ competition. Each day there are also scheduled pig, goat, and duck races, which is a favorite among guests of all ages.
Live music is also a major aspect to the fair’s annual success. The main stage has a host of world class acts scheduled for 2025. On Thursday, July 17 multi-platinum record selling Justin Moore will play at 8 p.m, where he will show off the talent that has earned him an impressive number of country music awards. On Friday, July 18 Ted Nugget will play at 8 p.m., showing off the songs that have made him a global success for nearly 50 years. On Saturday, July 19 the rock band Night Ranger will play, bringing their unique sound to the stage.
In addition to the Fair’s main stage, there is also the Leinie Lodge, the Coors Lite Stage, and the Family Fun stage, so that music lovers can find great entertainment all day long.
The Waukesha County fair is a treasure for those living in and around the community. When it first opened, it was a humble 4th of July Celebration with fireworks and a picnic. However, by 1853, the event had grown substantially, drawing in crowds of nearly 4,000.
In 1966, the Fair moved to its current location at the Expo Center. 18 years later, entertainment became a huge part of the Fair’s identity. Countless incredible musicians have performed at the Fair, including Loretta Lynn and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
This year’s theme is “Get Your Fair Face On”, and for those interested in a good time, there’s no better place to do so than the Waukesha County Fair.
