Dodge County Fair Offers Live Music, Food and Family Fun

The Dodge County Fair offers live music, a top-notch dairy-state focused food selection and educational family fun. The fairgrounds are family- friendly and the events schedule offers something for all ages.

The fair kicks-off on Wednesday, Aug. 18, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 22. The Dodge County Fairgrounds, located three miles east of Beaver Dam on Hwy 33, presents an experience which allows fair-goers the chance to enjoy a widerange of activities. Fair admission will include parking, as well as all of the live entertainment. Gate admission is $7 before 12 p.m. – $10 after 12 p.m. Children ages nine and younger are admitted free. Season tickets are $27 before August 18, and $35 thereafter.

With a season pass, attendees can experience all five days of the fair. Tickets are available at most Dodge County banks, Recheks Food Pride, Beaver Dam Piggly Wiggly and at the fairgrounds office.

Fairest of the Fair 2021 Alexis Luedtke of Beaver Dam will be serving as the fair’s hostess this year.

A huge tractor pull followed by three nights of national touring artist concerts will entertain country and rock fans. Two demolition derbies, and horse, tractor and truck pulls at the grandstand will add to the excitement.

Features for kids and families throughout the week include Nick’s Kids Shows, Kiddie Pedal Pulls and the Wild World of Animals, along with much more.

Note that this year, rides will temporarily close for cleaning and sanitizing.

Festivities go into motion on Wednesday morning with judging of exhibits occurring in the Open Class Building, Farm Progress Arena, Youth Building, Sheep Barn and under the Grandstand.

Wednesday night, live entertainment begins with the Badger State Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.

On Thursday night, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will hit the stage at 8 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be fun-filled activities for all ages.

Thursday is also Kid’s Day on the Midway, featuring discounted and unlimited rides from 1-5 p.m. with the purchase of a $20 wristband. Regular ride prices will be in effect from 5 p.m. to close.

A variety of events will be going on in Radio Park, and there will be exhibit judging happening in the Youth Building, Farm Progress Arena and Small Animal Building.

Business owners recognize livestock raised by local youth during the annual Meat Animal Sale held in the Farm Progress Arena at 7 p.m.

Friday will be Wristband Day with unlimited rides on the midway from 12-5 p.m. for $25. There will also be a kids pedal tractor pull at 11:30 a.m., additional judging and showmanship competitions.

Friday will be capped off with live music entertainment by Jordan Davis in concert on the main stage from 8-9:30 p.m.

Saturday is Family Day on the Midway from noon to 5 p.m., where families can enjoy half- priced ride tickets. Check out the horse and tractor pulls, junior fair cat and kitten judging, Nick’s Kid Show and the Wild World of Animals throughout the afternoon and evening.

The Supreme Showmanship competition, from 7-8 p.m., will feature top junior and senior showmen of dairy, beef, sheep and swine projects.

Saturday night will conclude with music powerhouses Blue Oyster Cult and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas in concert rocking the main stage at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, the final day of the fair, demolition derbies will be held at 1 and 6 p.m. Cars, vans and trucks crash the day away in front of the main grandstand as competitors work to qualify for the evening’s main event.

At 1 p.m., the Little Bunny Huddle Showmanship competition will take place in the small animal building. The contest is open to youngsters between grade 4K and fourth grade interested in the experience.

At 1:30 p.m., the Little Britches Showmanship Contest takes place in the Farm Progress Arena just North of the Open Class Exhibit Building.

The main event takes place in the grandstands from 6-8 p.m. with the Demo Derby Championship in the car, truck and van divisions.

More information is available by calling the fairgrounds office at 920885-3586 or visiting www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com and clicking on Dodge County Fair.

2021 Fairest of the Fair Alexis Luedtke

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band