Wisconsin County Fairs at a Glance
Wisconsin runs a lot of fairs. The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reports in its annual fairs report that 73 state-aided county and district fairs operated in 2025. Three counties have no fair, and four counties (Columbia, Grant, Juneau and Marathon) have two. About 2 million people attended a county or district fair in 2025, roughly one in every three residents. Exhibitors entered 354,951 exhibits, about 72 percent of them from juniors, and three-quarters of the people running the fairs are volunteers.
The tradition is old. The same report says the first Wisconsin county fair was held in Waukesha in 1842 and that state aid was first appropriated in 1856. Today the state provides premium aid, up to $20,000 per fair, so the ribbon money you win is partly public money.
Every County Writes Its Own Rules
There is no single Wisconsin junior livestock rulebook. Each county fair and each county Extension office publishes its own fair book and livestock rules, and they differ on dates, weights, tagging and sale eligibility. State rules sit underneath them: DATCP implements fair rules under ch. ATCP 160 and licenses fair judges. Always read the current book for your own county. Three examples show how much they vary: the Clark County 2026 rules, the Sauk County Fair animal exhibitor rules, and the Wisconsin State Fair junior beef page.
Who Can Show
Most junior exhibitors are 4-H or FFA members. Wisconsin 4-H policy says youth must be enrolled when the event occurs and in good standing with their club and county, and must qualify for regional and state events through their county of membership. Cloverbuds, the 5K through 2nd grade group, may not exhibit animals at public events.
- Clark County: exhibitors must be 8 years old, in 3rd grade or higher, and no older than 19 as of January 1.
- Wisconsin State Fair junior beef: exhibitors must be 12 to 19 years old as of January 1.
- St. Croix County 4-H: third graders are Explorers who may take one animal project but not a market animal, and members must be enrolled by March 1 to exhibit at the county fair, per the county 4-H page.
Ownership, Fitting and Showing Your Own Animal
Expect to show an animal you actually own and care for. In Clark County, animals must be in the exhibitor's possession by initial weigh-in, the youth must show the animal registered in their name, and only Clark County junior members, immediate family and project leaders may help fit, with the exhibitor taking an active part. Sauk County likewise says exhibitors show their own animals, and that beef, swine, goat and sheep fitting may only be done by immediate family, guardians or other Sauk County junior exhibitors. Sauk also bars junior exhibitors from entering open classes for a project they carry in the junior fair.
Tagging and Identification
Identification is where families get caught out. Clark County requires premise ID numbers at weigh-ins and fair entry, and by species:
- Beef: ear tags and a metal ear tag applied at initial weigh-in; report lost tags immediately.
- Sheep: ear tags plus scrapie tags at initial weigh-in. Goats need a scrapie tag before initial weigh-in.
- Swine: ears notched under the 3-9-27 system before initial ID.
- Rabbits are tattooed in the ears, and poultry are banded.
Sauk County requires premise ID and animal ID to be entered online for an entry to be accepted, except for cats, dogs and rabbits. At the State Fair, DNA identification and 840 ear tags are required for junior non-registered and market animals in beef, Boer and market goat, sheep and swine, and must be submitted by the junior entry deadline.
Deadlines to Put on the Calendar
Deadlines come early. Examples from 2026:
- Sauk County: registration ran April 10 to May 11, and animals had to be on the grounds by 1:00 p.m. on check-in Wednesday. Late arrivals are not eligible to show.
- Clark County: swine ID forms and agreements due April 11, initial market lamb and goat weigh-in May 9, livestock agreement forms, two bidder slips and educational points due July 6, with fair weigh-ins starting August 4.
- Wisconsin State Fair: the fair ran August 6 to 16, 2026, with junior beef August 10 to 13. Online entries closed May 20, with late entries closed May 27, and Volunteer Adult Contact applications were due March 18.
Dates move from year to year, so use these as a guide to how early you need to plan, not as next year's schedule.
Health and Paperwork
Sauk County requires a Fair Load and Vet Check-In Form, one per load, completed before arrival, and vets at the gate collect it with state health certificates. Vets perform a well-animal check and inspect livestock daily, and the exhibitor pays for any treatment. Cattle with active ringworm, warts, mange or scab must be removed. Wisconsin Statute 95.19 prohibits exhibiting animals with contagious or infectious diseases. Clark County requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for swine before unloading at final weigh-in, and veterinary papers for animals bought out of state. Poultry exhibitors bring a hatchery Certificate of Order and a flock form.
Education Requirements
Many fairs want proof of Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training. Sauk County needs one YQCA certificate per exhibitor per year, uploaded at registration, in the exhibitor's name. The State Fair requires YQCA certification that stays active through the fair. In Clark County, YQCA is one of three educational points needed before you can sell.
Drug and Fitting Rules
Clark County requires an Animal Drug History Form for each animal, submitted at final weigh-in, and legal withdrawal periods for drugs and medicated feed must be followed. Violations forfeit sale money, premiums and awards. Rabbit and poultry exhibitors must list all medications, including chick starter and water medications. Sauk County prohibits injecting gas, solid or liquid to alter conformation, clenbuterol, udder irritants, cutting or tearing the hide, dyeing hair and adding artificial parts, with disqualification of the animal and exhibitor possible.
Weights and Market Limits
Market classes are shown by weight, and limits are set locally. Clark County's 2026 limits were beef up to 1,100 lb at initial weigh-in with a minimum 2 lb per day gain, lambs 120 to 170 lb on fair entry day, goats 65 to 120 lb, and swine 240 to 310 lb on fair entry day. In Sauk County, market animals over the limit can still sell, but the buyer pays only up to the maximum.
How the Sale Works
Sale rules are county-specific. In Clark County an exhibitor may weigh in several species but sell only one animal. To sell, you complete three educational points, take part in showmanship, turn in the livestock agreement and bidder slips, and be present to sell your own animal. Bidding starts $0.05 above market price, and if there is no bid or the final bid falls below market, the animal stays with the youth. Sales commission is 8 percent, or none if you donate the check to charity. Before a sale check is released, youth must submit a buyer thank-you note in a stamped, addressed envelope and a completed project summary record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my county's fair book?
Check your county fair website and your county Extension office page. Many publish a PDF fair book and livestock rules each spring.
Can I show at both the county fair and the State Fair?
Yes, but the State Fair has its own entry site, deadlines, ID and age rules. Call the State Fair entry office at 414.266.7052.
What happens if my animal is sick on fair day?
Fair vets check animals at the gate and daily. Animals with contagious conditions can be removed, and you pay for treatment.
Wisconsin Listings Covered by This Guide
- Northern Wisconsin State Fair Meat Animal Program Beef Weigh-In
Initial beef weigh-in for youth in the fair's Meat Animal Program, held in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire, WI | Organizer: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Official event details - Midwest Horse Fair
Three-day horse fair held since 1979 at the Alliant Energy Center, owned by the Wisconsin Horse Council with proceeds supporting the state equine industry. The next edition is April 16-18, 2027.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 920-623-5515 | Organizer: Wisconsin Horse Council Official event details - Northern Wisconsin State Fair Meat Animal Program Auction
Auction of Chippewa County youth beef, sheep and swine at the end of the Meat Animal Program.
225 Edward Street, Chippewa Falls, WI | Organizer: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Official event details - Green Lake County Fair
Youth and adult exhibits in flowers, art, photography and animals, plus a demolition derby and tractor pull near Big Green Lake; the next fair is August 5-8, 2027.
570 South St, Green Lake, WI 54941 | 920-294-4032 Official event details - Clark County Fair
Neillsville's Clark County Fair offers truck and tractor pulls, music, carnival rides and 4-H activities, with dairy, swine, sheep and horse shows; the next dates are August 11-15, 2027.
US Highway 10, Neillsville, WI 54456 | 715-743-4300 Official event details - Grant County Fair
The Grant County Fair in Lancaster ends with the Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday afternoon; the next fair is August 15-22, 2027, with the auction on August 21.
916 E Elm St, Lancaster, WI Official event details - Elroy Fair
The 129th Elroy Fair ran June 25-28 with a horse pull, truck and tractor pulls, bull riding and a carnival, ending Sunday with the Juneau County Dairy Breakfast. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 25-28, 2026.
301 S Main St, Elroy, WI 53929 | 608-633-2123 Official event details - Outagamie County Fair
Outagamie County Fair takes place June 24-28, 2026 in Seymour, one of the earliest county fairs of the Wisconsin summer, featuring 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits.
- Sauk County Fair
Sauk County Fair in Baraboo ran July 6-12, 2026 and returns each summer; the fair association is already counting down to the 2027 edition on its website.
- Kewaunee County Fair
Kewaunee County Fair takes place July 9-12, 2026 in Luxemburg, bringing dairy-country 4-H and FFA exhibitors together with grandstand events and fair food.
Luxemburg, WI Official event details - Sauk County Fair Meat Animal Sale
Saturday of fair week at 1:00 PM youth sell beef, swine, sheep, goat, poultry and rabbit market lots in Progress Hall; Grand and Reserve Grand Champions must sell, and a 5 percent commission funds the fair and sale committee.
Baraboo, WI | 608-356-8707 Official event details - Fond du Lac County Fair
Free-admission fair with 4-H and FFA animal exhibits, goat races, a carnival, multiple music stages and the Moo-Ternity Ward ag education center with daily calf births. Most recent dates: July 14-19, 2026.
- Northern Wisconsin State Fair
A five-day summer fair at the Chippewa Falls fairgrounds with headline entertainers, exhibits, food and business vendors and a carnival; the most recent dates were July 8-12, 2026.
225 Edward St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 | 715-723-2861 Official event details - Jefferson County Fair
Jefferson County Fair runs July 8-12, 2026 at Jefferson County Fair Park on N. Jackson Avenue in the city of Jefferson, with a themed 2026 music lineup alongside livestock and 4-H exhibits.
- Lafayette County Fair
Lafayette County Fair in Darlington is set for July 8-12, 2026, a southwest Wisconsin fair centered on 4-H projects, livestock classes and grandstand shows.
Darlington, WI Official event details - Dane County Fair
A Madison county fair with a carnival, free nightly concerts, animals, youth projects and commercial exhibits held at the Alliant Energy Center. Most recent dates: July 16-19, 2026.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 608-520-0898 Official event details - Portage County Amherst Fair
The Amherst Fair, a 4-H and FFA fair in Portage County held since 1869, is scheduled for July 16-19, 2026 at the Amherst fairgrounds.
4504 Fairground Rd, Amherst, WI 54406 Official event details - Waukesha County Fair Livestock Auction
Youth livestock go on the block Friday, July 17, 2026 during Waukesha County Fair week at the Expo Center, alongside the daily livestock judging in the farm animal tent.
1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI Official event details - Waukesha County Fair Spectacular Showmen
An inclusive livestock show for exhibitors of all abilities starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the Waukesha County Fair, followed by the Little Squealers event.
1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI Official event details - Head of the Lakes Fair
Douglas County's fair runs for six days each July with 4-H entries registered through the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds; the 2026 fair ran July 21-26.
Superior, WI Official event details - Barron County Fair
Barron County's annual fair runs mid-July with 4-H and FFA exhibitors, and the county 4-H livestock program holds a Livestock Show and Sale for beef, sheep and swine. Most recent dates: July 15-19, 2026.
- Green County Fair
A 4-H fair in Monroe with animal judging and auctions, cheese judging and auction, a carnival, demolition derby and Monroe Optimist cheese curds. Most recent dates: July 15-19, 2026.
- La Crosse Interstate Fair
The La Crosse Interstate Fair, the county's big summer fair, is scheduled for July 15-19, 2026 in West Salem, drawing youth livestock exhibitors and visitors from both sides of the Mississippi.
West Salem, WI Official event details - Marquette County Fair
Marquette County Fair is slated for July 15-19, 2026 in Westfield, offering youth livestock shows, open-class exhibits and midway attractions in central Wisconsin.
Westfield, WI Official event details - St. Croix County Fair
The St. Croix County Fair fills the Glenwood City fairgrounds July 15-19, 2026.
210 Fairground Rd, Glenwood City, WI 54013 Official event details - Trempealeau County Fair
Trempealeau County Fair runs July 15-19, 2026 at the Galesville fairgrounds and is organized by the county Ag Society, also known as the Fair Board.
19780 Park Dr, Galesville, WI 54630 Official event details - Waukesha County Fair
Waukesha County Fair runs July 15-19, 2026 at the Expo Center, with a farm animal tent, 4-H Clover Corner, pig, goat and duck races, a cream puff eating contest and a poultry costume contest.
- Polk County Fair
Polk County Fair at the St. Croix Falls fairgrounds runs July 23-26, 2026, with demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment and animal judging.
800 Louisiana Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 | 715-483-3391 Official event details - Taylor County Fair
Taylor County Fair is booked for July 23-26, 2026 at the Taylor County Fairgrounds on State Highway 13 at WI-64 in Medford.
State Hwy 13 and WI-64, Medford, WI 54451 Official event details - Washburn County Fair
Washburn County Fair is set for July 23-26, 2026 at the county fairgrounds on West Beaverbrook Avenue in Spooner.
8000 W Beaverbrook Ave, Spooner, WI 54801 Official event details - Rock County 4-H Fair
The 97th annual Rock County 4-H Fair runs July 28 to August 2, 2026 in Janesville, with livestock shows for swine, rabbits, goats, beef, sheep, poultry and dairy, plus the Swifty Swine pig races and a lumberjack show.
- Columbia County Fair
The 175th Columbia County Fair in Portage ran July 29 to August 2, 2026 with livestock shows, youth and adult exhibits, a midway, a rodeo and a demolition derby; admission and parking were free.
405 Superior St, Portage, WI 53901 Official event details - Dunn County Fair
Dating to 1872, the Menomonie fair draws 35,000-40,000 visitors to grandstand shows, carnival rides and youth and adult exhibits; junior fair entries are made online. Most recent dates: July 22-26, 2026.
620 17th St SE, Menomonie, WI 54751 | 715-308-8659 | Organizer: Dunn County Fair Board Official event details - Ozaukee County Fair
Ozaukee County Fair is held July 29 to August 2, 2026 at Cedarburg Firemen's Park on Washington Avenue, with youth livestock showing, exhibits and entertainment.
W67N866 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012 Official event details - Monroe County Fair
Monroe County Fair was held July 22-26, 2026 at Recreation Park in Tomah, with a Business After 5 kickoff under the big tent, and the Extension office relocating to the grounds for fair week.
1625 Butts Avenue, Tomah, WI 54660 Official event details - Racine County Fair
Racine County Fair runs July 29 to August 2, 2026 at the Union Grove fairgrounds, with junior livestock judging by species, a 4-H, FFA and Youth Day, a demolition derby and the new Stars of the Show Ring inclusive pig show.
19805 Durand Ave, Union Grove, WI 53182 Official event details - Winnebago County Fair
Winnebago County Fair is held July 29 to August 2, 2026 at the Sunnyview Exposition Center in Oshkosh, with junior dairy, goat, rabbit and poultry shows, a fashion show and a Barn Herdsmanship contest.
- Oneida County Fair
Oneida County Fair in Rhinelander is scheduled for July 30 to August 2, 2026, a northwoods fair with 4-H projects, animal exhibits and family entertainment.
Rhinelander, WI Official event details - Langlade County Fair
Langlade County Fair, marking its 140th year with the Trails of Tradition theme, ran July 30 to August 2, 2026 in Antigo with 4-H and open-class exhibits, livestock shows and a demo derby.
1633 Neva Road, Antigo, WI 54409 Official event details - Winnebago County Fair Hippology Contest
A horse-knowledge hippology contest open to all 4-H members and parents runs 10 AM to 1 PM on Thursday, July 30, 2026 during the Winnebago County Fair.
500 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901 Official event details
Plus 45 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Wisconsin directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.