Rides, food, contests and more: Fair promises something for everyone

MARSHFIELD – Fairgoers will find their old favorites while possibly discovering something new when this year’s Central Wisconsin State Fair opens its gates.
This year’s fair, which runs Aug. 19-24 with the theme “From Barns to Beyond,” is a celebration that bridges agriculture’s past with an eye toward the future, complete with a cow mascot called Benny the Beefer.
Here’s what you can expect:
Opening Day goes charitable
Tuesday’s opening day will feature something new: free admission for anyone bringing two non-perishable, unexpired food items. The “Can Do Fair Day” promotion replaces the traditional half-price Tuesday with a community service twist.

“A couple board members came up with this idea,” said Dale Christianson, the fair’s executive director. “Let’s hope we get a lot of food donated to distribute around the community.”
Visitors can enjoy everything except the carnival on opening day — rides don’t start until Wednesday afternoon. But the food vendors, exhibits, livestock judging and entertainment tent will be in full swing.
Rock stars and robots
This year’s grandstand lineup reads like a playlist spanning generations. Wednesday features Chris Kroeze, followed by Hairball’s silver anniversary tour Thursday. Country star Justin Moore takes the stage Friday with local opener Brett Westgrove, and rock band Halestorm closes out the weekend Saturday.
The Halestorm show is already causing a stir beyond the fairgrounds.
“Hotel rooms are pretty much booked out on Saturday night,” Christianson said. “They’re just coming off a world tour, and we were very lucky they were in the vicinity.”
But perhaps the most unusual new attraction roams the grounds during the day: TaDa Robots, described as farm creatures riding pedal tractors that interact with crowds.
“We’ve been waiting for a long time, trying to get those onto the grounds,” Christianson said. “They’ll be out every day at the fair.”
Contests and cranberries
The fair is bringing back the Wonders of Wisconsin, showcasing Wisconsin’s native animals with interactive displays and educational activities.
There also will be several contests. This year brings back the “ugliest weed contest” — participants can bring their most offensive backyard botanical specimens for judging.
A cranberry spitting contest adds another layer of Wisconsin-themed fun, with fair merchandise as prizes.
The Farmer Olympics on opening day Tuesday offers team competition with real money at stake. Four-person teams compete in three age divisions — 8-12, 13-17, and 18-and-older — for prize money ranging from $100 for first place down to $5 for fifth. The competition, which has no entry fee, is limited to five teams per category and takes place after the Dress-A-Cow event at the Jer Lang Show Palace.
Bag policy change
One significant change reflects modern realities: a clear bag policy for grandstand events. Bags must be transparent and no larger than 12 inches, similar to policies at major sports venues.
“In the world we live in today, events are doing it,” Christianson said. “It helps put our security staff at ease and helps with our entertainers.”
The policy applies only to grandstand shows, not general fair admission.
Past meets present
Traditional elements remain the fair’s backbone. The 4-H junior fair runs Tuesday through Thursday, allowing young exhibitors to showcase livestock and projects. Draft horse competitions span Friday through Sunday, with a special tribute to the fair’s co-founder, Randy Meyer.
“It’s a great family bonding, memory-making” experience, Christianson said. “Our job is to make that possible for everybody.”
Some judging occurs Monday before the fair opens, ensuring exhibits display blue ribbons when visitors arrive. The careful scheduling reflects the complex logistics of an event featuring everything from livestock competitions to rock concerts.
For Christianson, success isn’t measured in ticket sales or beer revenue — though Hairball “sells a lot of beverages,” he noted with a laugh. Instead, it’s about creating moments families will remember.
“At the end of the fair, if I can stand there and see a bunch of people having fun and having a good time, we’ve done our job,” he said.
Regular admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with $35 season passes available. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, and advance tickets are recommended for grandstand shows.