This Saturday morning, the Dodge County Fairgrounds will be lined with unique items and collectibles and socially-distanced visitors – something that has not been observed for weeks in Beaver Dam or anywhere else. A typically packed indoor and outdoor vendor fair will look a little different during the May 23rd event and the events that follow this year.

Organizers are working together quickly to pull together a safe and enjoyable event for both vendors and attendees this Saturday, May 23rd. While the community attempts to navigate a “new normal” as Wisconsin transitions out of the safer-at-home-order, organizers are closely following recommendations made by Dodge County Public Health. Event organizers are following suggested guidelines and precautions, as they create a safe, orderly and socially-distanced shopping format (of at least six feet between all shoppers and vendors).

Visitors will be allowed to browse vendor booths both indoors and outdoors and are suggested to wear face coverings to protect themselves and others. As a reminder, outdoor spaces and sunlight are factors to reduce the risk for COVID-19.

Shoppers and vendors are encouraged to stay home if they feel ill. Frequent hand washing and hand sanitization will be encouraged while attendees browse vendor booths indoors and outdoors. Vendor booths and surfaces will also be disinfected frequently. Please note that a limited number of restrooms will be available for visitors at the Youth Building.

Saturday’s flea market and craft fair will open at 8:00 am and conclude at 2:00 pm in the afternoon. The event will be held rain or shine and often features handmade crafts, woodworking, unique collectibles, glassware, vintage finds, clothing, toys and unique items from home-based businesses. Craft Fair vendors will most likely have hand-made cloth face masks for sale. Admission and parking for the flea market and craft fair is always free.

As rules and regulations are being frequently changed and revised, Dodge County Fairgrounds recommends that all vendors, attendees and press covering this Saturday’s event stay connected by visiting the May 23rd Facebook event page for any necessary updates and changes. This will be the best space for keeping everyone notified and updated.

The flea market will continue to support Frosty’s Fosters Animal Rescue, a local organization who helps animals in the community that are in need of a loving, forever home. Concessions, supporting Frosty’s Fosters will still be available and attendees should note that all safety measures will be taken; including socially-distanced lines, frequent sanitization of surfaces, no self-serve options, etc.

Vendors, crafters and direct-sales vendors who are interested in participating in this Saturday’s event or future events now have the option to reserve their space online. Interested vendors should visit the online registration form to secure their space for this Saturday’s event. This online system will expedite the registration process and make payment processing ($20 space rental fee + $1 online processing fee) easy for vendors. Vendor and crafter questions may be directed to [email protected]. Unlimited spots will be available for crafters, antiques and vintage collectibles. However, only one direct-sales vendor per company will be allowed at each event.

  • Stay home if you feel sick
  • Cloth face coverings or masks recommended
  • Maintain 6-foot social distancing
  • Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer
  • Limit contact with items unless purchasing

Future monthly flea market and craft fairs are scheduled for June 20, July 18, August 29, September 19 and October 17 from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Event guidelines, formats and restrictions are expected to change throughout the next several months.

We also encourage participants and community members to subscribe to the Dodge County Fairgrounds’ newsletter for notifications and updates by email or visit our Facebook page for updates regarding the 2020 Dodge County Fair, scheduled for August 19-23, an official decision on the County Fair has not been made at this time. The popular Dodge County Fair typically includes a free evening concert series, a truck and tractor pull, demolition derbies, five days of youth education activities and midway rides.

by Jamie Adcock author of runningdivamom.com and sunprairiemom.com