“There will be changes this year – but the same top-notch entertainment. Same carnival. Same famous fair food.”, states Doug Ninmann, President of the Dodge County Fairgrounds Association.

Attendees will enjoy the same evening entertainment lineup, youth exhibits, delicious treats and midway rides on August 18-22. Other than general social-distancing guidelines, no events or competitions will be omitted from the lineup at this year’s Dodge County Fair.

Ninmann is thrilled to again offer this major gathering event for residents of the Dodge County area – and those traveling from throughout Wisconsin. “Everyone looks forward to the fair and meets friends – old and new – at the fair”. He states that when groups return to the fair that they can expect all of the same, top-notch entertainment that they enjoyed in 2019. Ninmann reflects that the FREE concert lineup and all of the grandstand shows — from the Badger State Tractor Pull to the Demolition Derby to any of the national acts — have always been a major draw to the county fair. This year’s lineup continues to set the event in Dodge County apart from others in the area. The Tractor Pull will kick off the fair on Wednesday evening. The Nitty Gritty Dirtband will perform for crowds on Thursday at 8:00 pm. Rising sensation, Jordan Davis will perform on Friday at 8:00 pm. And Blue Oyster Cult and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas will perform a back-to-back concert series on Saturday evening at 8:00 pm. The Demolition Derbies will conclude the grandstand entertainment at 1:00 and 6:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.

This much anticipated lineup is exciting. But Ninmann states, that “(the lineup) should not take away from the exhibits and the time and effort that the kids have put into their animals to showcase them to the public”. A small event was arranged last year to allow local youth to showcase their animals in 2020, but the regular variety of competitions and judged events will be planned over this year’s five-day festival.

Daily gate admission to the fair is $7 before Noon or $10 after 12:00 pm. Children age nine and under are free. Season tickets can be purchased at a variety of local locations at a reduced rate – $27 in advance or $35 at the fairgrounds gate.

Masks will not be mandatory indoors or outdoors at the fairgrounds. However, face coverings are encouraged if attendees are more comfortable wearing them. Those who participate in the 2021 Dodge County Fair should always try to maintain social-distancing whenever possible. Regular hand washing is encouraged, and extra hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the grounds.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of responsibilities to make this year’s fair a success. Those interested in volunteering should connect through the fair’s contact page. Help is needed with sanitizing, garbage collection and removal, as well as judging of competitions. Volunteer groups can also always use help with parking lot. Parking is always free to attendees at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.

Article by Jamie Adcock author of runningdivamom.com and sunprairiemom.com
Photos by Larry Douma of Leader Photography