Madison – The Dane County Fair Association, Inc., with support from Dane County and Alliant Energy Center, is excited to share that the 2021 Dane County Fair will be held this year and will be open to the public at Alliant Energy Center – July 15-18, 2021. This decision was not taken lightly, and modifications will be made to the Fair to provide a safe environment for our youth exhibitors, volunteers, partners, staff, vendors, and our attendees. After many conversations with Alliant Energy Center, the Dane County Executive’s office, and Public Health Madison Dane County, the Dane County Fair Association, Inc. Board of Directors feel that Dane County’s response to the pandemic and access to vaccines is helping the county move in the right direction with 38.2% of Dane
County residents having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (as of March 30, 2021).
The Fair Board is pleased for the opportunity to host the Fair for the youth of Dane County and the community and will follow the recommended health guidelines and
regulations in place at the time of the Fair.
“Dane County is proud to partner with the Fair and help safely return a summer tradition to our Alliant Energy Center,” Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said.
As plans for the Dane County Fair move forward, updates will be announced at danecountyfair.com as details are finalized. The Dane County Fair is prepared to share the following related to our youth exhibitors:
• Youth will be able to exhibit most projects (animal and non-animal)
• Youth Exhibits will be judged during the traditional Fair Week (July 13-18, 2021)
• Youth Entries will open Wednesday, April 21, 2021 and close Thursday, June 3, 2021
• Animal education requirements submission deadline is June 15, 2021
Non-animal projects:
Project check-in will be scheduled through the entries process and start the weekend prior to Fair Week; project
check-out will also be scheduled at time of entry submission and run a few days post-Fair.
During the check-in and check-out process, current pandemic restrictions and regulations will be honored.
Judging will be scheduled in advance and performed over an online video conferencing platform.
Animal projects:
- There will be no change in schedule – move-in on Wednesday, July 14, and move-out on Sunday, July 18.
- The Fair is prepared to move to one-day shows for some species departments if needed.
o Judging will be performed in-person respecting current pandemic restrictions and regulations. - Additional health regulations will be required for some species; noted in the Fair’s Premium Book.
- Plans for the Meat Animal Sale and Small Animal Market Sale are to be determined and will be managed by those respective committees.
- “The Dane County Fair Association’s decision to host this year’s Fair was made after careful consideration of our ability to host a safe event for all participants with input from Dane County and the Alliant Energy Center,” stated Dick Straub, President of the Dane County Fair Association, Inc. “We look forward to re-establishing our county fair tradition to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of our county’s youth and to provide a safe and enjoyable family experience.”
The Dane County Fair understands that some within the community may not feel comfortable attending the Fair this year. So, to spread the Fair spirit to all, the Dane County Fair will be showcasing the youth exhibitor projects and some of the Fair’s attractions during and post-Fair week on the Fair’s website and social media channels.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can view the projects of our
hard-working Dane County youth.
With the cancellation of last year’s Fair, the Dane County Fair Association, Inc. sustained a substantial financial loss and is asking for the community’s support by becoming a Friend of the Fair! Donations received will help the Fair to continue its legacy within the
community. To make a tax-deductible Friend of the Fair donation to the Dane County Fair, visit danecountyfair.com/pages/Donate.php for the donation option that best suits you – AmazonSmile, GoFundMe Charity page for credit card donations, or the Dane County Fair
Donation Form for check donations.
To make a donation over the phone, or if you have any questions, contact the Fair Office at 608-291- 2900 or [email protected].
About Dane County Fair
In the heart of Madison, “the future is BRIGHT” at the 2021 Dane County Fair; a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Fair is home to free concerts, stunt shows, animals, thousands of youth projects, a carnival, and all the best fair foods. With an over 160-year history, the
Dane County Fair plans to host the Fair at Alliant Energy Center, July 15–18, 2021. For more information, visit danecountyfair.com or our Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, and Twitter pages.
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
