County Fair makes it feel like summer again

For a number of reasons, last summer didn’t fully feel like summer. Camps were held remotely, events were called off and to top it off, the Ozaukee County Fair was stripped of its crowds, concessions, rides and musical acts. 

But since most pandemic restrictions are lifted, the summer-time classic is back and better than ever, organizers said. 

The 162nd annual Ozaukee County Fair  opened Wednesday and will run through Aug. 1 at the fairgrounds in Cedarburg. It will be open 8 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. 

Admission is free although tickets are required for special events and shows. 

With warm weather in the forecast and limited fair offerings last year, organizers say they are expecting a huge turnout. 

In years prior the fair had welcomed about 50,000 visitors through its duration and Ozaukee County Fair Board member Jamie Nezins said she is thrilled to welcome crowds back to the fairgrounds. 

“We’re really excited to have the entire community back for the fair,” she said. 

With outbreaks of the coronavirus mounting throughout the nation last summer, fair organizers made the difficult decision to limit the fair to just a few 4-H-related activities, that were not open to the public. 

Headlining the fair this year is a performance by the Grammy-award-winning, Nashville country band Diamond Rio on the fair’s center stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29. 

The Whiskeybelles, an all-female traditional country and Americana trio from Milwaukee, will open for Diamond Rio at 5 p.m. 

Other musical acts that will play during the fair include The Love Monkeys, Bella Cain, The Toys, Stetsin and Lace and Our House.

Another main attraction will be a series of tractor pulls at 7 p.m. on July 29, featuring six classes of trucks and tractors.

One class is the modified section, where some tractors will be powered by jet engines. 

The pull is sanctioned by the Midwest Tractor and Truck Pullers Association and open to members and non-members. Registration and weigh-in starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m.

Later in the week, the fair will host demolition derbies on both July 30 and 31, as well as a fireworks show on July 30. 

Nezins bragged that the fair will put on one of the best fireworks displays in the area. 

“I welcome anyone to come see them and tell me otherwise,” she said. 

On Aug. 1, the 4-H Blue Ribbon Small Animal Sale will be held at 11 a.m., featuring poultry, goats and rabbits presented by youth 4-H members throughout the county.

A livestock sale will also occur at 7 p.m. Thursday.  

While 4-H events were permitted last year, Nezins said members were still limited in the ways they could meet and spend time at the fair. With fair events back to normal operations, she said she’s pleased 4-H members will be able to gather in the same way as previous years. 

“It’s just huge to have that interaction back,” she said. 

Throughout the grounds, attendees may take part in a scavenger hunt, hold a baby monkey, spot a giant pig and browse among hundreds of projects submitted by 4-H and open-class exhibitors. 

Polka music will be played at the Bier Garden and the Ozaukee County Midway will offer unlimited rides to children with the purchase of a wristband for select hours throughout the fair.

Other highlights include horse shows, contests, livestock exhibitions and judging, vendors, chainsaw carving, bingo, magic shows, children’s entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides and camel rides. 

For more information about the Ozaukee County Fair, visit ozaukeecountyfair.com.