By Chris Spangler
The Jefferson County Fair kicks off its five-day run on Wednesday, July 7, at Jefferson County Fair Park.
The theme of the Jefferson event, which continues through Sunday, July 11, is “The Year of the Farmer,” with the fair showcasing the many talents of and agricultural exhibits by Jefferson County residents both young and old.
Daily admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens age 62 and older and children under 12. Youngsters under age 5 are admitted free of charge.
Friday is designated as Kids’ Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., when all children under 12 will be admitted to the fair free of charge. Carnival wristband specials will be available.
Parking for the fair is free. The main entrance is located off of the lot on the northwest side of the fairgrounds. Handicapped parking is available off Puerner Street with a valid state permit. The main gate near the dairy barn will be used for persons leaving the fairgrounds after 9 p.m.
Organizers, participants and visitors alike have been looking forward to being at the fairgrounds this week after last year’s event had to be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair’s “hostess with the mostest” will be Janelle Wenzel, 2020-22 “Fairest of the Fair,” whose reign was extended by a year in light of the coronavirus canceling 2020’s in-person event.
FAIR JUDGING
Junior fair exhibitors have submitted 2,997 entries for judging, ranging from 403 in poultry, 347 in cultural arts and 228 in dairy cattle to 118 horse, 21 clothing and 137 plants and soil science exhibits. In between are everything from beef cattle and dogs to woodworking, music and drama entries.
For the judging schedule, visit https://www.jcfairpark.com/events/county-fair/competitions.
GRANDSTAND SHOWS
Wednesday
Grandstand activities begin Wednesday with the Jefferson County Tractor Pull at 10:30 a.m.
Classes include Antique 4-mph paced, Altered Non-Turbo, 8-mph paced Non-Turbo, 10-mph paced Farm Turbo and two special South-Central Wisconsin Pullers’ classes.
The pulls are free with fair admission.
Thursday
The Badger State Truck Pull begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, with the trucks competing to pull the “Eliminator” down the 300-foot track.
The competition includes the Open Stock 6200#, Super Stock 6200# and the Super Street Diesel 8000#.
The pull is free with fair admission.
Friday
The sound of music arrives on the grandstand stage at 8 p.m. Friday evening with The Ides of March featuring Grammy winner Jim Peterik.
Since 1964, Chicago’s Ides of March has thrilled audiences throughout the United States and Canada with its rocking guitars, brass and vocals. The original band members — guitarist Peterik, guitarist Larry Millas, bass player Bob Bergland and percussionist Mike Borch — will be joined by Scott May on keyboards, Tim Bales on trumpet, Henry Salgado on trombone and Steve Eisen on saxophone.
Perhaps the band is best known for its immortal “Vehicle.” Upon its release in April of 1970, the brass-driven tale of the “friendly stranger in the black sedan” became Warner Brother’s fastest-selling single of all time, and it continues to be popular worldwide a half-century later.
In contrast to “Vehicle’s” power, lies the lush vocal harmonies of the Ides’ “L.A. Goodbye”, the centerpiece of the unplugged mini-set inside each Ides of March concert. Their 1965 debut single, “You Wouldn’t Listen,” harkens back to the British invasion of the time.
Peterik’s songs have garnered 18 Top 10 Billboard spots and have sold more than 30 million copies, earning him a Grammy, People’s Choice award, an Oscar nomination and multiple Gold and Platinum RIAA commendations.
His collaborations with “.38 Special,” “Caught Up In You,” “Hold On Loosely” and “Rockin’ Into The Night” vaulted to the top of the charts.
Formerly of “Survivor,” Peterik co-wrote all their smash hits, such as “The Search Is Over,” “Is This Love,” “High On You” and “I Can’t Hold Back,” as well as “The Eye of the Tiger.”
Seating in the grandstand is free on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase special seating or be in the Party Pit for the show, visit https://www.jcfairpark.com/p/buytix. Those tickets include fair admission.
Saturday
Headlining the main stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday will be country music singer-songwriter Jon Pardi. With a mix of classic country music and contemporary swing, Pardi returns to the Jefferson County Fair seven years after having opened for Colt Ford in the grandstand.
After releasing his album “California Sunrise” in June 2016, Pardi most recently released ‘Heartache Medication,” a full-length album on September 27, 2019. Popular hits from this album include “Don’t Blame It On Whiskey,” “Nobody Leaves a Girl Like That,” “Old Hat” and “Heartache Medication.” Two No. 1 hits — “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots” from his 2016 album — are crowd favorites.
There is no free seating for this show. To purchase tickets, which include fair admission, visit https://www.jcfairpark.com/p/buytix.
Sunday
The International Demolition Derby will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday on the grandstand track.
Spectators should have fun watching local drivers as they crunch metal, spin out, and compete for prize money in the auto derby and the lawnmower derby.
The demo derby is free with fair admission.
CARNIVAL MIDWAY
Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway returns after having been the carnival of the Jefferson County Fair for 11 years.
Carnival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Wristband specials for certain rides are available daily. The cost is $25 for 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; $15 from noon to 5 p.m. and $25 for 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; $35 for noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and $25 for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
OTHER FAIR FEATURES
• The popular Pleasant Valley Pig and Duck Races will be presented free throughout the day.
• The Sea Lion Splash Show will be presented throughout the day.
• The Small Animal Sale will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the MAP Building.
• The Youth Livestock and Dairy Auction is set for 1 p.m. Saturday in the MAP Building.
• The Junior Horse and Pony Fun Show will take place at 8 a.m. Sunday in the Indoor Horse Arena.
• The Future Showmanship Contest will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday at the MAP Building.
• The Master Future Showman Contest will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday at the MAP Building.
• The Herdsmanship Award presentation will be at 4 p.m. Sunday in the MAP Building.
For more information about the fair and fair park, visit: https://www.jcfairpark.com.
Find it at the fair: the following attractions and activities are planned for this year’s Jefferson County Fair. They are, top left, moving clockwise: the tractor pull; performers, Ides of March; the Fairest of the Fair, and performer John Pardi. Photos contributed by the Jefferson County Fair.
July 9 is Kids Day at the Jefferson County Fair. Photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Fair.
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