Calumet County Fair brings families, farmers, and fun together every Labor Day weekend in Chilton, Wisconsin. Held at 200 West Chestnut Street, this event blends tradition with excitement. In 2024, the fair runs from Friday, September 2 at noon through Monday, September 5 at 5 p.m. It features a daytime “Fair by Day” program and an evening “Festival by Night.” More than 30 carnival rides—like a Ferris wheel, rotating swing, and high-speed roller coaster—draw big crowds. Local food vendors serve over 40 dishes, from bratwurst to vegan caramel apples. Live music includes acts like The Blue Ones, The Harvest Moon Band, and folk singer Sarah Whitcomb. Families enjoy a petting zoo with 150 farm animals, a 5-K fun run, and midway games offering $10,000 in prizes. A livestock judging competition hosts over 200 entries in cattle, swine, and poultry from ten nearby counties.
When and Where Is the Calumet County Fair?
The Calumet County Fair takes place each year during Labor Day weekend. The 2024 dates are Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5. The fairgrounds open at noon on Friday and close at 5 p.m. on Monday. The location is 200 West Chestnut Street in Chilton, Wisconsin. This site has hosted the fair since 1911. It sits just off State Highway 57, Exit 9, making it easy to reach by car. Free parking is available in the north lot for 300 vehicles. A shuttle runs every fifteen minutes from the lot to the entrance. The fairgrounds are flat and wheelchair-friendly, with clear signs guiding visitors to rides, food, and exhibits.
What Can You Do at the Calumet County Fair?
Visitors find fun for all ages at the Calumet County Fair. The carnival area has 30 rides, including a classic Ferris wheel, a spinning swing ride, and a thrilling roller coaster. Kids love the vintage carousel restored in 2020. Teens enjoy the drop tower and zip-line course. The midway games award over $10,000 in prizes each year. Families can visit a petting zoo with 150 farm animals like goats, sheep, and chickens. A 5-K fun run starts Saturday morning near the main gate. The kids’ stage hosts daily puppet shows, magic workshops, and a teen DJ competition. Live music plays each night, with bands like The Fire Ants and bluegrass groups performing on the main stage.
Food and Drinks at the Fair
Over 40 food vendors serve tasty treats at the Calumet County Fair. The Wisconsin Cheese Truck offers cheese curds and grilled cheese sandwiches. Grandma’s Apple Crisp sells warm desserts made with local apples. Baked by Bess serves famous cherry pie. River Valley BBQ has smoked ribs and pulled pork. A craft-brew tent offers eight Wisconsin microbrews for adults. Vegan options include caramel apples and plant-based snacks. Concession sales topped $120,000 in 2022. Popular items are caramel corn, cheese curds, and locally roasted coffee. Hand-sanitizing stations are placed near all food areas. Masks are optional but encouraged during busy times.
Livestock and Agriculture Exhibits
The Calumet County Fair celebrates farming with large livestock shows. Over 200 animals enter the judging competition each year. Cattle, swine, and poultry are judged by experts. The dairy cattle show features 150 head of cows. A horse-pull competition offers $5,000 in prize money. Junior exhibitors from ten counties bring animals to compete. The fair follows Wisconsin Department of Agriculture health rules. All animals must have a Premise ID linked to the state database. Exhibitors register online through the ShoWorks portal. The fair handbook lists animal welfare policies and emergency procedures. These exhibits teach visitors about farm life and animal care.
Admission Prices and Season Pass
Admission to the Calumet County Fair is free on Friday. Saturday and Sunday cost $7 per adult. Monday is $5 for adults. Veterans get free entry on Monday with a military ID. Children ten and under enter free all weekend. A season pass costs $15 and includes unlimited entry plus a free tote bag. The pass is a great deal for families planning to visit multiple days. Tickets can be bought at the gate or online. Group discounts are not offered, but the low prices make it affordable for everyone. The fair welcomes over 45,000 visitors each year.
How to Register as an Exhibitor
Exhibitors sign up online using the ShoWorks portal at calumet.fairwire.com. Livestock owners need a Premise ID for each animal. Junior exhibitors must submit proof of age and agree to the code of conduct. Craft and produce entries require a simple form and fee payment by credit card. The registration coordinator, Clara Hedrich, answers questions by email. Users can create a “Quick Group” profile for multiple family members. This feature combines all entries into one cart for easy checkout. Automated emails confirm each submission. Receipts are available for accounting. Technical support is offered during business hours.
Official Website and Contact Info
The official website is www.calumetcountyfair.com. It has links to exhibitor info, the fair handbook, judging schedules, and results. The site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. For questions, call the fair office at 920-853-3338. The Facebook page has over 4,200 followers and posts updates, photos, and weather alerts. Visitors can message the page directly. Response times average under two hours on weekdays. The fair also lists events on Travel Wisconsin, AARP, and WiFairs.com. All sources confirm the same dates, location, and contact details.
History of the Calumet County Fair
The Calumet County Fair began in 1911. It started as a small farm show in Chilton. Over time, it grew into a four-day event with rides, music, and food. The fairgrounds at 200 West Chestnut Street have been home to the event for over a century. Early fairs focused on crops and livestock. Today, they include carnival rides and live bands. The fair survived World War I, the Great Depression, and the pandemic. In 2022, it welcomed more than 45,000 visitors. The fair honors its roots while adding new attractions each year.
Safety and Health Guidelines
The Calumet County Fair follows state health rules. Hand-sanitizing stations are placed throughout the grounds. Masks are optional but available at entry points. The fair complies with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture animal health regulations. All exhibitors must follow biosecurity steps. In 2024, no major health alerts are expected. Visitors should check the official website before traveling. Weather or public health issues could change hours. The fair office posts updates on Facebook and the website. Emergency procedures are listed in the fair handbook.
Entertainment and Music Lineup
Live music is a big part of the Calumet County Fair. The main stage hosts bands each night. In past years, The Fire Ants, a bluegrass quartet, and local high school marching bands performed. Folk singer Sarah Whitcomb played Saturday night in 2024. The kids’ stage has puppet shows and magic acts. A teen DJ competition lets young people showcase their skills. Performers are mostly from Wisconsin. The fair promotes local talent and community spirit. Music starts at 6 p.m. and ends by 10 p.m. each night.
Parking and Transportation
Free parking is available in the north lot, which holds 300 cars. A second lot adds space for another 150 vehicles. A shuttle runs every ten to fifteen minutes from the lots to the main gate. The shuttle is free and takes less than five minutes. The fairgrounds are near Highway 57, Exit 9. Signs guide drivers from the highway. No public transit serves the site directly. Ride-sharing drop-offs are allowed near the entrance. Bicycle racks are available. Parking is first-come, first-served. Arrive early on Saturday and Sunday for the best spots.
Awards and Prizes
The Calumet County Fair gives out over $10,000 in prizes each year. Midway games award stuffed animals, toys, and gift cards. Livestock winners receive ribbons and cash. The horse-pull competition offers $5,000 in total prize money. Craft and baking contests have categories for all ages. Junior exhibitors can win scholarships. The fair also gives a “Best in Show” award for top animals. All winners are listed on the official website after the event. Prize pickup is available Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Volunteer and Community Involvement
The fair relies on volunteers to run smoothly. Locals help with parking, ticket sales, and animal care. Schools and 4-H clubs organize exhibits. The fair donates leftover food to food pantries. It supports local farms by buying supplies from nearby businesses. Over 200 volunteers work each year. The fair thanks them with free meals and a special recognition event. Community groups can rent booths to share information. The fair strengthens bonds between neighbors and promotes civic pride.
Weather and What to Bring
The Calumet County Fair runs rain or shine. September weather in Chilton is usually mild, with highs in the 70s. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Strollers are allowed. The fair has shaded areas and water fountains. Check the forecast before leaving. If storms are expected, the fair may delay rides or close early. Updates are posted on Facebook and the website. Bring cash for games and food, though many vendors accept cards.
Accessibility and Family Services
The fairgrounds are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms have baby-changing stations. A quiet room is available for sensory breaks. First aid stations are near the main stage and petting zoo. Lost children can be reported to any staff member. The fair offers free stroller and wheelchair rentals. Nursing mothers have a private area. All activities are designed to be inclusive. Families with special needs can call ahead for assistance.
Nearby Attractions in Chilton
Chilton has other places to visit during the fair weekend. The Calumet County Courthouse offers free tours on weekdays. Local parks have playgrounds and picnic areas. Restaurants downtown serve German food and ice cream. The Chilton Public Library hosts story hours. Visitors can explore nearby lakes for fishing and boating. The fair is a great start to a weekend trip. Many families stay in local hotels or campgrounds. The area is safe and welcoming for tourists.
Environmental Efforts
The Calumet County Fair promotes sustainability. Recycling bins are placed next to trash cans. Food vendors use compostable plates when possible. The fair reduces waste by donating leftovers. Water refill stations cut down on plastic bottle use. Solar lights illuminate paths at night. The fair educates visitors about farming and conservation. These efforts help protect Wisconsin’s natural resources.
Photo Gallery and Memories
The fair’s Facebook page has photo albums from past years. Visitors can view pictures of livestock shows, parades, and concerts. The official website may add a gallery in 2024. Attendees are encouraged to share their photos online. The fair does not sell photos but welcomes community contributions. These images help preserve the event’s history. They also inspire new visitors to attend.
Future Plans for the Fair
The Calumet County Fair plans to grow while keeping its small-town charm. Organizers want to add more local bands and food trucks. They may expand the petting zoo and kids’ activities. Online registration will stay for exhibitors. The fair will keep free Friday admission to welcome early visitors. Long-term goals include more scholarships for youth and stronger farm education programs. The fair aims to remain the “Biggest Little Fair in Wisconsin” for years to come.
How the Fair Supports Local Economy
The Calumet County Fair boosts the local economy. In 2022, concession sales topped $120,000. Vendors buy supplies from nearby farms and stores. Hotels, gas stations, and restaurants see more customers. The fair creates seasonal jobs for teens and adults. It also promotes tourism in Calumet County. Local businesses sponsor rides and stages. This support helps the fair stay affordable and high-quality.
Rules for Visitors
All visitors must follow fair rules. No outside food or drinks are allowed. Pets are not permitted except service animals. Smoking is limited to designated areas. Alcohol is only sold in the craft-brew tent. Visitors must stay behind barriers during animal shows. Children under 12 must be supervised. The fair reserves the right to remove anyone causing disruptions. These rules keep everyone safe and happy.
Contact and Hours
The Calumet County Fair office is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 920-853-3338 for questions. The fairgrounds are at 200 West Chestnut Street, Chilton, WI 53014. In 2024, the fair runs from Friday, September 2 at noon through Monday, September 5 at 5 p.m. Free parking and shuttle service are available. Visit www.calumetcountyfair.com for updates.
Map of the Fairgrounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask about the Calumet County Fair. Below are common questions and clear answers. These help visitors plan their trip and know what to expect.
Is the Calumet County Fair free to attend?
Admission is free on Friday. Saturday and Sunday cost $7 per adult. Monday is $5 for adults. Veterans get in free on Monday with a military ID. Children ten and under are always free. A season pass for $15 includes unlimited entry and a free tote bag. This makes it easy for families to enjoy all four days without extra cost.
What time does the fair open and close each day?
The fairgrounds open at noon on Friday, September 2, 2024. They stay open until 5 p.m. on Monday, September 5. Each day, rides and food vendors operate from opening until closing. Live music starts at 6 p.m. and ends by 10 p.m. Visitors should arrive early to avoid crowds and find parking.
Can I bring my own food or drinks to the fair?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed. Over 40 vendors sell meals, snacks, and beverages on-site. Options include bratwurst, vegan treats, cherry pie, and craft beer. Water refill stations are free. This rule helps support local businesses and keeps the grounds clean.
Are pets allowed at the Calumet County Fair?
Pets are not permitted except for service animals. The fair has many animals in the petting zoo and livestock shows. To protect them and visitors, pets must stay home. Service dogs are welcome and must be leashed. Owners should bring water and a bowl for their animal.
How do I register my child for the livestock competition?
Register online at calumet.fairwire.com. Junior exhibitors need a Premise ID for each animal. They must also submit proof of age and agree to the code of conduct. Fees are paid by credit card. The registration coordinator, Clara Hedrich, can answer questions by email. Deadlines are listed on the website.
What happens if it rains during the fair?
The fair runs rain or shine. Rides may close during heavy storms for safety. Indoor exhibits like crafts and baking stay open. Check the official website or Facebook for updates. Bring rain gear and wear waterproof shoes. The fair will post delays or changes as soon as possible.
Where can I find photos from past Calumet County Fairs?
Visit the official Facebook page at facebook.com/calumetcountyfair. It has albums from past years showing livestock, parades, and concerts. The fair does not sell photos but welcomes community shares. Some images are also on Travel Wisconsin and WiFairs.com.
