Get ready for some traditional fun, folks—Wright County Fair is back in action. Mark your calendars for July 24th through the 28th, because the official schedule has dropped, and it's packed with the kind of wholesome entertainment that's hard to find these days. From 4-H shows to the Xtreme Strong Man Show, bingo, and an exotic animal zoo, there's a little something for everyone.
For those with a penchant for the agricultural arts, the 4-H Horse Show kicks things off bright and early at 9 a.m. on opening day. Following that, judging for dairy and meat goats and a variety of horse and pony shows fill the day, intertwined with live performances such as Agri-Puppets and the Torres Family Circus. According to Wright County's official website, an exciting lineup of tractor races and the uniquely entertaining Paul Bunyan live show are also on the docket from Thursday to Saturday.
Adults can get through the gates for five bucks, a manageable fee even for the thriftiest among us. As a bonus, kids 17 and under slip in for free, making it a family affair that won't break the bank. And if you're planning to drive—and let's be real, it's Wright County, so you probably are—parking will set you back $5 daily. There's a deal to be had for those staying the fair's duration: a $25 combined pass for entrance and parking for all five days.
Each day of the fair serves up a robust menu of attractions. Senior Citizen Day on Friday ushers in a special program for the elders, complete with a senior's lunch and program, while Military Day on Saturday expresses gratitude with a dedicated program on the Free Stage. Throughout the fair, various music acts such as Neighberz and South 40 are slated to rock the Entertainment Tent, catching the sweet summer vibes.
And lest we forget the grandstand events—derbies of all kinds, from garden tractors to combines, promise the roar of engines and the thrill of competition. Dotted with cash drawings and the fair staple midway games and rides, this year's fair is shaping up to reflect a slice of Americana that feels increasingly fleeting in our fast-paced, digital-dominated lives.
Sunday caps things off with a nod to worship for the spiritually inclined and a horse show for equine enthusiasts. Before you head out, don’t miss a final performance by the Xtreme Strong Man Show or the Memories of Elvis Tribute—for a trip down memory lane. After all, by the time the livestock and exhibits are released at 7 p.m. and the dust settles on the midway, you'll want to have squeezed every drop of joy from this local treasure of a fair.
