The Shawano County Fair kicked off its 145th year Sept. 2, with officials vowing this would be the best one yet as the fair celebrated the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Shawano County Clerk Raymond Rigsby was the featured speaker to help kick off the fair at the opening ceremony, and he reminded the crowd that the fair is only in existence because of all the volunteers with the Shawano Area Agricultural Society and other organizations.
“They worked incredibly hard this year to make this happen,” Rigsby said. “While you’re thinking about this year happening, they’re already working on next year. It doesn’t happen without them, and it doesn’t happen without our incredible sponsors.”
Rigsby noted it was his 15th year attending the fair while acknowledging others had been coming for far longer. He said his favorite event at the fair was the demolition derby, while his wife was known to frequent the bingo games.
“I know everyone here can say, ‘bingo,’ but I want her to say it multiple times this year,” he said.
The county clerk noted the 4-H programs in the county have done an impressive job with getting children involved with agriculture and having them exhibit at the fair. This year, the fair boasts more than 5,000 youth exhibits, which include more than 860 animal entries. They range from the smaller ducks and chickens to the larger swine and cows.
“There are lots of after-school and community programs to keep our kids out of trouble,” Rigsby said. “They’re serving their communities.”
Rigsby encouraged visitors to the fair to see the animals and other exhibits and talk with the youths who prepared them for the fair. He said questions should be asked and conversations should be held.
“This is the future of Shawano County,” Rigsby said. “The most important thing you can do is encourage the young kids that are working here today and are showing their projects. Tell them they’re doing a great job and put a smile on their faces, because these young people are going to become the caring and competent adults who shape the future of Shawano County.”
Fair Board President Scott Breitrick echoed Rigsby’s statements on how many people it takes to prepare for the fair, including those who give a lot of money to cover the fair’s expenses.
“We’ve got a lot of great people on the building over here,” Breitrick said, noting the wall of donors. “There are people who give a lot to the fair, and there are volunteers who work endless hours. A lot of people don’t realize how much time goes into setting this fair up.”
Sophia Zeeman, the reigning Shawano County Fairest of the Fair, said she was excited the celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with dozens of people attending the opening ceremony.
“There are so many amazing events that the fair has to offer this year,” Zeeman said. “I’m so grateful that I get to spend this year’s fair with you, and I hope to make it the best one yet.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
Mason Raddatz, with the Maple Grove Countryside 4-H, tries to usher his cross-bred pig to the washing area, although the pig, named Opal, is not doing him any favors Sept. 2 at the Shawano County Fair. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Shawano County Clerk Raymond Rigsby talks about the importance of the Shawano County Fair during the 2026 opening ceremony Sept. 2 on the midway. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Shawano County Fairest of the Fair Sophia Zeeman speaks to the crowd on the midway Sept. 2 to officially usher in the 2026 fair. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
