They say we learn from our mistakes. Lord knows I’ve had my share of “learning opportunities” both in and out of my birding adventures. I’d like to share one embarrassing experience with you in the spirit that you may be spared from learning this one the hard way. Please don’t laugh — too hard.

Rainbow Valley Rides will once again operate the midway rides at the 2025 Shawano County Fair.

Rides will be running from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 27, from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, from noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

Buy a wristband for $25 and get unlimited rides from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, and from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

Sure, the Shawano County Fair has rides, animals, music and plenty of food, but it also has a variety of other activities throughout the fairgrounds.

Opening ceremonies will kick off at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 in Veterans Park.

Beer and wine judging will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Crawford Center.

Four stages will offer plenty of music and entertainment opportunities for those attending the 2025 Shawano County Fair.

Main Stage entertainment will kick off with Left on Read at 8 p.m. Aug. 28. Left on Read is a band in the Fox Valley bringing a variety of covers from the ’90s to today, including hits from Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Shania Twain and more.

Daily gate admission to the Shawano County Fair is $5 per person for adults and children 12 and older. Children 11 and younger get in for free.

Daily admission starts at 9 a.m. Aug. 28 through Sept. 1.

The daily parking fee is $5, with a free shuttle ride from the east parking area.

On the opening night of the fair, Aug. 27, gate admission begins at 5 p.m. at a cost of $3 per person and free parking.

Olivia Danley was crowned the 2025 Shawano County Fairest of the Fair on June 22, taking over for Lydia Rasmussen as the county fair’s newest spokesperson.