'We have a bit of everything': Here is what's happening at the Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee county fairs this summer

The Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee County fairs offer a plethora of activities including animal and project exhibits, live music, agricultural events and a variety of fair food.
The Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee County fairs offer a plethora of activities including animal and project exhibits, live music, agricultural events and a variety of fair food.

With a plethora of Milwaukee-area activities to do in the summer, the county fairs in the WOW counties — Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington — could definitely be the hit of the summer.

Besides the typical rides, carnival games, and agricultural and project exhibits, the three  county fairs offer new events, games and concerts.

"It (Washington County) is an amazing fair," said Kellie Boone, executive director of the Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center. "We have animals, projects, entertainment and a carnival."

These county fairs offer new events as well as traditional favorites to check out.

It is important to look at the fair websites before making plans to attend because the schedules are subject to change.

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Waukesha County Fair

When: July 20-24

Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight  Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Where: Waukesha County Expo Grounds, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha

What's new: The Division BMX Stunt Show, a show with death-defying aerial stunts and tricks; a drone light show where up to 35 drones will light up the night sky with a choreographed performance 200 feet above the grounds, set to patriotic songs and popular tunes; and the American Red Cross will teach life-saving skills

Fun favorites: Kiwanis pancake breakfast, a monster mural where kids of all ages can color a mural, a demolition derby and a Power Wheels competition

Other highlights: Side stages with local musical talent, a performance by Guitar for Vets and a junior livestock auction

Concerts: Country artist Randy Houser on July 21, legendary rock icon Ted Nugent on July 22 and South Africa rock group Seether on July 23. All are at 8 p.m. and are included in the price of admission.

Admission: $12 for adults; $6 for ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger. Daily parking is $5. July 20 is Dollar Day with $1 admission and $1 parking. Check the website for other specials.

For more information: Visit waukeshacountyfair.com 

Washington County Fair

When: July 26-31

Hours: 3  to 10 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to  11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center, 3000 Highway PV, West Bend

What's new: Nine new food vendors, Dinosaur Dimensions dinosaur show in the Pavilion Building, and music bingo where the song clip is played and people have to find that song on the bingo card

Fun favorites: Pig and duck races, kids' projects (the agriculture exhibits the cakes and the outfits) and the carnival rides and games

Other highlights: Military activities on Wednesday, several local musical performances and an archery demonstration

Concerts: Warren Weiders opens at 7 p.m. July 28 for country music artist Tyler Farr, who is scheduled to perform at 8:30; Frank Ray opens at 7 p.m. July 29 for Bret Michaels, who performs at 8:30 p.m.; Chris Cagle opens at 7 p.m. July 30, followed by Justin Moore at 8:30 p.m. All performances are in the Silver Lining Amphitheater.

Admission: General admission on Tuesday is $3, Wednesday and Sunday is $7 and Thursday through Saturday is $10. Free for members of the military and one guest each on Wednesday.

 For more information:  www.wcfairpark.com/fair

Ozaukee County Fair

When: Aug. 3-7

Hours: Noon until midnight Wednesday, 8 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Sunday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Where: W67 N866 Washington Ave., Cedarburg

What's new: McCade’s Joy Ride Car Show on Aug. 7

Fun favorites: Truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, rides and games

Other highlights: Fireworks show on opening night, chainsaw carving, magic shows, a scavenger hunt, and a biergarten

Concerts: There is free musical entertainment throughout the weekend, including Bella Cain, Johnny Wad, Vic Ferrari Band, Stetsin & Lace, Detour and the Doo-Wop Daddies

Admission: Admission is free, but there is a fee for events such as the truck and tractor pulls and rides. Look on the website for the most up-to-date information.

For more information: www.ozaukeecountyfair.com  

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about 2022 Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee county fairs