Oneida County Fair returns this week

The Oneida County Fair will open later this week and run through the weekend. Many residents and visitors alike look forward to the fair all year, and for good reason. The Oneida County Fair offers something for everyone. Thursday evening features a Kids Power Wheels Demo Derby as well as the RC Car Extravaganza. The opening ceremony kicks off the fair at 6:30 p.m. with Bogfoot taking the stage at 7 p.m.

Friday features a full schedule, starting with planting with the Master Gardeners and a magic show to choose from at 11 a.m. 

Animal shows, a watermelon eating contest a cheese curd eating contest, more magic and music well into the night are sure to delight, and the carnival rides will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday will be Ren-Faire Day, with several Medieval battle rounds taking place at Ollie’s Greenspace taking place throughout the day. The Live Action Role Play (LARP) group will also have stage time on the Family Stage on Saturday. 

Sunday at the fair is Family Day. Foam Zone and Bubble Play, Paw Patrol characters meet and greet and Our Dog’s Got Talent are sure to be fun for kids of all ages. There is even a Women’s Skillet Toss Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Annual Raffle

The Oneida County Fair Annual Raffle is once again packed with prizes. With eight packages to be won, it is sure to be a hit. Packages include the Case pedal tractor, a Wisconsin Dells family trip for four, an outdoor family movie basket, a Caddyshack pack with a guided fishing trip and golf, a Taste of Oneida County package, a date night escapade package, a family photo session and the Northwoods Family Adventure Bundle. 

Big Top Entertainment

The fair also showcases a variety of musical artists throughout the weekend. 

Bogfoot kicks off the weekend on Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. This five-piece, Sugar Camp-based band blends eight decades of classic rock and upbeat covers and are known for connecting with their audience.

Severio Mancieri will take the stage at 1 p.m. on Friday. According to the fair website, “his stripped-down performance style highlights strong vocals and nimble guitar work, creating an intimate listening experience early in the day.”

The Big Top will feature the Beatles tribute band The Taxmen from 4 to 6:15 p.m. on Friday. This is a Milwaukee-based band that will deliver authentic renditions of Fab Four favorites.

That 90s Band will take the stage from 8 to 10:15 p.m. to round out Friday night. Hits from this band include covers of band like Nirvana, Green Day and Alanis Morissette. Fair goers can enjoy grunge, alt-rock and top 40 songs of the decade from this band.

Saturday starts with Will Young at 1 p.m. Fair goers will be engaged by his smooth voice and masterful guitar work.

Kids at Play, led by Dave Melvin, will take the stage from 4 to 6:15 p.m. on Saturday. Known for their fun-loving stage presence, they look to get fair goers toes tapping with their mix of funk, blues and rock.

Saturday night on the stage wraps up with Rival 5 from 8 to 10:15 p.m. This Twin Cities based band features a blend of pop, rock and high-energy showmanship.

Sunday’s Santy and Son with Friends is an Oneida County Fair tradition, playing from 1 to 4 p.m. Fair goers are sure to enjoy this laid-back feel good variety show to round out the weekend.

Wristbands

Regular ride wristbands will be available for $25. These wristbands allow for unlimited rides during specific four-hour blocks (see sidebar here). Megabands are available for $100 and allow for unlimited rides all day at the fair during all carnival hours.

More information about all of the fun at the fair can be found on their website at ocfairwi.com

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].