For decades, the educational and community-building value of Wisconsin county fairs has been widely recognized. Now, a statewide economic impact study is helping put a value on the financial benefits fairs bring to their local communities.
Jayme Buttke, executive secretary of the Wisconsin Fair Association (WFA), explains the evolving challenge: “We’ve known for decades about the educational value that county fairs bring to their community, but the challenge now is trying to arrive at an economic benefit that the community derives as well.”
The 2025 WFA Convention: A Shift in Mindset
The WFA is pushing its leaders to look beyond the immediate operational challenges of running a fair and focus on long-term strategy and legacy.
During the 2025 Wisconsin Fair Association annual convention in January, fair leaders heard from Ian Hill, Founder of the You Make THE Difference National Initiative. Hill helped attendees find a renewed belief in their mission. At the 2026 convention, Hill will challenge these leaders to move past survival mode, structure their gathered data, and focus on building an enduring fair legacy.
“It’s really about changing the mind frame of today’s fair leaders,” Buttke notes, emphasizing the need for discipline and strategic planning that Hill will guide.
Celebrating 60 Years of the “Fairest of the Fairs” Program
A major highlight of the 2026 WFA convention in Wisconsin Dells will be the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the “Fairest of the Fairs” ambassador program.
All former “Fairest” ambassadors have been invited to return for the milestone celebration. Buttke says they have 36 applicants for the 2026 position. Obviously the enthusiasm to promote Wisconsin’s fairs remains strong!
