In 2025 many Wisconsin county fairs were focused on more than just carnival rides and cotton candy.  Jayme Buttke, executive secretary of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs says they were also focused on measuring their real worth to their communities, and strategizing how to engage the next group of volunteers.

Buttke says there's been an emphasis all year on a state economic impact study initiative that has fairs taking a deeper look at what they bring to their community.  Buttke says we've always known about the educational element that's obvious at fairs, but there's also other cultural benefits as well as financial rewards.

Buttke says the results of the year long initiative will be a focal point for the 2026 WI Association of Fairs annual convention in January.

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