Highlights Archives
Old World County Fair Recalls 1860s Wisconsin
It's midsummer in 1860s Wisconsin, and farmers are gearing up for one of the highlights of their year — the annual county fair. Here they have a unique opportunity to see exhibits, examine new breeds, talk to implement dealers, and watch for themselves various trials of machinery and stock. In an era of limited mass communications, transportation and travel, it was truly a once-a-year opportunity. Old World Wisconsin will recall the excitement of that event and that era in Wisconsin history during its Old World County Fair on Saturday, August 16.
Taking its inspiration from the early Wisconsin county fairs of the 1860s time period, with particular inspiration from the Walworth County Fair, the event will include judging of historic breeds of livestock, farm products, domestic manufactures, and farming implements of the era. The foods, heirloom produce and flowers make for inspired displays and add to the charm of the nostalgic event.
Band music, children's sporting contests and a demonstration of a threshing machine (seen then as a mechanical marvel) will add to the experience. For drama, visitors can expect a fiery political speech, an agricultural address, and may participate in a declamation contest — receiving a short passage to recite to the audience later in the day. The daylong activities will celebrate the charm and authenticity of the beloved, mid-19th-century county fair experience.
For complete details on hours, admission fees, locations and directions, and other details, see our Plan Your Visit pages.
:: Posted August 11, 2008
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