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Rock County 4‑H Fair officials outline economic impact, youth programs ahead of July event
Summary
Rock County 4‑H Fair Association leaders told the county board the fair draws tens of thousands of visitors, supports youth exhibitors and raises substantial scholarship funds; they invited supervisors to the July fair and noted investments in fairgrounds facilities.
Leaders of the Rock County 4‑H Fair Association presented to the Rock County Board of Supervisors on June 5, outlining attendance, youth participation and the fair’s economic contributions and inviting supervisors to the 96th Rock County 4‑H Fair in July.
Ryan George, president of the Rock County 4‑H Fair Association, said the fair averages "65,000 plus" visitors and that a good year brings about 85,000 attendees; an "excellent year" can exceed 100,000. George said many visitors come from outside Rock County, particularly from the I‑90 corridor to the south. The association raises scholarship money for youth exhibitors; George said the auction program produces more than $700,000 annually and that roughly 97% of that money goes directly to the youth who exhibited animals.
Mary Chek, the fair manager and the association’s only year‑round employee, described vendor, food and staffing numbers: the fair typically features more than 140 vendors, a capped 32 food vendors, and a seasonal office staff plus gate and grounds crews. She said the fair draws vendors and overnight visitors who use local campgrounds and hotels and that many vendors purchase supplies locally while on site.
The association reported roughly 1,500 youth exhibitors and nearly 10,000 entries across projects such as livestock, photography and cultural arts. The presenters said the association has invested more than $100,000 in facility upgrades to the fairgrounds in recent years and emphasized community volunteer contributions. George invited board members to pick up discounted season passes and to attend the fair’s entertainment and free grandstand shows, July 22–27.
Why it matters
The fair supports youth development through 4‑H and FFA programs, raises scholarships and brings substantial visitor spending to Rock County businesses, organizers said. Supervisors received the presentation as part of the board’s reports section and asked no follow‑up questions during the meeting.
What’s next
The Rock County 4‑H Fair Association will host the fair July 22–27, 2025, and supervisors were invited to use discounted season passes supplied by the association.
