Kenosha County executive previews fair, spotlights ‘Pig Pals’ inclusion program

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kirkman and fair manager Jenny Hesse on Wednesday previewed the Kenosha County Fair at the county fairgrounds, announcing the event will run Aug. 13–17 and highlighting a new 4‑H inclusion program designed to help children with special needs exhibit livestock.

"So, 1 of our 4 h'ers decided to start a new program called Pig Pals. And it is a, having kids have the ability to exhibit an animal if they never had the ability to, and it's all focused on special needs and letting them show a pig at the fair and, get the experience of what it's like to be a 4 h'er," Hesse said.

The program is one of several attractions Hesse outlined. Traditional fair events such as pig, duck and goat races are returning under a new organizer, and the fair will include a Jurassic Kingdom exhibit with live dinosaur entertainment. Hesse said the fair will host as many as three or four bands per day on the new Creekside Stage and that the American Legion will operate beer sales there.

Kirkman, who identified herself as Kenosha County Executive, noted the fair is "the third time we've done this" and referenced a recent preview event where she saw the new facility. Hesse described the Creekside Stage building as newly constructed with roll-up doors and large fans to accommodate concerts and vendors.

Organizers also described vendor and food offerings. Hesse said the Barrel Room marketplace and outdoor vendor spaces are nearly sold out and the fair will debut a food court behind the stage featuring a range of cuisines — including lumpia, patties, Chinese fare, sweets and southern soul food — as well as gluten-free options.

Hesse provided ticket and merchandise information: the fair runs Aug. 13–17; general admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children; a lifetime membership is $325. She said T‑shirts are $10 and sweatshirts without hoods are $20.

Kirkman and Hesse emphasized the fair's youth focus through 4‑H judging and auctions: Hesse confirmed large-animal judging will be held Saturday, small-animal events Sunday, and that judging activities begin earlier in the week. The preview closed with an invitation to the community to attend the fair in August.

The county did not announce additional funding details, vendor lists, or a full band schedule during the preview; organizers said remaining specifics would be published closer to the event.