ELKHORN – Larry Gaffey is a bear of a man, one you don’t expect to be moved to tears.

“You see these kids working here,” he said when asked what he loves about the Walworth County Fair. “It’s a fulfilling feeling that you’re helping these kids become better and more productive citizens of our country. It makes them better people. It builds their relationships.”

One kid went on to become a Marine pilot, recalled the Walworth County Fairgrounds general manager. Another became a Navy submarine nuclear technician.

Then he wiped a tear.

As the 2026 event approaches – the 177th edition runs from Sept. 2-7 – it’s clear this sort of passion lies at the heart of Wisconsin’s biggest and best county fair.

We joined Larry and his wife Melody Judge, the fairgrounds’ office manager, for a discussion about the work and mission underlying the fair’s undeniable historic and generational success. The scale is impressive, unrivaled by other county fairs. More kids with exhibits. More animals in the barns. More carnival rides for all ages. More food vendors with more variety. Bigger grandstand entertainment events and more side stage shows. More to do than the hours in a day can accommodate.

“It’s the largest county fair in the state, by far, by a lot,” Larry said, “quite a bit bigger than even the second largest. We’re the busiest fairgrounds in the state, too.”

Think Ribfest, which many readers likely have eaten their way through for years. The barbecue competition draws huge crowds. The fairgrounds’ large equine center stays busy throughout the season with weekend events attracting horse-loving patrons. Summer is filled with activities, from the Junior Beef Cookout to flea markets and craft shows. The onsite campground can handle 500 units with water and electric hookup, with spots available for rent at any time before cold weather (go to elkhorncampgrounds.com; some weekends are blocked out when major events occur). The dining hall and activity center are available for weddings and private parties, with space for several hundred people.

Economics dictates the pace, Larry explained, because the Walworth County Fairgrounds is a private nonprofit entity rather than following the usual county fair model, in which financial support comes from local government.

“We have to do events to make money, to put a new roof on that building, or to fix plumbing on one of the campsites, mowing, all of it,” he told us.

Recruiting and retaining partners is also crucial. Sponsors pony up nearly $275,000 at fair time and $70,000 to back Ribfest. It’s not charity. It’s a marketing package that comes with benefits, keeping sponsors’ names prominently before the public.

We asked Larry and Melody what keeps them motivated. Their answers come with depth and feeling.

“There’s obviously less people directly connected to agriculture today than many years ago,” he said, acknowledging that traditional fairs – which tended to draw country folks to town – have evolved. “But our mission is to keep people connected to it, to provide and maintain facilities for youth agriculture education and improve the quality of life for our communities.”

This year’s grandstand entertainment – ranging from tractor pulls and rodeo to rap music – gives insight into the intentional appeal for a diverse audience.

“It’s all in an effort to attract people to go to the barns, go look at the crops, go learn something about agriculture, look at the farm equipment,” Larry said.

Among those exhibits will be entries from 4-H kids, FFA members and open competitors. Kids can live in town while competing in horticulture, or enter home economics exhibits, or with small animals like rabbits or cavies.

“We really try to work on things where we could connect city kids to agriculture,” he said.

“We have pet shows, dog shows, cat shows,” Melody adds, saying gerbils and hamsters are popular options, and kids can have chicken coops in most towns now.

Rides are always a big attraction and include pony rides and camel rides.

“One of the most anticipated rides on the grounds happens on Saturday morning,” Melody said. “We put on a ride, Combines for Kids, they can come and go for a ride in a real combine. Farmers across Walworth County come and kids can ride around the track in a combine. It’s a free will donation with proceeds helping our Discovery Barn.”

A gate ticket covers everything but headliners on the grandstand stage, which requires a separate charge to cover the substantial cost of a big-name production. Shows go on rain or shine, unless weather becomes severe and threatens safety. (For full schedules go to the website walworthcountyfairgrounds.com).

It’s obvious this couple puts their hearts into the work for the kids and the adults who annually find joy at the fairgrounds. Melody explained their passion.

“You get to know the stories when you walk through our barns. Go to the free entertainment, the rodeo, the truck and tractor pulls, that’s icing on the cake. The real true grit of the Walworth County Fairgrounds happens in the buildings and the barns, where you can learn about these kids and their projects.”

She knows we like to take grandson Jack, 6, and granddaughter Khloe, 4, out for experiences. She recommends Combines for Kids and the Barnyard Adventure, where there’s a butterfly release every day.

Good ideas, Mel. See you at the fair.