Thursday, July 15
Hometown Hero Day

Admission Specials: $3 admission before 3 p.m. for all ages

Armed Forces personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard members and veterans), police officers, firefighters and first responders receive FREE admission for Hero plus one (1) guest.

2021 Main Stage Entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. - Main Stage Tent

Although Jordan Kroeger (bass) and Ryan Ogburn (mandolin) began their musical relationship in the Wisconsin jamband scene, Chicken Wire Empire began as a 4 piece traditional bluegrass band in Milwaukee, WI.  The band honed its traditional sound, encapsulating it in 2014 with their debut album Chicken Wire Empire.  With half of the group rooted in bluegrass, and the other half steeped in jamband music, a change occurred when CWE performed an Old & In The Way tribute show.  With the addition of Jon Peik (banjo), Ernest Brusubardis IV (fiddle), and Greg Brundage (guitar), a new sound was found in Milwaukee, and Chicken Wire Empire joined the roster of high energy jamgrass.   

"The new Chicken Wire Empire record is a technically proficient, well-crafted mixture of modern original songwriting and time earned classics. They seem to have taken on some wonderfully exciting elements of modern progressive bluegrass while also retaining their original character, born of their greater Milwaukee town roots." - Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

Chicken Wire Empire has been blessed with opportunities to share the stage with renowned musicians (Yonder Mountain String Band, 30db, The Travelin' McCourys, The Big Wu, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades) and performing in many regional festivals (Blue Ox and Boats & Bluegrass).  With support from their local scene, friends, and families, Chicken Wire Empire looks to the future, with a goal to strengthen Wisconsin’s bluegrass scene, and further the appreciation of acoustic music.

2021 Hometown Hero Day Activities (subject to change)

Get your Ribbons! Yellow and patriotic ribbons, provided by Operation Homefront, will be available each at entrance gate. While supplies last.
Special Flag Ceremonies The American Legion Post 59 of Stoughton will be raising the flags at 11 a.m. and lowering the flags at 8 p.m. Join us for this special salute to our flag.
Free Mili-Kits to Send Care Packages to the Troops Brought to you by the United States Postal Service United States Postal Service staff will be at the gates to provide free packaging and supplies for mailing to the military overseas. Each Mili-Kit includes 6 Priority Flat Rate boxes of 3 different sizes, 6 customs labels and holders, Priority Mail labels and a roll of Priority Mail packaging tape. Information will be provided on rates, packaging, and how to order supplies for future use.
The Salvation Army of Dane County 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by the rescue vehicle for a tour and snacks. Take a few minutes to learn all the ways the Salvation Army of Dane County helps those during emergencies.
Special Fair Entrance When entering the Fair, look for the Hometown Hero gate. Have your identification. Our vendors are excited to say “Thank you!” to you by offering hero-only specials and discounts. You will receive a flyer highlighting these specials at the entrance gate. You'll also be invited to wear a red, white and blue ribbon, to help us recognize you as a service member. Resources at the Fair Exhibition Hall C 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with fun at the Fair, take advantage of valuable resources. Organizations with Resource Fair displays at the Fair include: Dane County Sheriff Madison VA Suicide Prevention Madison VA Hospital Madison VA Mental Health Madison VA Eligibility and Enrollment The American Red Cross United States Postal Service No Veteran Left Behind USA, Inc OYI Transition and Care Management Team Stoughton American Legion Veterans Justice Programs William S. Middleton VA Hospital Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Women's Veteran Health Program RSVP Vets Helping Vets Dryhootch Healing Warrior Hearts
American Red Cross Blood Drive Exhibition Hall C 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Give the gift of life. New and returning donors are encouraged to donate. Simply bring your ID to the Fair. Click here to register online. You MUST pay to enter the Fair to give blood.
Madison Roller Derby Exhibition Hall D 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Madison's premiere roller derby league is lacing up their skates to put on a show for all ages! These ruthless ladies will perform demonstrations to learn more about roller derby. Come and join us for this action-packed event!

2021 Daily Entertainment (subject to change)

9 a.m. - 8 p.m.	Kiddie Farm
1 p.m.	Lady Houdini
2 p.m.	KidBuck$ Game Show
3 p.m.	Lady Houdini
4 p.m.	KidBuck$ Game Show
5 p.m.	Lady Houdini
6 p.m.	KidBuck$ Game Show

2021 Carnival Special

2021 Youth Judging (subject to change)