JOIN The FUN AT THE Allamakee County Fair THIS WEEK

Shane Profitt to headline Friday's grandstand entertainment; Variety of activities and events planned

This week, July 16-20,  the 172nd Allamakee County Fair will be held for all to enjoy at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. A wide variety of entertainment is in place to headline this year’s Fair at the grandstand, along with a great deal of other activities for everyone to enjoy each and every day throughout the five-day event.

GRANDSTAND STAR POWER AND HORSE POWER

Kicking off this year’s grandstand entertainment line-up Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. will be a Truck and Tractor Pull featuring local trucks and tractors as well as some powered-up regional competitors in a variety of high-revving classes. Free admission is being granted to all local military veterans for that truck and tractor pull event, and there will also be a Pie Auction for pies contributed by this year’s Allamakee County Fair Royalty in an effort to raise funds for the Fair Royalty Fund and the 2026 Fair Improvements Fund.

Motocross returns to the Allamakee County Fair Thursday, July 17, as 74 Promotions Motocross brings its racing series to the local dirt track once again, beginning at 7 p.m. Some local favorites and some series travelers will provide all the thrills, chills and maybe even some spills in a variety of competition classes.

The Friday evening, July 18 music performance in the grandstand will feature a pair of rising country music stars, beginning at 8 p.m. Tennessee “blue collar” story-teller Shane Profitt will headline the night’s musical entertainment following the opening act of three-time Arkansas Country Music Association (CMA) Female Vocalist of the Year Mae Estes.

Described as a “salt-of-the-earth southerner with a straight-shooting swagger and kind smile,” Shane Profitt went from working overtime at his city job and playing music on the weekends as recently as 2021 to now playing at such historic venues as Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry with what has been described as his “big, barrel-chested voice” to tell his life-inspired tales.

Those stories that hit close to home have best been told by Profitt’s Top 15 Country radio single “How It Oughta Be,” with tunes like “Better Off Fishin’” and “Guys Like Me” showing further insight into the road he has traveled. In addition to sharing his fun and entertaining side, one of Profitt’s most recent tracks, “Still Picks Up,” shows his vulnerability and the layers of emotion he also puts into his music.

Getting a much earlier start in musical performing at the age of seven singing the National Anthem in a rodeo arena in her native Arkansas, Mae Estes has been singing ever since. Year 2022 was a big one for Estes, as the first release from her debut EP, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin,’” also became her first video feature on Country Music Television (CMT), and she was awarded Arkansas CMA Female Vocalist of the Year honors for the second time out of three consecutive years she has won the award. Having played in venues and events such as the Grand Ole Opry, Music City Grand Prix, Wrangler’s

National Finals Rodeo, The Bluebird Cafe, CMA Fest, Nissan Stadium, and The Country Music Hall of Fame, Estes has most recently been recognized as the 2024 Rising Artist-Writer of the Year by the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) and a member of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2024 in adding to her continually growing list of accolades.

Additional information about this year’s headlining act, Shane Profitt, can be found at https://www.shaneprofitt.com/. More information about opening act Mae Estes can be found at https://www.maeestes.com/.

The power and grace of rodeo will take over the grandstand Saturday, July 19 at 6 p.m., as Iowa-based Rogue Rodeo from Albia will bring such events as Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and even Mutton Bustin’ for the youngsters. Another opportunity to participate in the Allamakee County Fair Royalty Pie Auction will also take place during the rodeo. For further details on Rogue Rodeo or to register for any of the events, visit www.roguerodeo.com.

The culminating grandstand event Sunday afternoon, July 20 will feature even more action, as area drivers will race their trucks to the limit on a Tough Truck obstacle course. Filled with mud, jumps, chills and thrills, the four-wheeled fun begins at 1 p.m.

GRANDSTAND PASSES ONLINE OR IN ADVANCE

The ability to purchase grandstand tickets online is again available for this season’s grandstand performances. The Fair’s webpage, www.allamakeecountyfair.org, has a “Buy Tickets” link and button that will take online purchasers through a check-out process. Tickets for the grandstand events can be purchased for all five evenings of grandstand entertainment at this year’s Fair, or for just a single event. Admission to the grandstand events is free for children ages 10 and under when they are accompanied by an adult.

Advance tickets for grandstand events can also be purchased at the Allamakee County ISU Extension office in Waukon, Waukon State Bank, Freedom Bank in Waukon and Postville, Kerndt Brothers Bank in Waukon and Lansing, Village Farm & Home in Waukon, New Albin Savings Bank, and Peoples State Bank in Harpers Ferry and Waukon. Tickets can also be purchased during the Fair at the Fair Office or at the grandstand.

QUEEN AND LITTLE MISS PAGEANT KICKS IT OFF

The coronation of the 2025 Allamakee County Fair Queen and Allamakee County Fair Little Miss will kick off this year’s Fair Wednesday evening, July 16, beginning at 5 p.m., taking place in the Fairgrounds Pavilion. This year’s three Allamakee County Fair Queen candidates - Alyssa Connelly, Breelyn Dahlstrom and Isabelle Mettille - will take the spotlight to determine who will wear the crown of the 2025 Allamakee County Fair Queen.

Complementing that Fair Queen pageantry again this year will be the featuring of a younger group of ladies vying for the honors of Allamakee County Fair Little Miss. That competition involves five contestants ranging in age from eight to nine years old, including Rayna Collins, Everly Cota, Myla Evanson, Mallory Kurth, and Kenleigh Ness.

PLENTY OF COMPETITIONS

For those who like to test their skills against others, there are a variety of contests being held throughout the Fair. Those competitions will kick off Wednesday, July 16 with the local competition for the statewide Bill Riley Talent Search, taking place at 7 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Pavilion and offering a chance for local talent - ages two to 21 - to earn a spot in the Iowa State Fair competition held in Des Moines in August. Additional information on how to register for this free contest can be found on the Allamakee County Fair website at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.

Thursday, July 17 will feature a Pretty/Ugly Cake Decorating Contest which will begin its judging at 6 p.m. with a drop-off time at 5 p.m. in the Open Class Building. Friday, June 18 will offer a Homemade Salsa/Dip Contest where entries can be dropped off at 4 p.m. and the general public can taste and vote from 4:30-6 p.m., all in the Open Class Building. A Lego Contest will also be taking entries made at home at 3:30 p.m. Friday, with a Lego Challenge also taking place after the contest judging, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., all in the Open Class Building.

Saturday, June 19 will feature a Cookie Contest that will be taking entries at 3:30 p.m. for judging taking place beginning at 4 p.m., all in the Open Class Building. A Mechanical Bull will also be available to ride near the grandstand from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, from 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again from 12-4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Community Bingo will also be taking place Sunday, from 12-2 p.m., in the Fairgrounds Pavilion, sponsored by Main Street Lansing this year. 

For those seeking more of a physical competition, several opportunities exist to do that as well throughout the Fair. The Ag Olympics, a timed obstacle relay race using various items found on the farm, is open to youth and area business “celebrities” and takes place in the new Show Barn Thursday, July 17 at 6 p.m. A Kids Pedal Tractor Pull will also take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Commercial Building, with registration beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Little Switzerland FFA Chapter from Waukon High School will be hosting Pedal Tractor Races outside the Pavilion at 3 p.m. Friday, July 18. Also taking place Friday will be the return of the Haybale Toss at 6 p.m., next to the Beer Tent, sponsored by Hawes Ag.

Also returning this year will be the Boot Scoot 5K Fun Run starting at the Grain Bin Gazebo Saturday morning, with registration opening at 7 a.m. and the run to begin at 8 a.m. The Diaper Derby for youngsters 14 months of age or younger is also coming back this year with registration starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19 at the grain bin gazebo in front of the Pavilion. That event is being sponsored by Growing Bear Daycare and will also feature a Diaper Decorating Contest this year.

A Bags Tournaments is also scheduled for Sunday, July 20, with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and competition at 11:30 a.m. McGregor Fun Bags is sponsoring this year’s tournament, which will be held near the Beer Tent.

NEW EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THIS YEAR’S FAIR

One of the new competition events at this year’s Allamakee County Fair is a Hot Dog Eating Contest, sponsored by City Meat Market. Competition begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Beer Tent, with divisions for both adult and youth. Also new this year is the Bucket of Junk Contest that will be on display in the Open Class Building after entries are dropped off Wednesday, July 16 between 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Also new on the grounds this year will be a Little Allamakee Self-Monitored Play Area available near the Appreciation Building on the fairgrounds each day of the Fair, from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 17-19, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 20. A Dunk Tank, hosted by ECHO-Iron Ridge Church Youth Group, will also be available each day of the Fair, near the Commercial Building, including from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 1-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 17-19, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, July 20.

FREE DAILY ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to the grandstand attractions and variety of contests and competitions, there will also be a wide variety of free entertainment performances and activities throughout this year’s Fair for all to enjoy at no charge and at various venues throughout the Fairgrounds. Wednesday through Sunday, Robey Memorial Library will feature its self-guided Story Walk, beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting throughout each day. Youth and adults can read the classic children’s book The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, beginning at the Grain Bin Gazebo. Each stop will direct readers to the next, and it ends at the Fair Office.

A variety of free entertainment activities will take place Wednesday through Sunday, with some of them new to the Fair this year. Hillbilly Bob and his convertible 1929 Model A Ford named “Old Ruthie” will have folks rolling down the streets with laughter with a display of tricks, sound effects, and balloon animals, hats and more created by Hillbilly Bob. He will be performing at the Commercial Building from 4-5 p.m. and again from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, and will continue with performances from 12-1 p.m., 3-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. each day Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 17-19, in addition to two more performances Sunday, July 20 from 12-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.

Likewise, Show Stoppers will bring a high-energy, family-friendly performance with music, comedy and animated, costumed performers to the Fair for several half-hour shows each day. Those performances are scheduled for 5-5:30 p.m. and 7-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, from 1-1:30 p.m., 4-4:30 p.m. and 7-7:30 p.m. Thursday, from 11-11:30 a.m., 1-1:30 p.m., 4-4:30 p.m. and 7-7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 1-1:30 p.m. and again from 3-3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Also new this year to the Fair will be the Dragon Training Academy, a half-hour show being featured several times each day of the Fair that will teach those in attendance how to tame a dragon in a fun-filled and entertaining performance. Dragon Training Academy will take place from 11:30 a.m.-12 noon, 2-2:30 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with two more performances Sunday, from 11:30 a.m.-12 noon and again from 1:30-2 p.m.

Face Painting will take place in the Kids Center from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. “The Nose” caricature drawings will be taking place in the grain bin gazebo from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, and again from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

Kids Day at the Fair is scheduled for Friday, July 18 from 1-4 p.m. at the Kids Center and Appreciation Building. A wide variety of kid-friendly and creative activities will be available to participate in at no charge. Saturday, July 19 will feature a Barn Dance inside the Pavilion from 8 p.m.- 12 Midnight.

Everyone is also invited to participate in the Barn Praising church service hosted by Iron Ridge Church inside the Show Barn, beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 20.

PREREGISTER FOR THESE ACTIVITIES

The Open Class Building and Fairgrounds Pavilion will both be hosting “Make and Take” workshop events and activities each day of the Fair, the following of which require pre-registration at www.allamakeecountyfair.org and may also require a small fee for participation. Wednesday, July 16 will feature a Trucker Hat Bar Class to be presented in the Commercial Building from 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, July 17 will feature a wide variety of activities that require pre-registration, including a Fabric Wreath Making Class at 10 a.m., Freestyle Macrame at 2 p.m., and Milk Jug Bird Feeders at 4 p.m., all in the Open Class Building. Thursday’s activities held in the Fairgrounds Pavilion will feature Mini Macrame Plant Hangers at 10:30 a.m., Terra Cotta Pot Gnomes at 2:30 p.m., and Ocean-Themed Cupcake Decorating at 4:30 p.m., all of which also require pre-registration.

Those pre-registration events continue Friday, July 18 with Drip Paint Pots at 10 a.m., Beginner Origami at 12 noon, and Magical Mermaids at 2 p.m., all in the Open Class Building. Classes on Stained Glass Butterflies, at 10:30 a.m., Hot Glue Floral Frames, at 12:30 p.m., and Dried Flower Resin Magnets, at 2:30 p.m., will also be taking place Friday in the Fairgrounds Pavilion.

Saturday, July 19 will feature six more activities requiring pre-registration, including a Salt Painting workshop at 10 a.m. and Adult Plant Hanger Macrame at 12 p.m. in the Open Class Building. Inside the Pavilion, a Toadstool/Fairy Pot House class will take place at 10:30 a.m., a Kids DIY Snack Class is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., a Kids Painting Class (age 9 and younger) will take place at 2:30 p.m., and a Kids Painting Class (age 10 and older) is set for 4:30 p.m.

Again, all of those above events require pre-registration online at www.allamakeecountyfair.org under the “Buy Tickets” tab at the top of the home page, and then clicking on the “Make & Take Workshops” tab at the top of the next page for the list of workshops that can then be clicked on for more information and to register.

The Rolls with Royalty breakfast event will begin at 9 a.m. in the Fairgrounds Pavilion Sunday, July 20. That event also requires pre-registration online at www.allamakeecountyfair.org under the “Buy Tickets” tab at the top of the home page, and then clicking on the “Other Events” tab at the top of the next page for the list of events that can then be clicked on for more information and to register.

PROJECTS AND LIVESTOCK SHOWS

Along with the fun and thrills of this year’s entertainment and activity line-up, the hard work and dedication of county youth and other exhibitors will be on display each and every day of the 2025 Allamakee County Fair. The 4-H and Open Exhibit buildings on the grounds will house the efforts of local exhibitors of all ages in a wide variety of creative, useful interests.

Daily animal shows and judging will take place in the larger, more accessible livestock show barn. The daily livestock youth shows begin Thursday, July 17 with the Swine Judging at 9 a.m. and Sheep and Meat Goat Judging at 1 p.m. Friday, July 18 will feature the Beef Judging at 9 a.m., the Clover Kids Pet Show at 2 p.m. and Rabbit and Poultry Judging at 3 p.m.

Dairy cattle and goats will be judged Saturday morning, July 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with the Dairy Auction scheduled for 2 p.m., the Pee Wee Dairy Show at 2:30 p.m. and the Dog Show at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon. Sunday morning, July 20 will wrap up the livestock shows with the Horse Judging, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Horse Arena.

Returning this year will be a Round Robin Showmanship Contest to be held inside the Show Barn, beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday. That event gives Senior (grades 10-12) Showmanship winners and reserves in the Fair’s beef, dairy, sheep, swine and meat goat shows this year the opportunity to compete for top showmanship honors at the Allamakee County Fair by showing each of those species in front of a species judge to determine the Fair’s overall top showman.

The traditional Appreciation Supper and 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction will take place Sunday afternoon under the awning of the new Show Barn. The supper begins at 4 p.m., with the auction getting underway at 5 p.m. The Parade of Champions will continue this year as well, featuring all the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion winners from this year’s Allamakee County Fair, scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Show Barn.

SPECTACULAR AMUSEMENTS

Spectacular Amusements will return with its carnival midway at the Allamakee County Fair, featuring a full array of rides, games and carnival food. Rides will be in operation from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, from 3-11 p.m. Friday, from 1-4 p.m. and again from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, and from 12-4 p.m. Sunday. Wristbands allowing a full day ride session will be available for purchase both in advance and at the Fair, as are Mega Bands that allow rides during the entire Fair.

Further event details, schedule and other information about the 2025 Allamakee County Fair, July 16-20, can be found on Page 2 of this edition of The Standard, and also on the Allamakee County Fair website at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.

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