By Roz Weis,
![](https://www.decorahleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Fair-Queen-and-Princess.jpg)
The ‘Biggest Little Fair in Iowa” is under way at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah.
Some of the best moments of small town life are celebrated each year at the fair. This year’s fair runs July 8-13.
Tuesday’s opening ceremonies included crowning of the 2024 royalty.
2024 Winneshiek County Fair Queen Annika Schmelzer of Ridgeway was crowned in front of a crowd at the grandstand Tuesday afternoon. She is the daughter of David and Jennifer Schmelzer. The 2024 Fair Princess is Addison Wicklund of Decorah, the daughter of Melissa and Christopher Wicklund. (Photos by Roz Weis)
The county fair starts months before the actual fair itself, with local organizers hard at work bustling in preparations for the five-day festival.
The Winneshiek County Fair wouldn’t be as successful without the dedication of local volunteers, law enforcement, sponsors and donors – all providing prizes, hours of elbow grease and more to keep the fair running smoothly.
This year’s fair is jam-packed with activities, featuring everything from local entertainment and baking contests to talent shows, grandstand events, 4-H and FFA displays, livestock shows, midway rides and much more.
And who could forget the food at the fair? Between the Cattlemen, the pork producers, the dairy folks, the 4-H Clover Café, the Luren Singers food stand and the midway, there are plenty of opportunities to feast during the fair.
For seasoned fairgoers, there’s nothing quite like walking the fairgrounds and checking out all the livestock and displays while wrapped in the tempting scents of grilled burgers, pork-chops-on-a-stick, funnel cakes and freshly-popped popcorn.
Hands-on demonstrations, kids’ activities, and grandstand entertainment galore round out the fair schedule this year.
To learn more, visit the Winneshiek County Fair’s Facebook page.
Award winning fair
Last December, Winneshiek County Fair was among the Blue Ribbon Fair honorees announced during the Iowa Association of Fairs conference. The annual award pays tribute to fairs supporting the community and making improvements to make their fair one of the best in the state.
Fair Board member Becky Winkler said, “One of the reasons we were selected from the Northeast District was the addition of the new Community Building and other improvements made to the fairgrounds, and our commitment to the youth of Winneshiek County.”
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