New attractions, hometown pride, and generations of memories keep the Iron County Fair thriving
Every summer, as the scent of fresh popcorn and grilled hamburgers drifts across the fairgrounds and the sounds of laughter echo from the midway, the Iron County Fair reminds residents why it has been a cherished community tradition for nearly a century.
Since 1927, families from across Iron County and beyond have gathered in Saxon, Wisconsin to celebrate the fair's unique mix of agriculture, entertainment, food, rides, games and smalltown camaraderie. For many, it's more than an annual event. It's a homecoming.
“I absolutely love our community, our fair, and look forward to it months and months ahead of time,” said Joe Maslanka, a board member with the Iron County Fair Association. “We want to keep our gate fees low and offer as much as we can, and with the help of Enbridge it is allowing us to help families come in and enjoy the day.”
That commitment to affordability and family fun has helped the fair continue to grow while preserving the traditions that generations of local residents have come to love.
Visitors strolling through the grounds can still enjoy classic fair favorites, from 4-H exhibits and livestock barns filled with farm animals to carnival rides, games, and plenty of fair food. But recent improvements have helped elevate the experience for everyone who attends.
With support from Enbridge, the fairgrounds now feature a new horse arena, a permanent performance stage and a modernized food booth. The upgrades have enhanced both the appearance and functionality of the fairgrounds while creating a stronger foundation for future generations.
Improvements create a stronger foundation for future fairgoers
"We used to have to rent a stage. Now, this is permanent, and it's ours," said Kirk Backman, vice president of the Iron County Fair Association.
The improvements represent years of dedication from volunteers, fair organizers, local supporters and community partners who share a common goal—ensuring the Iron County Fair remains a source of pride for the region.
For Maslanka, the partnership has made a lasting difference.
“Working with Enbridge, I don’t know if I could say enough,” he said. “I don’t know if words can express how grateful we are to have them in our community.”
Enbridge’s Michelle Johnson said supporting local events such as county fairs is part of the company’s broader commitment to investing in the communities where its employees and neighbors live and work.
At left, Michelle Johnson, Kirk Backman, and Joe Maslanka by the new stage; at right, an aerial view of the Iron County Fair..
“We fund programs and projects and initiatives the communities love, and communities love county fairs,” Johnson said.
The result is a fair that continues to offer affordable fun for families while serving as a gathering place where neighbors reconnect, children make memories and local traditions are celebrated.
Standing amid the crowd during fair weekend, Johnson said the atmosphere speaks for itself.
“So many people having a great time, this is the heart of Iron County,” she said.
That sense of community is something fair organizers say makes all of the months of planning worthwhile. Long after the rides are packed up and the barns are empty, the memories remain.
“It’s nice having people come up and say, ‘You guys did a fantastic job.’ It makes you proud,” said Backman. “Even though it’s only once a year, what you get in three days makes it worthwhile right there.”
As it approaches its 100th anniversary, the Iron County Fair continues to prove that some traditions only get stronger with time. For the thousands who pass through the gates each summer, the fair remains more than an event. It is a celebration of community, connection, and the enduring spirit of Iron County.
