WAUSAU – The Wisconsin Valley Fair is back and better than ever.
The fair, which dates back over 150 years, kicks off Aug. 2 and runs through Aug. 7 at Wausau's Marathon Park. The park will host an explosion of activities including animal judging, multiple exhibits, live music, a rodeo, demolition derby and carnival.
"We really try to respect and preserve the agricultural roots of the fair," said Wisconsin Valley Fair Administrator Jodi Langenhahn. "But, we have something for everyone."
Langenhahn expects over 100,000 people to make their way through the fair gates next week and with several new food vendors and an added day of rodeo, they won't be disappointed.
Nearly everything with four legs will be on show from horses to rabbits to cats. These animals will be displayed and judged throughout the week.
Thousands of displays featuring flowers, collections, woodworking projects and more will fill the non-animal exhibit building.
The fair provides an opportunity for local youth involved in 4-H, Future Farmers of America and other programs to display their hard work. They showcase animals they have spent months raising and items they have created. Over 800 youth exhibit thousands of projects in the Junior Fair division.
RELATED: Palm readers and daredevils: The Wisconsin Valley Fair was created to celebrate agriculture, entertain
MORE NEWS: 'A pretty profound turnaround': Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Green Bay at forefront of a revival of brick and mortar retail
The North American Midway Entertainment Carnival returns again this year. Wristbands for unlimited rides will be available Wednesday through Sunday. Wristbands costs $33 at the fair or $25 in advance.
Food vendors also will be on hand to satisfy any fair food cravings. Corn dogs, donuts and cheese curds are just a few of the offerings this year.
There will also be non-food vendors ready to indulge your shopping urges along your fair route.
Appearing on stage this year are Lee Greenwood, Carly Pearce and .38 Special. Greenwood, best known for his megahit "God Bless the USA," will kick off the grandstand entertainment at 7 p.m. Tuesday followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Pearce, the current Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association female vocalist of the year, will appear Wednesday, followed by American rock band .38 Special, known for their popular hits "Hold on Loosely" and "Caught Up in You," on Thursday night.
Friday and Saturday are dedicated to the rodeo. This is the first year the rodeo has been expanded to two days.
"Two nights of rodeo is exciting," Langenhahn said. "It will attract more cowboys and participants."
The grandstand entertainment will conclude Sunday with a demolition derby.
Entry into the grandstand events is free with admission, with the exception of the demolition derby. Reserved seating in front of the stage is offered and it varies from $10 to $25, depending on the event.
Entry to the demolition derby costs $5 for adults and $2 for kids ages 4-10. Purchase tickets at the fair office in Marathon Park.
Bring cash. All entry gates will accept cash only. ATMs will be on site.
Arrive early and save money. Daily tickets before noon are $6, after noon they jump to $9. Kids 10 and younger are free. A season pass also is available for $25.
Parking in Marathon Park will cost $6 per day and $18 for a season pass.
There will be free street parking (if you can find it) and pay-to-park lots located around Marathon Park.
Skip the biggest crowds by attending on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Purchase season entrance tickets and parking tickets along with reserved grandstand event seating online here.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the fair website.
MORE NEWS: The Pickle Jar Grinds & Finds brings coffee, community to Wausau neighborhood
MORE NEWS: Wausau is facing an 'affordable housing crisis.' Here’s what is being done to address it.