Dale Christiansen, executive director of the Central Wisconsin State Fair, presented the fair’s 2025 summary to the Marshfield Common Council on Nov. 11.

Christiansen said fair attendance was about 62,000 and the event drew grandstand ticket purchasers from 26 states. He reported approximately 1,096 junior fair exhibitors and 3,825 exhibits, with junior fair premiums exceeding $10,000. The fair’s operating cost for 2025 was about $830,000; entertainment costs were roughly $374,000, tent/stage/sound rentals roughly $94,000, insurance $43,000, and advertising $34,000. Revenue highlights included $58,000 from food vendors and approximately $550,000 from grandstand gate receipts, for total income around $975,000.

Christiansen described a successful canned‑food drive that collected more than 2,000 items for Wood County food pantries and said the fair is planning an economic impact study with a consulting firm used on prior statewide work. He also announced upcoming events, including a Christmas show on Nov. 29 and a Wisconsin Allis‑Chalmers tractors statewide show in January that will use the Junior Fair Building.

Councilmembers praised the fair and its new promotional video; Alderman Worman specifically congratulated the board and urged continuation of successful programming such as "rock night." Christiansen said entertainment costs are rising but the board is seeking sponsorships and fundraising to support improvements.

What’s next: organizers will finish an economic impact study and continue fundraising for building‑fund projects; the council will receive updates if further action is required.