The Dane County Fair Association is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic General
Manager to lead the planning and execution of the annual Dane County Fair. This is an exciting
opportunity for an individual or organization with a strong background in event management and
a passion for community engagement, youth development, and creating memorable
experiences. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work with a wide range of
stakeholders, including the Fair Board, youth organizations, vendors, sponsors, and the public.
The Dane County Fair is a four-day celebration held the third week of July at the Alliant Energy
Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Attracting 30,000 to 35,000 attendees each year, the fair
features a lively midway, delicious local and fair-favorite foods, commercial exhibits, live
entertainment, and a wide variety of youth project showcases. It’s a summer tradition that brings
the community together and highlights the best of what Dane County has to offer.
A major focus of the fair is celebrating the achievements of Dane County youth. The event
features both large and small animal shows, along with thousands of non-animal exhibits in
categories such as cultural arts, photography, woodworking, mechanical sciences, culinary arts,
clothing, horticulture, and more. Nearly 800 youth from 54 local clubs, FFA chapters, and
schools participate in the fair, presenting over 6,000 projects. The fair provides a platform for
educational youth development organizations and school-based projects to share their work and
be recognized.
We are looking for a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values
inclusivity, and is committed to delivering a safe, inspiring, and successful event. If you have a
passion for bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences for youth and the
broader community, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of this cherished
Dane County tradition.
