MONROE — As plans come to fruition for the Green County Fair that’s just around the corner from July 17-21, planners, board members and fair goers are all hoping for one uncontrollable thing: good weather. 

For the last two years, the fair has had to cancel some shows and events because of rainy, sometimes stormy weather. However, Green County Fair Board Treasurer Steve Mayer said despite Mother Nature’s plans, they’ve learned to improvise. 

“We can deal with the heat as long as there’s not severe storms,” Mayer said. “The biggest thing — we just want mother nature to cooperate.”

The fair is welcoming some new items and events this year as well as sticking with the traditional fun that attendees are known to love. The new admission policy that began last year will continue — making all grandstand shows free with gate admission. Mayer said it went well last year and the seats were filled at events like the rodeo, concerts and derby. 

Wednesday, July 17 will open with Military Appreciation Day and that evening will feature the Green County Bulls and Barrels event. Mayer said the fair has teamed up with the World Champions Rodeo Alliance this year, which allows bull riders to accumulate points at the Monroe event.  

The Badger State Tractor Pull will grace the grandstand on Thursday, July 18 as usual but has also been tweaked — this year there will be some new tractor classes with local people in each competitive group. 

New this year at the fair will be the Skid Steer Rodeo starting at 4 p.m. on Friday and Mayer said its popularity is growing with about 20 participants so far. There will likely be three classes divided by ability of skid steer operators and they’ll be expected to perform through a timed obstacle course with other challenges. He said the new event is starting early since they’re unsure how long it will take — but they’re hoping to have space to recognize a champion for the event. After that will be the Local Truck & Tractor Pull will take over, offering something for local farmers with two pickup classes as well. 

Saturday is Kids Day, where a discounted admission is offered and events are more family focused, Mayer said. There will be a Garden Tractor/ATV Pull that’s been rained out the last two years starting at 8:30 a.m. in the grandstand. Colony Brands Tug of War Championship begins at 10 a.m.

Saturday night will be the big concert showcasing local musician Sam Ness who won the Green County Singer/Songwriter Showcase earlier this month and will open for Chris Kroeze, a Wisconsin native who is most well known for his success on The Voice.

Sunday is Pioneer Day with a reduced admission for seniors and will begin with the antique tractor pull at 8:30 a.m. before the Brew City All Star Heavyweight Wrestlers begin in the show barn that afternoon. They were a popular attraction during last year’s fair.

Mayer said they’re excited about a new promoter for this year’s demo derby to be held Sunday as the final event. The fair teamed up with Hollywood Motor Sports to offer new classes, a power wheels class for children and even raffle off a car to someone who may want to enter the derby.