Fairgrounds Serve Communities Year-Round, Survey Finds

A 2026 IAFE survey finds fairs provide fundraising, training, competitive-event space, and emergency staging for communities.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Fairs and Festivals

Fairgrounds Serve Communities Year-Round, Survey Finds

Live Poll

Should your county fairgrounds receive more public funding for year-round community use?

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions released its 2026 IAFE Community Impact Survey, which found that fairs contribute to local communities throughout the year. More than 500 fairs responded, and the survey estimates impact across approximately 5,000 fairs in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Why it matters

The findings highlight that fairgrounds in Wisconsin, where more than 75 county, district, and regional fairgrounds operate, serve roles well beyond their annual fair events. Their use for fundraising, emergency response, and off-season gatherings affects residents across the state.

The 2026 IAFE survey, drawing on responses from more than 500 fairs, estimates impact across approximately 5,000 fairs in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The survey does not break out Wisconsin-specific percentages.

The players

International Association of Fairs and Expositions

The IAFE is an industry association that represents fairs and expositions and conducts research on their economic and community role.

The details

More than 60% of communities rely on local fairgrounds for emergency personnel training, and 3 million kids and 2 million adults use fair facilities for competitive events. Wisconsin fairgrounds are also rented for wedding receptions, family reunions, swap meets, and civic club meetings.

2026: IAFE Community Impact Survey results released.
November 8, 2026: Article published about the survey findings.

Seasonal Patterns

The IAFE's 2026 Community Impact Survey extends the association's research on fairs beyond their annual event calendar. It documents how fairgrounds host off-season activity that has become a recurring part of their community function.

Wisconsin residents can rent fairgrounds for weddings, reunions, swap meets, and civic meetings. Communities also use these grounds for emergency staging and training during storms, fires, and floods.

The takeaway

Fairgrounds function as shared community infrastructure, so checking local fairground rental options can open up venues for family and civic events year-round.