There’s still one weekend of Light Up The Fair at the Pierce County Fairgrounds and the event continues to grow each year.

For four nights each year, the Pierce County Fairgrounds are transformed into a winter wonderland by Pierce County Friends of the Fair volunteers with thousands of lights. Community organizations pitch in with sponsorships, activities and festive fun to make the weekends a holiday success, which is fast becoming a tradition for area families.

The 2024 event opened Friday, Nov. 29 to frigid temperatures, but that didn’t stop visitors from pouring through for holiday crafts, s’mores, Santa visits, treats, and games.

If you didn’t have a chance to make it last weekend, don’t fret, because the fun continues 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7. Each night attendees can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate cookies, color festive holiday pictures (sponsored by the Country Partners 4-H Club), and get faces painted by Soaring Eagles 4-Hers in the Seyforth Building.

Donations will be collected each night for the Pierce County Food Pantry and Salvation Army.

On Dec. 6, the Craft Corner will feature the chance to make homemade ornaments with River Falls FFA. The craft Dec. 7 is pinecone Christmas trees, courtesy of the Spring Valley FFA.

Outdoor activities are also abundant, such as the brand new holiday hockey area at the picnic shelter, next to the popular holiday mini golf. Bazille Family Farms will host a petting zoo outside the Seyforth Building while Jessica Koren Photography and Elizabeth Sara Photos will provide complementary photos in the gazebo.

The 4-H Food Stand will serve hot dogs and hot chocolate, courtesy of JM Watkins, Pierce County Meats, Kwik Trip, Nilssen’s and ConAgra. Fudge brownies, nachos, coffee and cider are on the menu at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church stand, complemented by pulled pork sandwiches (while supplies last) at the St. Francis Catholic Church stand.

Visitors are invited to get a photo with the Coca-Cola Bear on Dec. 6. The Ellsworth Lions Club will host a s’more station outside the picnic shelter both nights.

For those experiencing mobility challenges, four outdoor mobility chairs will be available for use this weekend, courtesy of Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club and Access Ability Wisconsin. This will allow people who are not always able to get outside to take in some fresh air and enjoy the lights.

If you are interested in reserving a chair, reach out to Tim Chaussee at 715.933.0125. They will also be available on a first come, first serve basis each night of the event.