Military Appreciation Day, Thursday of the Fair - July 19

In honor of their service, all Armed Forces personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard members and veterans) and their immediate family members will receive free admission to the Fair on Military Appreciation Day, which is Thursday of the Fair. Proper military identification will be necessary to receive free admission, such as Armed Forces ID, VA Hospital ID Card or a copy of separation papers. Parking is always free at the Fair. Click here for special activities for all military families.

Many special displays will be on hand and interactive activities will take place during Military Appreciation Day. You won't want to miss the fun!

Get your Yellow Ribbon!
Brought to you by Operation Homefront
Yellow ribbons will be given out at entrance gates into the Fair. We invite all fairgoers to wear the ribbons in support of our troops.

Thank You Notes for the Soldiers
Brought to you by Operation Homefront
You can personally show your support to the troops by writing a thank you or making a card. Children and adults can create their own thank you, which will be sent to soldiers overseas.

Free Mili-Kits to Send Care Packages to the Troops
Brought to you by the United States Postal Service
United States Postal Service staff will be at the gates to provide free packaging and supplies for mailing to the military overseas. Each Mili-Kit includes 6 Priority Flat Rate boxes, 6 customs forms and holders, Priority Mail labels and a roll of Priority Mail packaging tape. Information will be provided on rates, packaging, and how to order supplies for future use.

Special Military Displays
Booths with fun activities and information from numerous branches of military will be located around the Fairgrounds. Some displays include: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, Veterans of Foreign Wars Dept. of Wisconsin, Always Remembered, Hero Support Flags and Toys for Tots. Military equipment will also be on the grounds. Be sure to check it out!

Red Cross Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m. on Fairgrounds Drive
New and returning donors are encouraged to donate. All presenting donors will receive a FREE Red Cross t-shirt, a coupon for FREE ice cream at the 4-H Leaders Association stand, located next to the blood drive, and a FREE general admission ticket to come back and enjoy the Fair Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Simply bring your ID or donor card to the Fair. Walk-ins are welcome.

Looking to support the military with a donation?
Operation Homefront collects donations throughout the year and mails care packages to troops serving overseas. They welcome donations at their display in the lobby of the Exhibition Hall throughout the Fair. Check out the list of needed items.

This organization, which serves service members and their families, are also be hosting the annual Back To School Brigade at the Fair. If you'd like to donate to the Brigade, any school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, rulers, loose-leaf paper, binders, etc., will be accepted.

Special Flag Ceremonies
The American Legion Post 59 of Stoughton will be raising the flags at 11:00 a.m. and lowering the flags at 8:00 p.m. Join us for this special salute to our flag.

 

Special Military-Only Activities

The Dane County Fair is pleased to host Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, July 21. Please be sure to bring military identification, such as your Active Duty Military ID, Families & Dependent ID, VA Health Care ID, Military Retirement ID, and any other form of Military ID. Parking is always free at the fair for all attendees. See you there! 

Want to get the latest information about this special day? Confirm your attendance on the Military Appreciation Day Facebook event page.

Special Fair entrance just for you
When entering the Fair, look for the military VIP gate. Have your military identification (or your spouse’s if he or she is deployed) to expedite your admission. Our vendors are excited to say “Thank you!” to you by offering military-only specials and discounts. You will receive a flyer highlighting these specials at the entrance gate. You'll also be invited to wear a red, white and blue ribbon, to help us recognize you as a service member. All Fair attendees will have the opportunity to wear yellow ribbons to your their support, thanks to Operation Homefront.

Operation Homefront Party
Operation Homefront will offer family fun and games for the kids in Hall B of the Exhibition Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Back To School Brigade, brought to you by Operation Homefront
They will also be hosting the annual Back To School Brigade. School aged children of military and veteran families can come and pick up necessary school supplies for the upcoming school year. Interested in donating to the Brigade? Operation Homefront accepts all school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, rulers, loose-leaf paper, binders, etc.

Operation Homefront Quiet Zone
Families with young children will want to visit the Operation Homefront Quiet Zone. This special area, located in the Monona Room, is available for parents to rest with infants and children.

Resources at the Fair
Along with fun at the Fair, take advantage of valuable resources by visiting the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital exhibit. They'll be checking blood pressure, offering My HealtheVet demonstrations and answering all of your questions about enrollment, eligibility and benefits.

Additional organizations with displays at the Fair include:

  • Always Remembered
  • Dane County Veterans Service Office 
  • Dryhootch 
  • Hero Support Flags 
  • Madison Navy League
  • Madison Vet Center 
  • Military Order of the Purple Heart 
  • Operation Homefront 
  • Toys for Tots
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs 
  • Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Office of Veteran Services and Wisconsin Job Center

Reduced rate at the Crowne Plaza Madison
In conjunction with Military Appreciation Day at the Fair, the Crowne Plaza hotel on the east side of Madison is offering a promotional rate of $59 on Thursday night. Advance reservations are required. Military ID is required at check-in. Click here for a flyer with complete information. To book your room online, click here. Or call the Crowne Plaza at 800-404-7630 and ask about the “Military Appreciation Promotion.”