As their industry struggles around them, the Door County Fair provides a place of joy for area dairy families. Economic hardships have left about eight families remaining in Door County to show dairy cows at the fair, many of which are being represented in the fairgrounds’ cattle barn. Jim Wautier has been the Door County Fair’s dairy superintendent since a new barn was built on the grounds over 20 years ago. His roots in showing dairy cattle at the Door County Fair dates back to the 1950s. He says the fair families are close-knit.

While some won ribbons in the show ring during Friday’s competition, all will make some money during the fair thanks to a local cheesemaker buying the milk produced during their five-day residency.