Sept. 14, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis.—A new hand-painted barn quilt, Sunshine Flower, will soon be on display at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua during the Vernon County Fair, Sept. 16-20, adding another piece of local art and rural heritage to the community.
Created and designed by local artist Debra Cuvar, the hand-painted barn quilt, Sunshine Flower, was donated to share a moment of joy and beauty with Vernon County residents and visitors. The quilt will be displayed near the West Entrance of the Vernon County Fairgrounds throughout the Vernon County Fair.
Debra also created and hand-painted the Coon Valley Star barn quilt, displayed on the historic Erickson Building in Coon Valley. The building is home to Valley Fudge & Candy Shop and Sweet Valley Artisans, where more than 50 local artisans and crafters, including quilters, sell their creations and collections.
Celebrating Vernon County Through Art
The Vernon County Barn Quilt Trail is an initiative spearheaded by Debra to celebrate local history, rural heritage, and artistic expression through colorful barn quilt displays throughout the county.
Barn quilts are large, hand-painted quilt blocks displayed on barns, businesses, and other community landmarks. Through the Barn Quilt Trail, residents and visitors are invited to discover the area’s stories, history, traditions, and agricultural heritage through public art.
A Fair With 170 Years of History
The Vernon County Fair has been part of the community for 170 years. Its history began in September 1856, when local pioneers held the first fair on Viroqua’s main street to showcase the area’s agricultural opportunities and encourage business and commerce.
That first one-day fair was a modest event, featuring livestock, woven rugs, patchwork quilts, homemade butter, sorghum, maple syrup, a plowing match, and a speech at the courthouse. The following year, an Agricultural Society was established in Viroqua, helping the fair grow into the longstanding community tradition it is today.
Over the decades, the fair has continued to evolve. The 4-H livestock program began in 1921 with three calves and eventually grew into a major part of the fair. The 100th anniversary in 1956 brought approximately 10,000 attendees and featured “Centennial Street,” with replicas of historic Vernon County homes and businesses.
The fair celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006 with special events including a Medallion Hunt, a Fairest of the Fair Reunion, a concert, agricultural demonstrations, and other community celebrations.
The fair has also demonstrated its commitment to the community during times of need. Following the 2018 Vernon County floods, fair supporters, organizations, businesses, and individuals helped generate approximately $28,000 in flood relief, demonstrating the fair’s role as more than an annual celebration—it is a place where the community comes together.
Today, the Vernon County Fair continues the traditions of agriculture, family, community, and entertainment while providing a place for residents and visitors to celebrate Vernon County.
For more information about the Vernon County Fair, including its history and upcoming events, visit vernoncountyfair.com.
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