The Oneida County Fair was first introduced to the area in 1896. It was also the year that famed writer and hometown prankster, Gene Shepard brought his mythical creature, the Hodag, from timber camp folklore to real life. For the price of one thin dime, the community got a peek at the creature that would become infamous.

Over the years, the fair has had several homes. Its beginning location was at the Oneida County Airport. It later transferred to Lake Tomahawk and then moved to the Hodag Country Festival grounds.

Today, the Oneida County Fair is held at Pioneer Park in the heart of Rhinelander. This location allows easy access and visibility to a wider visitor base. Within a matter of days every year this beautiful park transforms into a quaint, old-fashioned county fair.