Young and old can appreciate animals, and at summer fairs, they're the main attraction.

In central Wisconsin, the Athens Fair sets up shop right in the middle of downtown.

Since it doesn't charge admission, organizers rely on entertainment from the farm to keep the crowds happy.

4-H-ers showed off more than 150 cows, and both kids and adults enjoyed horse competitions all weekend.

"We get a lot of people to come just to look at the horses,” junior showmanship competition winner Madelyn Kulas said. “They love seeing the horses and I love telling them about them. They're just great animals to be around and I love bringing them and showing them off."

“I guess the animals have been my first love,” said Gary Beastrom, who’s the fair board’s secretary. “I love animals. I'm a retired agriculture teacher so it kind of falls into place."

People also came out Sunday to watch the parade that goes through town.

This year's featured performer was the University of Wisconsin marching band.