Celebrating an incredible 165 years, the Wisconsin State Fair has over 16 decades of history, tradition and development. The first Wisconsin State Fair took place in 1851 in Janesville on a six-acre plot along the banks of the Rock River. Admission was only a dime and attendance ranged from 13,000 to 18,000 — the largest gathering in Wisconsin history. The Fair then moved to Milwaukee the following year and continued to move from Janesville, Watertown, Fond du Lac and Madison until it finally settled into the Wisconsin State Fair Park in 1892. The Fair started out small, but it continued to gain popularity and increase in revenue and attendance.
Attractions
There is so much to see at the Fair, and every year, new attractions are added. Here is a small sample of things you can see and do!
- The Daily Parade that starts at 3 p.m. See the Fairest of the Fairs, street entertainers, mascots, tractors, marching bands and more!
- The SkyGlider gives you a bird’s-eye view of all the fun below!
- Always a staple, the Milwaukee Bucks Milk House features a variety of flavors. Nothing beats an ice-cold glass of milk on a hot day!
- The Farm and Family Building allows you to discover what the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection do for you.
- Don’t miss out on the Giant Slide! Hop on a burlap sack and take a magic carpet ride.
Food
The Fair is known for its food — come early, hungry and ready to graze through the Fair at more than 200 concession locations that offer plenty of delicious favorites!
- New featured items this year include crazy corn reaper popcorn, cheese blintzes, eggplant fries, root beer float donut, poutine tots, funnel fries and more!
- Traditional fair foods include baked potatoes, fresh cheese curds, Original Cream Puffs, funnel cakes, corn-on-the-cob and more.
- Food-on-a-stick entrees includes exotic meat sausage combo, deep-fried olives on-a-stick, deep-fried cream cheese on-a-stick, frosted flakes chicken on-a-stick, lasagna sticks and more.
You can also test your taste buds and get (just about) anything fried at the Fair.
Entertainment
There are many national recording artists coming to the Fair including Shawn Mendes, Halestorm, Rascal Flatts, Newsboys, Berlin, Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo & Melissa Etheridge, Happy Days: Live, Salt-N-Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Rob Base, Phillip Phillips, Matt Nathanson and the Beach Boys. There are also more than 30 free stages of entertainment, featuring regional and local bands and family entertainers.
Animals
The Fair has played host for animal showings and competitions since 1851. Animal showings include beef, draft horse, dairy, goat, horse pull, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine, dog sports and dog fair. Stay for the shows, watch the judging and visit the award-winning animals.
The Wisconsin State Fair is a wonderful place for families, teens and adult gatherings. You never know what fun foods, entertainment and memories await you! For more information on the State Fair and how to join in on the fun, click here. #ShorewestRealtors #ShorewestFamily #WIStateFair #FriedFoods
Tags: Animals, Attractions, Cream Puffs, Entertainment, family activities, family fun, Fried Foods, Fun, Rides, shorewest, shorewest family, Shorewest Realtors, SkyGlider, The Fair, Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Fair
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