The Milwaukee Post

16 • Milwaukee Post • July 26, 2013 Traditional favorites a staple State Fair But event continues to evolve over the years By KEVIN PASSON Special to The Post WEST ALLIS – Organziers at the Wisconsin State Fair have a good thing going, but that doesn't mean they want to rest on their laurels. Along with the traditional cream puffs, main stage entertainment, animal judging and carnival rides, there is always something new. The 2013 State Fair, presented by U.S.Cellular, is no different. The White Tiger Discovery is a specially designed exhibit and educational program that promotes the conservation efforts involving the last five remaining species of tigers in the wild. See the keepers feed the tigers and conduct "Tiger Talks" three times daily . Wild About Monkeys is an interactive traveling animal exhibition that features trained baboons. This entertaining and educational exhibit will feature three shows daily, followed by an hour of playtime. The Wisconsin State Fair's first-ever food competition, the "Sporkies," takes unique and unusual food creations at the fair to a new level. Early in 2013, food vendors were challenged to create the most inventive and exotic culinary creations imaginable to be considered for competition. Eight finalists will compete in three categories: "best tasting," "most creative" and "grand champion." The finalists are Cajun mac and cheese, deep fried peanut butter and bacon nuggets with Berry Weiss jelly, iced Irish coffee float, mela fritta gelato on a stick, mac attack, rasta shrimp sliders, island slaw and a Thanksgiving waffle. All submissions will be available for purchase during the fair's 11-day run. Yearning for some peaceful time at the Fair? Enjoy the tranquil side of the fair with a self-guided garden walk. This new attraction will feature several floral displays, arrangements and masterpieces scattered throughout the fair park. Herb's Superb Bucks Milk House is moving to a new location on South Grandstand Avenue. This year, several renovations and upgrades will be featured, including additional shaded seating areas. However, the staple of the Milk House will not change as fairgoers will still be able to sample their favorite glass of 25-cent milk in various flavors. Submitted photo Above, sheep are only a small part of the more than 3,000 agriculture exhibits at the Wisconsin State Fair, Below, The Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs have been available to fairgoers since 1924 when the Wisconsin Bakers Association introduced its special recipe. The fair runs from Aug. 1 through Aug. 11. Pigs and ducks will be present this year at The Great American Duck Race and Saz's Racing Pigs presented by the Milwaukee Admirals. The Racing Animals Arena will now host pig and duck races each day and will be located on Second Street and Badger Avenue. Alternating pig and duck races will take place each day on the hour, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekends. There were 920,962 people who attended the fair last summer. Officials estimate that about 89 percent of all attendees are from Wisconsin. The agricultural auctions raise funds for youth programs. Last year, the Governor's Red, White & Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction raised $221,500, while the Governor's Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction raised $90,000 and the Blue Ribbon Cheese and Butter Auction netted $35,000. As for those famous cream puffs, which made their debut in 1924, bakers use, on average, 14,000 gallons of fresh whipping cream and 200,000 Grade A large eggs every year.

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