Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/146323
July 26, 2013 • Milwaukee Post • 17 State Fair continues to draw a crowd Entertainment offered for all ages By KEVIN PASSON Special to The Post WEST ALLIS – P.J. Early is one those people who make a trip to the Wisconsin State Fair a staple nearly every summer. And who can blame her – with the animals, the main stage entertainment, the carnival rides, the food and the people-watching among the many offerings that can fill your day? Celebrating 162 years of tradition, the 2013 event will run from Aug. 1 through Aug. 11 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. "While I don't make it to the State Fair every year, this year I'm definitely going," said Early, who lives in St. Francis. "One of my favorite parts of the fair is the animal barns. As city dwellers, we don't spend much time with cows, pigs, horses and sheep, and I always love to see them up close." Agriculture and horticulture were the impetus for the start of the fair, and they remain an important key to the fair today. However, a lot has changed. The very first Wisconsin State Fair, sponsored by the state's Agricultural Society, was held in 1851 on a six-acre plot along the banks of the Rock River in Janesville. The 1851 fair featured a 200pound squash and a quarter-acre plowing competition with teams of horses and oxen. Admission was only a dime, and overall attendance was between 13,000 and 18,000. The fair has been canceled five times since 1851 – three times for the Civil War, once for World War II and once when Chicago hosted the World's Columbian Exposition about the same time as the fair would have been held. So many activities have been added over the years, but one of the most popular is the food. Anything you can make, you can eat from a stick at the State Fair. "I'll admit, though, that the food is the real draw for me at the State Fair," Early said. "For most of the year, I'm a well-behaved, low-carb girl – honest. But this year I am determined to try something new, preferably something on a stick and wrapped in bacon." Music will fill the Main Stage every night of the fair, opening with Heart and closing with Miranda Lambert. Main Stage tickets include fair admission if Submitted photo Above, The Wisconsin State Fair drew 920,962 people last year. A single-day record attendance of 127,338 visited the fair Aug. 5. Below, The Bank Mutual Amphitheater will feature an assortment of musical and variety acts for every age. purchased prior to entering the fair. All shows are on sale at the fair ticket office at 7722 W. Greenfield Ave., or at www.wistatefair.com. The Bank Mutual Amphitheater and Central Marketplace, located in the heart of the Fair Park on Central Avenue, offer free entertainment. The Central Marketplace features a collection of open-air shopping booths that offer a wide selection of bags, jewelry and clothing. The central location in the Bank Mutual Amphitheater comprises several shops and booths with plenty of food and beverage options nearby including The Micro, which features microbrews and ample seating, and Wineberry, featuring wine by the glass and small plate pairings. Whatever your desire, you're sure to find it at the Wisconsin State Fair. At a glance What: 162nd Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular Where: Wisconsin State Fair Park,West Allis When: Aug. 1 through Aug. 11; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. final Aug. 11 Cost: $10 for adults 12 and older, $7 for senior citizens 60 and older, $7 for active military and veterans with ID, $6 for youths ages 6 through 11, and children 5 and younger are free Parking: $10 per vehicle; variety of shuttle buses and flyers offered throughout the area Website: www.wistatefair.com