WISCONSIN STATE FAIR - “The Grand Champion of Summer”

 July 31 - August 10, 2008 - West Allis - The state’s largest, most historic annual event blends Wisconsin agricultural traditions with the excitement of a contemporary, urban event. International Bazaar, amusement park thrill rides, blue ribbon livestock, 30 stages of top-name entertainment, and world-famous cream puffs entice fairgoers of all ages. The Wisconsin State Fail brings the best of the Dairyland State to West Allis, west of downtown Milwaukee. The 11 day event is packed with food, music, agricultural exhibits, midway rides, horticulture, crafts, culinary, cream puffs and fun, Entertainment and activities are enjoyed by children and adults alike. The popular event attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2007, over 800,000 fairgoers enjoyed lively entertainment at the fair. The theme for 2008 is “Grand Champion of Summer.”

The first Wisconsin State Fair was held in 1851 in Janesville, with approximately 8,000 to 12,000 people in attendance. The fair migrated to different towns before finding its permanent home in West Allis in 1892. According to state fair officials, 860,078 people attended the 2005 event.

Yearly features at the fair include a wide variety of vendors, many local and national bands, the Kids From Wisconsin, and a large assortment of food and drink, including cream puffs, which are one of the fair’s main draws. Murphy Brothers Exposition also provides a large midway, featuring carnival rides such as Rainbow Valley’s Freak Out, Spin Out, Super Loops, Kamikaze, Double Shock, Yo-Yo, Sizzler, and many more. Agricultural exhibits of horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, and other animals are featured every year at the fair. 2004 saw the introduction of the Birthing Barn, in which fairgoers can witness the birth of farm animals. The Grandstand Main Stage features a different headline performance every evening of the fair. Many local bands can also be seen on smaller stages and pavilions located throughout the grounds.         

PLEASE NOTE that separate admission to the Fair must be obtained in addition to any Main Stage ticket.There are no free, general admission seats for the MainStage. In addition to ordering online, you may utilize a new feature enabling you to Print Your Tickets at Home!Tickets are also available the day of the on sale from 10:00am until 1:00pm at the Wisconsin State Fair Box Office located at the U.S. Cellular Main Gate (located just east of the Pettit NationalIce Center; enter via Gate 6 off of South 84th Street).  Contact: 2008 Wisconsin State Fair “The Grand Champion of Summer”, 640 South 84th Street | West Allis, WI 53214 | 1.800.884.FAIR - http://www.wistatefair.com