State Fair is back, but different
Cream puffs and cows will be back, but the State Fair will look different from how it did before the pandemic hit.
Wisconsin State Fair will be back Aug. 5 through 15, after going into hibernation in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Cream Puffs and cows will be back, the State Fair will look different than it did before the pandemic hit.
Here’s what you can expect.
Can you use cash?
Admission and parking will be cashless. Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase tickets online for admission and parking. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted at the fair gates.
Vendors inside the Fair Park have the option of accepting cash as a form of payment. Most vendors will accept
both cash and credit cards.
All non-refunded 2020 admission tickets are valid for the 2021 fair.
When can I go?
State Fair will open later than usual at 11 a.m., and close daily at 11 p.m., except on Aug. 15 when it closes at 10 p.m.
Agriculture and competitive exhibit competitions and shows that were scheduled before 11 a.m. will continue.
Do I have to wear a facemask?
Masks will not be required at the fair. Individuals are encouraged to follow the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
How can I get there?
Commonly used Milwaukee County and Waukesha State Fair shuttles will not be running this year. Regular Milwaukee Country Transit System buses on Route 33, Route 56 or Route 67 can get fairgoers near the park. For MCTS info, visit www.ridemcts.com/.
The parking lot will open at 10:30 a.m. daily. Many bars also offer shuttles to State Fair.
What won’t be there?
Between labor shortages and other COVID protocols, a number of State Fair staples will not be around. Here’s what fairgoers won’t be able to find this year: Activity Stage
Blue Ribbon Brownies and Colossal Cookies (supply issues)
Daily Parades
Eating Competitions (considered an unsafe activity during the COVID-19 pandemic)
Milwaukee Bucks Milk House (not enough time for Bucks to prepare following the championship run)
State Fair Souvenir Cups (unsafe during the pandemic)
Talent Competitions (lost sponsorships)
What will be there?
More than 400 vendors, 40 rides, 25 games, and dozens of performers will be returning, similar to Wisconsin’s State Fair before the pandemic.
Favorites, like the SkyGlider, giant slide and Cream Puffs, will be back, as will the Kids From Wisconsin performing 20 times throughout the fair. The WonderFair Wheel, a Ferris wheel 15 stories high, is back, too.
What is new?
Central Mall, located on Central Avenue between Second Street & Benno’s Micro Alley, has a new look. The updated space has ample seating, green space, and soft lighting in the evening.
The Micro craft beer tent will be back and bigger than previous years. The main tent has 60 tap lines of craft Wisconsin beer and a new bar. It also will have a new second location located on the north end of the fair, before you enter SpinCity.
For more information visit wistatefair.com/fair. Jordyn Noennig covers Wisconsin culture and lifestyle. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-4466601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.