10 things you don’t want to miss at the State Fair
After a year without pig races, giant slides and the distinct smell of delicious fried foods, the Wisconsin State Fair is finally back. And we’re all ready to get back to those iconic fair activities — plus some new ones.
The fair kicks off Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 15. Here’s a State Fair bucket list.
1. Giant slide
If you haven’t sat on a burlap sack and ripped down the giant slide, can you really say you’ve enjoyed the Wisconsin State Fair? The slide has been around for more than 50 years at the fair. The 200-foot slide costs $3 to ride.
2. Load up on cream puffs
It is basically THE thing to eat at the Wisconsin State Fair. To keep up with demand, bakers work 24 hours a day making cream puffs. After the fair was canceled last year, organizers sold cream puffs year-round, mixing up the flavors for each season: pumpkin spice in October, cocoa in December and strawberry in February.
And popularity didn’t wane — more than 300,000 were consumed. Now, fans can get back to the original flavor. A six-pack costs $22 at the fair, but you can get it for $18 before July 31.
3. Cheer on the pigs
There’s an arena devoted to these speedy little piggies. The Saz’s Pig Races are run daily at 11:15 am, 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 7:30 pm., so there’s ample opportunity to cheer on your favorite racing pig.
4. Take a ride on North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel
Get a breathtaking view of the city from the WonderFair Wheel, North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel. It stands 15 stories high and features 36 fully enclosed, brightly colored gondolas. Each gondola has a capacity of six people, and it’s $6 per person to ride — that’s you and five friends!
5. Eat something on a stick
Corn dogs and cotton candy are just a warm-up to the food-on-a-stick category. The stick makes the food portable, so it makes sense for a fair. But things have gotten crazy in the last few years. Case in point, Gator Claws On-A-Stick are a thing, and Spaghetti & Meatballs On-aStick seems like a stain waiting to happen (but don’t worry, it comes in a paper tray).
6. Pet an animal
We all watch animal videos on the internet. Well, this is your chance to make your YouTube animal dreams happen in real life. And meet a farmer while you’re there (always ask if it’s OK to touch the animals).
The fairgrounds have two barns devoted to cattle, one for pigs, another for sheep and goats. You’ve heard of miniature horses, well, there are also miniature donkeys. There are chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, the floppiest rabbits you could imagine and more. This year, you can meet some alpacas.
7. Get a giant stuffed animal
There’s a point system for this bucket
Cream puffs are packed with State Fair flavor. list item. You can buy a stuffed animal — that’s not worth any points in this arbitrary system, but you do have a stuffed animal, so that’s a win. You get one bonus point for actually winning a giant stuffed animal in a fair game. Add another bonus point for seeing a mom pushing a giant teddy bear in a stroller. Add 100 points if you are the mom pushing the bear in the stroller.
8. Sample Wisconsin craft beer
We can all agree that beer is one of Wisconsin’s greatest products. Naturally,
there is plenty of beer to try at the fair. Hit up The Micro for Wisconsin-made brews. And you’ll find limited edition barrel-aged taps from Goose Island, Third Space, Central Waters, Good City and Founders from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at the Goose Island Ale House (with the exception of the final Sunday, where hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
9. Count the cover bands
Music is a big part of the Wisconsin State Fair. The Beach Boys are playing, so are Brothers Osborne, Foreigner and
A goat peers from its pen as dairy cows, sheep, horses, pigs and other animals arrive at the State Fair in 2016.The fair gives the state’s agriculture industry — and its inhabitants — a chance to shine. Of course you have to see them. more. But if you are not catching one of the Main Stage acts, stop by one of the 30-plus free side stages. Many acts play original music, but if you’re a fan of ‘80s rock or country, you’ll find a group playing a tribute. And let’s not forget those Kids from Wisconsin.
10. Stop by the DNR exhibit
The popular exhibit is still going strong after being on hiatus a couple of years back. Here, you can check out fish and wildlife, including fish in tanks, and the famous Smokey Bear.