Hey there! It’s Kelsey Henderson, the 2024 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs!

It is an honor to travel to each unique fair, interact with the wonderful people in the fair industry, hear more about others’ fair stories, and share my own passion for the fair industry. You can find a fair near you and learn more at www.wifairs.com.

I also serve as the official ambassador of the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by US Cellular, August 1 – 11 in West Allis! I am excited to take on another new role at the Wisconsin State Fair, serving as the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. I can’t wait for what the best 11 days of summer hold as I serve in this new capacity!

As the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, I serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Wisconsin fair industry! Wisconsin is home to 75 county, district and state fairs across the state that happen from June through September which have an economic impact of over $350 million annually.

I would love to see you all at the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair this summer! The Wisconsin State Fair will have you feeling good with fun for everyone to enjoy. Are you wondering how to make the most of your visit to the State Fair? Here’s a guide on how to unleash your senses at the Wisconsin State Fair!

A Roar and A Moo

You may hear your favorite song being played by a band on a free stage, a bunch of Fairgoers singing along that makes you want to sing along, or laughter coming from Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ show at the State Fair Main Stage.

Whatever sound you are looking for, the State Fair has you covered.

With dozens of free stages across the State Fair Park, you are bound to find an act or entertainer that is right up your alley. Make sure to check out the largest free stage, the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater, while visiting as there are acts all day long. If you’re looking for that extra experience, experience one of the eleven State Fair Main Stage acts presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel. From rock to country, make sure to check out the full live music schedule at the State Fair! And when you need a break from the roaring crowds and music, head on over to the peaceful barns to hear the cows moo and the pigs oink!

A Ferris Wheel View

Take a spin on the WonderFair Wheel, presented by Meijer to get the perfect view! At the north end of the State Fair, you’ll spot the dazzling lights and vibrant colors of SpinCity.

At the south end of the State Fair, you’ll spot a large building known as the Exposition Center. There are about 250 vendors inside the Exposition Center selling everything from cleaning supplies to clothes.

Just east of the Exposition Center, you’ll spot a big red and white tent filled with spectacular acts from Cirque at the Fair. Throughout the State Fair, you may see many stages filled with free daily shows, like the Family Variety Stage and We Energies Energy Park. And on the streets, you’ll find other vendors ready to serve you.

One thing is for sure, you’ll see a sea of smiling people enjoying everything the State Fair has to offer. Some may have big prizes in their hands, others will be carrying shopping bags after completing their shopping in one of the six shopping areas, and others may have their favorite food on-a-stick. If you’re looking to find your favorite food on-a-stick, visit here!

The Adrenaline Rush

Next up is getting a hands-on experience with agriculture that will give you an adrenaline rush! Over the 11 days of summer, you’ll find over 7,000 animals in the barns. While walking through, interact with the exhibitors who worked hard to bring you their prize-winning animals.

To learn more about Wisconsin’s $104.8 billion agricultural industry, head on over to the Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard or the “Neigh”borhood Corral. These activities located in Ag Village will have you petting animals, learning  and smiling from ear-to-ear.

To learn more about America’s Dairyland, check out Dairy Lane or the milking demonstrations at the Milking Parlor. Across the State Fair, you will find multiple hands-on experiences that will leave you feeling good and knowledgeable! In addition to these daily and free experiences, there are many special agricultural events throughout the Wisconsin State Fair that I encourage you to check out as part of the agricultural experience.

Aromas Galore

The smell of freshly roasted peanuts, sugary cotton candy or barbeque deliciousness will fill your nose when you arrive at the fair. As the amazing smells reel you in, make sure to check out the many food and beverage locations across the State Fair.

For a break from the heat, check out the Wisconsin Products Pavilion. As you step into the air-conditioned building located in Ag Village, you’ll be greeted by the smells of many Wisconsin businesses and treats to try.

Beyond the scrumptious smells of fair food, the State Fair is full of earthy smells, too! The fresh smells of flowers fill Grand Champion Hall. The smells of the great outdoors fill Exploratory Park. One of my favorite smells of the State Fair is that of the Coliseum dirt floor where many memories are made!

What’s the State Fair without food?

While visiting the Wisconsin State Fair, there are two must-dos: have fun and eat food!

Sweet, savory, chewy, refreshing, fluffy, gooey and more! New at the State Fair this year is the $11 Meal Deal. With over 30 meal offerings, you can find incredible meals at a reasonable price.

We are also celebrating an important birthday at the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair…it’s the Cream Puff’s 100th birthday!

To celebrate, there will be a limited amount of speciality flavored Cream Puffs each day of the State Fair, a special Cream Puff Lovin’ Celebration, presented by UW Credit Union on Saturday, August 10, and some free Cream Puffs up for grabs each morning!

Back this year is the annual Sporkies & Drinkies Competition! There are eight finalists that will be marked by giant 13-foot golden trophies outside of their vendor locations and the winner will be announced prior to the State Fair. And back for the second year is The Drinkies! With four amazing finalists, also be marked by shining trophies, these refreshing drinks are all non-alcoholic options for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to these innovative entries in The Sporkies and Drinkies, there are tons of new foods at the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair that you can check out here!

See you there!

I hope you all are ready to experience the Wisconsin State Fair like never before! Make sure to visit wistatefair.com/fair/home/ for more details and to start planning your visit today for the best 11 days of summer!