The historic Wisconsin state fair is about to launch with never before seen rides, games, and, of course, the craziest food concoctions imaginable.
The State Fair will be held July 31-Aug. 10 at State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St., West Allis.
Here are some of the highlights and specials. For complete details, visit wistatefair.com
New attractions for 2014
• Hog Alley. This area features new food and beverage vendors, plus shaded seating.
• Kohl’s Activity Zone. Children can participate in interactive activites organized by Kohl’s, Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee County Zoo, Penfield Children’s Center and Childen’s Hospital of Wisconsin. The zone is located on South Grandstand Avenue and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Aussie Kingdom. This show will spotlight kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra birds and other species native to Australia. Shows are at 12:30, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. daily on South Grandstand Avenue.
• 4-H centennial celebration. Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development and University of Wisconsin-Extension will gather to celebrate 100 years during Wisconsin 4-H Day on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in Central Park. Families can learn about the organization, participate in hands-on activities or listen to stories from members.
• K-9 Sports Arena. This area will include dog agility trials, dog dancing, Dock Dogs contests, police dog demonstrations and catching competitions. Activities will be held all day in the Big Backyard.
Entertainment lineup – Click Here For Event Tickets
Main Stage
• Phil Vassar, Thursday, July 31. Maggie Rose will open at 7:30 p.m. $20 and $25.
• RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. $20 and $25.
• McCLAIN and Trevor Jackson, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. $20.
• Happy Together Tour, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. Show includes The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; Gary U.S. Bonds; Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels; and Gary Lewis & The Playboys. $25, $35.
• MercyMe, Monday, Aug. 4. Hillsong Young & Free will open at 7:30 p.m. $25, $35.
• Aretha Franklin, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. $29, $39.
• Peter Frampton, Wednesday, Aug. 6. Survivor will open at 7:30 p.m. $25, $35.
• Summerland Tour, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7. Featuring Everclear, Soul Asylum, Eve 6 and Spacehog. $25.
• 311, 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. $25, $35.
• Lady Antebellum, Saturday, Aug. 9. Kristian Bush of Sugarland will open at 8 p.m. $49, $59.
• Alabama, 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. $29, $39.
Amphitheater
Shows on this stage are free with Fair admission.
• Home Free, 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31.
• Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2
• Kids from Wisconsin, 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
• Kelsey K, 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.
• Red Hot Chilli Pipers, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, and Wednesday, Aug. 6.
• Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8.
• Vanilla Ice, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9.
• Mr. & Ms. State Fair Physique Championships, 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10.
Fair hours
8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
8 a.m. to mindight Friday through Saturday.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 (final day).
Parking:
$10 per vehicle including vans and motorcycles. Disabled parking is available, also for $10.
A limited amount of preferred parking spaces are available for $20. Passes must be purchased on the Fair’s website.
Admission:
$10 for ages 12 to 59, $7 for ages 60 and older, and veterans and active military with ID, $6 for children ages 6 to 11 and free for children 5 and younger.
Discount days:
• Those who bring two non-perishable foods to donate or give money to the Hunger Task Force will receive $2 admission to the Fair on opening day, July 31. Admission must be purchased by 4 p.m.
• Visitors from out-of-state will receive two adult tickets for $12 (with ID) on Friday, Aug. 1.
• Adults will receive $5 admission and children will receive free admission from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.
• Veterans, military personnel and their families will receive free admission to the Fair until 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. An ID is required.
Wisconsin State Fair facts:
• 2013 attendance: 1,012,552
• Single day attendance record: Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, with 127,883
• Average Fairgoer age: 38
• Average length of stay: Six to seven hours
• Percentage of Fairgoers from Wisconsin: 84
• Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction: More than $239,000
• Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction: More than $80,000
• Blue Ribbon Cheese and Butter Auction: More than $30,000
• Number of exhibitors: More than 3,200
• Cream puff sales: More than 387,000
• Pounds of ice sold: 467,000
• Lemonades sold: More than 44,000
• Grilled cheese sandwiches sold: More than 62,000
• Baked potatoes sold: More than 57,000
• Beer doughnuts sold: More than 18,000
• Ice cream sundaes sold: More than 35,000
• Fresh whipping cream in cream puffs: More than 14,000 gallons
• Grade A large eggs in cream puffs: More than 200,000
• Wisconsin Grade AA unsalted butter in cream puffs: More than 350 pounds
• Rides down Giant Slide: More than 120,000
• Sky Glider trips: More than 110,000
• Power Trampoline jumps: More than 16,000
• Ejection Seat catapults: More than 1,400