Wisconsin hosts a fair to remember
That time of year is here again - sheep shearing contests, pig races and cattle auctions - wait, you say that's not your thing? Let's try this again -
Ah summer, that joyous time of year - beer gardens, BBQ, meat on a stick, live music and Pro BMX bikes (and pig races, come on, they're so cool) - now does that tickle your fancy?
Regardless if you prefer the former, latter, or something in between, the Wisconsin State Fair is where you should be heading from July 31 to Aug. 10.
The fair is the premier event of the summer and features a bit of something for everyone, offering 11 action-packed days filled with food, beer, shopping, national and local headlining entertainment, and - of course - agriculture.
The main attraction at the state fair - food!
Throughout the park cuisine from around the globe (Asian, Italian, Cuban, German and Mexican) as well as American favorites and standards will be featured: corn-on-the-cob, BBQ, scrumptious steak sandwiches, pork chop on a stick, oozing grilled Wisconsin cheese sandwiches, buffalo burritos, and, of course, fried cheese curds.
Let's not forget the always-loved Wisconsin beer bratwurst, slathered with mustard and topped with sauerkraut. However you like to dress it, you just can't refuse.
Then there is the star of the fair - Original Cream Puffs. Created by the Wisconsin Baker's Association - light, airy, and sinfully delicious - these babies melt in your mouth, literally.
Beverages come in all forms too: colas, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh fruit smoothies, domestic, import or micro brews, a broad selection of Wisconsin wine, Bacardi rum runners and frosty margaritas - there's always something to sip while munching on your snacks.
How better to take a break from all that early afternoon noshing than a trip to the beer pavilion? So prop your feet up, sip on an ice cold one, and enjoy the music.
For those of you with more refined palates don't pass up the flavored milk. It might sound a bit intimidating, but there is nothing like cherry vanilla or root beer flavored milk. I promise.
Entertainment is the also a key player here. You'll be able to enjoy the sounds of national headlining acts like: REO Speedwagon, Queensryche, Boyz II Men, .38 Special and the Charlie Daniels Band. If you happen to have kids in tow, don't fret, because the fair has your back covered with: Golden Dragon Acrobats, a petting zoo, a dog fair, the giant slide, tons of furry animals and the milking parlor. After all, this is a fair.
Or, if you are looking for a little bit of action, don't miss the "MMA in the Cage" gladiator fighting and the daily presentation by Pro BMX "Bikes, Boards & Blades."
Although you might expect to see a bit of shopping for arts, crafts, and local made eats at a state fair - you've never seen anything like this. Six separate dedicated shopping spots spread out over the park offering up edibles and take home tangibles that will stretch your imagination. The Wisconsin Exposition Center houses over 400 vendors .
Even though the economy might be a little tight, spending a few greenbacks at the fair isn't such a bad idea. Prices aren't set in stone so there's room for a bit of haggling, there are always special discounts, and you get the same warranty and guarantees.
Now this is a state fair, and what do state fairs have? Agriculture! You can't pass up the opportunity to check out the animals. Throughout the entire 11 days, more than 10,000 animals are exhibited including: cattle, sheep, llamas, horses, goats, swine, alpacas, poultry and rabbits.
But don't just walk by the animals, stop and enjoy the interactive opportunities. Learn a little something through daily milking demonstrations, 15 hands-on stations exploring biotechnology or just sitting down to milk a goat. Plus, you can watch the pig races.
So, stroll the streets of the 200-acre park nibbling and noshing the sinfully delicious to reveal that which can only be found at the fair! It only happens once a year, so indulge!
Wisconsin State Fair
640 South 84th St. in West Allis, Wis.
July 31 to Aug. 10
Admission: $8 adult (12+); $6 senior (60+) and handicapped persons; $3 youth (7 to 11), free children (6-).
Parking: $10 per vehicle/motorcycle
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 10