Wisconsin State Fair Celebrates a Fun and Agricultural History

by Atisse Robbins, age 13

The Wisconsin State Fair is an amusement park that dates back to 1851. It was first held in Janesville, Wisconsin, along the Rock River.

The State Agricultural Society sponsored the state fair to showcase the state's advances in agricultural machinery and products. The main focus of the first state fair was agriculture, and it would continue for a decade with games like arc plowing and rides. At that time, the cost of admission was only a dime. Additionally, at that time, the fair was the largest reported gathering in Wisconsin, with as many as 18,000 people in attendance.

To attract more people, additional entertainment was installed at the fair, including farm machinery, produce displays, competitions, and shows. Over time, the state fair started to become more famous. One year, during the first Holstein cattle judging, Milwaukee's mayor closed all stores and schools so people could visit the state fair. Another big attraction to the state fair was their cream puff. This cream puff was not any ordinary dessert – this one was 7.5 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 120 pounds.

In 1880, the shift changed from agriculture to machinery. The fair serves as a convention full of educational information. Over 100 machinery products were displayed from a variety of companies. In the 1890’s, the new state fair park was established after moving several times. The state fair has two different parts of the theme park, one is for everyone to enjoy while the other is for babies and toddlers which includes a splash pad. For entertainment, the state fair has lots of activities, including pig racing, concerts, and roller coasters. One of the attractions people look forward to when they go to the state fair is their humongous Ferris wheel.

While the fair has provided lots of fun and entertainment for communities, it has also experienced some setbacks. Throughout history, the state fair has been shut down multiple times, especially during periods of war. Camp Harvey was even renamed as the grounds were once used to train soldiers for the Spanish-American War.

The state fair has experienced challenging periods but has always found its way back to becoming a staple in Wisconsin, where families come together and create unforgettable memories. The Wisconsin State Fair is not simply an event but a cherished tradition that continues to bring joy to visitors each year. The state fair in 2024 will take place in West Allis, WI, from August 1st to August 11th.

[Source: Wisconsin Historical Society]