Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin State Fair to Open Its Gates Today

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Wisconsin State Fair to Open Its Gates Today
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/31/2014

The opening ceremonies for the 2014 Wisconsin State Fair will be held this morning at the Bank Mutual Amphitheater of the state fairgrounds near Milwaukee. Governor Scott Walker, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling and Fair Park Chief Executive Officer Rick Frenette will all be on hand to welcome visitors. A performance by the Kids From Wisconsin will also help kick-off the morning's festivities.

Organizers say the 163rd annual event promises to be a treat for the entire family. This year's attractions include the Livestock Auction, the Blue Ribbon Cheese & Butter Auction, induction of farms into the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farm program, and learn more about agriculture at the House of Moo and the Discovery Barnyard.

Grandstand performances this year include names like Phil Vassar, China Anne McClain, Aretha Franklin, Peter Frampton, Summerland, Lady Antebellum, and Alabama.

There will also be nearly 100 food-on-a-stick items, including some old favorites like the cream puffs and chocolate covered bacon.

Meanwhile, Thursday is Hunger Task Force Day at the fair, which means any attendee who brings at least two non-perishable foot items or a cash donation will get into the grounds for only $2.00.

In the coliseum, the world's largest junior dairy show will begin today with the Holstein show, followed by the Clydesdale Draft Horses-Hitch Classes later in the evening.

The fair runs through August 10, where nearly a million people are expected to pass through the gates during the 11-day run.

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