For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin State Fair saw over a million people pass through the gates during its 11-day run. Organizers say good weather and quality entertainment helped bring out the crowds each day. In the end, 1,003,450 fairgoers showed up to take in the festivities, which is about 162,000 people more than last year, but short of breaking the all-time record set in 2019.
"After 171 years, the Wisconsin State Fair remains a time-honored tradition for our community and state," said State Fair Park CEO Shari Black. "The noteworthy attendance is proof that fairs continue to be a mainstay in Wisconsin summers."
The 2022 fair also sold over 320,000 cream puffs, 100,000 ears of sweet corn, and thousands of glasses of lemonade.
Meanwhile, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction auctioned off 25 animals including market steers, barrows and lambs, raising nearly $322,000. A portion of the auction proceeds are awarded to the youth exhibiting the champion animals and the balance is used to produce the auction and support youth agriculture programs and scholarships. Many animals were donated to charities by buyers.
Entries from the meat products show were donated to the Governor's Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction, which raised more than $100,000 this year to support 4-H members in the state. And the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction also raised over $45,000 for youth scholarships and dairy promotions.
Next year's Wisconsin State Fair will take place August 3-13, 2023.
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle