The 175th Wisconsin State Fair kicked off yesterday at State Fair Park in West Allis. The 11-day state fair has been held at State Fair Park since 1892 and welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year. As we celebrate summer in Wisconsin, I hope you are able to grab a Cream Puff, take a ride on the Giant Slide, stroll through the animal barns, or catch a concert at the Main Stage.

For many, the State Fair is the culmination of months, or years, of hard work. Adults and students alike are excited to show their animals, craftsmanship, or baking skills to Wisconsinites. My favorite part of visiting the fair is walking through the animal barns and talking with the exhibitors, many of whom are from the 17th Senate District. I enjoy learning more about their backgrounds and hearing about all of the hard work they have put in in order to show their animal at the fair.

Each year, 1,100 dairy cattle and 500 beef cattle are shown at the State Fair and the Junior Cattle Show is the largest of its kind in the United States. In addition to cattle, 1,000 swine, 800 birds, and hundreds of horses, sheep, goats, and rabbits will be shown too. Congratulations to everyone who is showing an animal at the Wisconsin State Fair this year!

Since 2023, I have been a member of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors. The Board consists of 13 members, including four legislators. I also serve on the Audit and Finance Committee, where I am able to use my background and skills as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to enhance the Board's work.

While planning and preparing for the Wisconsin State Fair is a year-round effort, we also work to ensure State Fair Park hosts world-class events throughout the year. A few weeks after the conclusion of the state fair, State Fair Park will host another INDYCAR event at the Milwaukee Mile, followed by the Harvest Fair in October, and hundreds of other events and meetings until the next fair.

I hope you are able to visit the Wisconsin State Fair this year. The fair has something for everyone of all ages. Visit https://wistatefair.com/fair/home/ to plan your visit.