The Wisconsin State Fair never fails to bring excitement during the early days of August for so many people in the state. Both exhibitors and fairgoers have much to look forward to as folks gather in West Allis to celebrate this special part of the Wisconsin experience. This year, I returned to West Allis as the 78th Alice in Dairyland to promote educational opportunities, engage with individuals from all communities, and showcase Wisconsin agriculture at its finest.
While the Wisconsin State Fair is renowned for its top-notch fair food and entertainment, it is also the perfect place to interact with agriculture face-to-face. From the numerous animal exhibits to the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, there are abundant opportunities to talk with agriculturists and hear about their journeys in Wisconsin agriculture. At any fair, I encourage fairgoers to be curious as you walk through barns and buildings, ask questions, and learn first-hand what makes Wisconsin agriculture so unique! As a past exhibitor myself, I can assure you that interactions such as these make for the best memories.
Travelling to the Wisconsin State Fair each year as a youth to exhibit my dairy cattle is perhaps one of my most favorite memories in my own agricultural story. From the quiet of the early mornings on the wash rack to the thrill of the champion selection after a day in the show ring, I look back fondly on the hard work, responsibility, and fun that all youth exhibitors get to experience during the Junior Dairy Show. I can remember sharing many laughs with my fellow county exhibitors and reconnecting with friends from across the state, which makes the Wisconsin State Fair feel like a grand reunion. I was so fulfilled watching this year’s exhibitors as they make lasting memories in and out of the show ring!
A few of my favorite places to visit during the State Fair include Dairy Lane for a great chance to connect with fairgoers, the Wisconsin Products Pavilion for a tasty meal, the Five Nine Amphitheatre for exciting entertainment, the Giant Slide for a thrilling ride, and the WonderFair Wheel for the best view of the fairgrounds.
The Wisconsin Products Pavilion was buzzing this year with organizations and businesses that are a part of the Something Special from Wisconsin™ program. Each booth held stories of hardworking people in our state who are producing wholesome and genuine Wisconsin products, which you can find at many retailers, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets. It was a pleasure to walk through the pavilion, chat with each business or association, and even get a little treat every now and then. The Wisconsin Products Pavilion is a must-see and must-taste destination when you visit the Wisconsin State Fair!
Dairy Lane is another great stop on the fairgrounds that provides interactive learning — and fun — for the entire family! Through a winding pathway and tons of hands-on exhibits, you can learn about the journey milk takes from the farm to the store and get the big picture of America’s Dairyland. There are always a few cute, fluffy guests to welcome you that enjoy a good scratch from visitors. You can also chat with the Dairy Lane staff who take care of the cows each day, since they are “Moo Experts” on dairying and cow care.
These two destinations at the State Fair provide a well-rounded view of Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry. Dairying is certainly Wisconsin’s claim-to-fame, and there is also an abundance of crops, livestock, and other products that allow Wisconsin to stand apart from the rest of the world. Dairy Lane and the Wisconsin Products Pavilion serve as a great representation of what our larger food, fuel, and fiber production looks like in the state! From potato fields to fishing ponds, cranberry marshes to cherry orchards, and pig farms to cattle pastures, there really is something to love about Wisconsin food and agriculture everywhere you look!
I am so excited to keep learning more about Wisconsin’s dynamic $116.3 billion agriculture industry as the 78th Alice in Dairyland and interacting with communities that make our state so special. I hope to see many of you along the journey as well, and to share my experiences with you at www.aliceindairyland.com or on social media.
— Sarah Hagenow is the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at sarah.hagenow@wisconsin.gov.
