WI State Fair Attendance Topped 1 Million In 2022, Organizers Say

WEST ALLIS, WI — Attendance at Wisconsin State Fair this year clocked in at 1,003,450, organizers announced Tuesday, showing a 19 percent increase in patrons over last year.

During the fair's 11-day run in August this year patrons bought 320,000 cream puffs and 100,000 ears of corn in total, organizers said. The news of increased performance comes as the fair, like much of the country, continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.

“After 171 years, the Wisconsin State Fair remains a time-honored tradition for our community and state,” said Shari Black, chief executive officer and executive director of Wisconsin State Fair Park in a news release. “The noteworthy attendance of the Wisconsin State Fair is proof that fairs continue to be a mainstay in Wisconsin summers. With another phenomenal State Fair in the books, together as a staff, we look forward to 2023.”

During the fair, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction raised $321,950, the fair said. Portions of the funds will go to benefit youth agriculture programs and scholarships, fair organizers said.

The fair this year brought something for everyone, with over 10,000 entries for animals and competitive exhibits. Alongside the sights, there was plenty of food from the weird to the wonderful.

Some highlights of what was for sale include an apple coated in bugs, a gummy bear brat, and this year's Sporkies Competition winner, the Peño Pretzel Popper Brat. Gertrude's Pretzels ended up selling almost 13,000 of the popper brats, fair organizers said.