At the Friday Sunrise meeting, Anna Zack, Executive Director of the WI State Fairs Park Foundation, provided a history and overview of the Foundation’s activities, highlighting changes and projects underway at the Fairgrounds.
The Foundation’s Mission is to preserve and enhance the WI State Fair and help it to grow for generations to come! Through the support of:
· Capital Improvements.
· Art, Agriculture, and Education programs.
· Park Beautification.
· Visitor Experience.
Did you know the very first State Fair was held in 1851 on the banks of the Rock River in Janesville, followed by being held at several different locations. In 1892 the Wisconsin State Fair moved to Steven’s farm in West Allis.
This year the Fair will be celebrating 172 years of providing fun and education to Wisconsinites and guests from other states.
In 1948 the Fair ran for 23 days with an attendance of 1,786,818. In 1979 the duration was reduced to the 11 day format of today, with this past year’s attendance topping at 1,003,450.
The Foundation is comprised of a cross section of community leaders with the priorities of:
· Keeping educational programs at the forefront.
· Enhancing agricultural programs and facilities.
· Improving the fair park environment to be welcoming for all.
· Expanding arts and culture programs.
Some of the recent foundation projects are:
· 97K Central Mall Reconstruction
· 100K Central Park Foundation Renovation
· 20K Ag Education and Youth Programs
· 100K Dairy Lane Exhibit Construction
· 250K Milwaukee Mile Improvements
If you are interested in supporting the Foundation there are several giving opportunities; by becoming a Foundation member, sponsor, event participant, volunteer, giving an in-kind contribution, serving on the Board of Directors, or donating to the adopt-a-bench program.
For more information about the Foundation and opportunities to become involved, visit www. wsfpfoundation.org or info@wsfpfoundation.org. This year’s Fair Aug. 3-13.
Come visit the Fair and see all the great changes and maybe a pig race or two!
