Wisconsin State Fair

The first Wisconsin State Fair was held in Janesville in October 1851, sponsored by the State Agricultural Society. From 1851 to 1885, the fair was held at different locations. Milwaukee was the site from 1886 to 1891, and in this last year a permanent site was purchased there. West Allis, in Milwaukee County, continues to be the fair's home. In 1897 the State Board of Agriculture (WIHV85-A1933) was created, taking over the operation of the fair from the Agricultural Society. In 1915, control of the fair was transferred to the newly created Dept. of Agriculture (WIHV85-A353), which in 1929 became the Dept. of Agriculture and Markets (WIHV85-A1934), and in 1939 the Dept. of Agriculture again. In 1961, management of the fair was placed under the control of the independent Exposition Dept. When state agencies were reorganized in 1967, the Wisconsin Exposition Dept. became the Wisconsin Exposition Center, within the Dept. of Local Affairs and Development (WIHV86-A1748). Under Chapter 125, Laws of 1971, State Fair Park was placed under the control of a 3-member board serving at the governor's discretion. The Board is attached to the Dept. of Agriculture for administrative purposes. In 1977, the State Fair and its controlling Board were transferred to the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WIHV86-A1751).

The State Fair Board promotes and controls the financial management of various events that take place at the State Fair Park. The Board also develops new facilities at the park to promote the continuing tradition of an annual State Fair.