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State Fair Tradition Extends Back More Than 160 Years

Wisconsin State Fair

The annual Wisconsin State Fair begins in West Allis on Thursday.

The fair will draw thousands of visitors in its 11 days.

Wisconsin held its first state fair in 1851.

Spokeswoman Kathleen O’Leary says the fair was held in Janesville. Then, the event moved around the state for 40 years, before settling in West Allis.

Ann-Elise is WUWM's news director.