At a meeting of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors, held earlier today, the Fair Park Board addressed the future of the amusement ride area at Wisconsin State Fair as part of contractual procedures. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will be held August 2 â 12 in West Allis.
The board of directors voted unanimously to maintain the tradition of an amusement ride area for the Wisconsin State Fairs in the foreseeable future. Game and amusement rides have been a traditional component of county and state fairs for decades. âA significant number of families and Fairgoers make visiting the amusement ride area a large part of their trip to the Wisconsin State Fair each year,â stated Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling. âWe plan to offer this traditional form of entertainment and enjoyment as part of our Fair for years to come.â
In addition to voting to keep the amusement ride and game area, the board of directors also made the decision that the Fair Park would directly manage ride, games and food operations in the amusement ride area beginning in 2012.
A Fair managed amusement ride area will provide the Fair Park the ability to directly establish working relationships with several ride, game, attraction and concession owners, thereby creating an increased selection of rides and attractions to choose from and ultimately maximizing the consumer experience.
âWe have placed a much greater emphasis on the guest experience in recent years,â said Rick Frenette. âThe additional seating and new shaded areas at the 2011 Fair were one element of that. For 2012, Fairgoers will not only see the return of the amusement ride area, but will see all new rides and attractions continuing our efforts to continually improve the Fairgoer experience.â The Fair Park management will immediately begin work to secure rides, games and attractions unlike those Fairgoers have seen at the Fair in recent years. The goal is to provide the ultimate amusement ride area experience for Fairgoers of all ages.
The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place August 2 â 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
Officials at Wisconsin State Fair Park are excited to announce entertainment and activities slated for the 18th annual Harvest Fair, Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25 at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Admission is FREE, and hours of operation are Friday 5pm - 11pm, Saturday 9am - 11pm, and Sunday 9am - 5pm. Parking is available for $5 at Gates 1, 4, 6 and 8.
âHarvest Fair marks the beginning of the beautiful fall season in southeastern Wisconsin,â stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. âItâs a wonderful way for families to enjoy activities like pumpkin bowling, hay rides, cookie decorating and scarecrow making, along with great music and food.â
The weekend will feature FREE live entertainment on three stages, lots of activities for the entire family and plenty of shopping at the Farmers Market and Harvest Bazaar. There are also several NEW attractions this year, including Food and Wildlife Demonstrations, activities in the Natural Resources Park and amusement rides for both kids and adults. Many Harvest Fair activities and items for purchase will require the pre-purchase of tickets at one of several ticket booths. Tickets will cost $1 each.
The following activities and attractions will be located throughout Harvest Fair, which spans Central Mall and Central Park, as well as the north terrace of the Exposition Center: Hay Rides (2 tickets), Pumpkin Bowling (4 tickets), Fishing Fountain (1 ticket), Make Your Own Scarecrow (10 tickets), Pig Slide (1 ticket/3 slides), CP Rail Train Rides ($2 per ride - proceeds benefit Hunger Task Force), Petting Zoo (FREE), Pony and Camel Rides ($5 per ride), Farmers Market and Pumpkin Patch (prices vary), Harvest Bazaar in the Cousins Subs® Amphitheater & Bazaar (shopping â prices vary).
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 5pm Bluegrass All Stars 9pm STEVE AUGERI former lead singer of Journey.
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION -Â 7pm Sweet Tarts
SAZâS MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION -Â 6:30pm The Sociables
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 11am Childrenâs Contests presented by Just Between Friends Consignment Sale
Best Turkey Gobble, Cutest Jack-O-Lantern Face, Scariest Sound Effect and
Pumpkin Seed Spitting (Registration begins at 10:30am)
5pm Bluegrass All Stars 9pm GREAT WHITE.
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION -Â 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast 11am Ryan McIntyre 3pm Boo The Band -Â 7pm The Toys
SAZâS MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION -Â 1pm Saddlebrook 6:30pm Crossfire
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER
10am - Souper Sunday presented by MilwaukeeFood.com Local restaurantsâ signature fall soups will be available for sampling (tickets required).
Noon - Hoop Vibes
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION - Â 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast - 12:30pm JAMIT
New in 2011, a Wisconsin State Fair staple for many years, the beautiful Natural Resources Park on the south end of the Fair Park will be utilized for Harvest Fair on Saturday from 10am â 6pm and Sunday from 10am â 5pm. At the new Pioneer Days Interactive Displays visitors can get photos taken near a covered wagon, play pioneer games, make crafts like dolls out of yarn and even do pioneer chores like rolling biscuits and snapping beans! There will also be a Pioneer Schoolhouse lesson on what school was like pre-Civil War.
Keeping with the historical theme of the area, children can also comb wool using carding combs, look through a stereoscope (19th Century 3D!), try an old-fashioned egg beater, and attempt to figure out what the other artifacts are. All artifacts are part of the teaching collection at the Milwaukee County Historical Society / Trimborn Farms and may be handled by children of all ages.
Visitors can also stop by the Natural Resources Park to see the Model Backyard exhibit and chat with the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners who will be on-hand to answer all of their gardening questions. And both kids and adults can participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program® hands-on archery demonstrations.
Also new this year, the Family Activity Center located in the Original Cream Puff Pavilion will be buzzing with activity on Friday from 5pm - 9pm, Saturday from 9am - 9pm and Sunday from 9am - 5pm. Kids can get creative at Decorating Stations, including Caramel Apples (3 tickets/apple) and Giant Cookies presented by Golden Guernsey Dairy (4 tickets/cookie or 11 tickets for 3 cookies). They can also âLeaf Their Printâ on the new Harvest Fair Mural and have fun singing, listening, playing instruments and moving to music with staff from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music on Saturday from 2:30 - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
New demonstrations will teach the art of cooking and decorating food along with wildlife presentations from the
SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, Organic Gardening Club, Master Canners, UW-Extension and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Demonstrations will take place Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm.
All kids will want to pick up a FREE Harvest Fair Bingo Board at one of the Fair Information Centers and then travel through Harvest Fair collecting stamps! Across, Up & Down, Diagonal or 4-corners wins a prize! Boards can be redeemed for prizes in the Family Activity Center.
Other new attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum/Kohlâs Color Wheels exhibit, where kids will not only take part in fun projects, but also grow and learn through art just west of Central Park on Main Street. The Robo Fest and VexBot Demonstrations, which combine sports excitement with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams are challenged to fund, design a brand, exercise teamwork, build and program robots to perform tasks against their fellow competitors. The Robo Fest competition is Saturday from 9am until 6pm and continues with the VexBots on Sunday from 9am until 5pm.
From our smallest guests to veteran thrill seekers, all visitors will want to check out the new Rainbow Amusement Ride Area in front of the Exposition Center. Rainbowâs unmatched collection of Classic and Kiddie Rides will offer BIG fun for all ages. Rides will be three (3) tickets each.
A Harvest Fair favorite, the Giant Pumpkin Contest presented by Halloween Express will take place Saturday, September 24 from 11am to 3pm on the Exposition Center North Terrace, and the pumpkins will be on display through the close of Harvest Fair on Sunday, September 25.
Donât forget about the food and beverage! In the Budweiser Pavilion families can enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast from 9 â 11:30am Saturday and Sunday. Kids (3 & under) eat FREE, children (ages 4-12) are $3.50, and adults (13 & over) are $4.95. The Budweiser Pavilion Patio & Grill will be open throughout Harvest Fair.
Elegant Farmerâs famous pies and dessert breads will be for sale at Harvest Fair in the Family Activity Center and in a tent outside of the north end of the Family Activity Center. Pies will be sold outside until closing time.
Apple Pie Baked in a Bag®: 3 tickets/slice or 13 tickets/pie Pumpkin Pie: 3 tickets/slice or 13 tickets/pie Dessert Breads (pumpkin or apple): 5 tickets/loaf
In addition, Fairgoers can savor tasty âHarvest Fareâ from 3-B Concessions, Bennoâs, Catalanoâs Beer &
Pizza, Catfish Johnnyâs, Charcoal Grill, Cousins Subs®, Firehouse, Jaymeâs Chipstix, Joeyâs Seafood, Krautland, Lemon Chill, Madison SportService, MaMa Maryâs, Mary and Caliâs Sweet Shop, Milleâs Italian Sausage, Mr. Edâs Chuckwagon, Pitchâs/Miss Katieâs Diner, Popcorn Headz, S & J Popcorn, Sazâs High Life Pavilion and Ultimate Confections.
The Wineberry Bar & Lounge in the Cousins Subs® Amphitheater and Bazaar area is a great place to sip and savor wines from Wisconsin and the Midwest, and at The Micro adjacent to Bennoâs visitors can enjoy classic and seasonal microbrews.
There are several other exciting events taking place at the Fair Park at the same time as Harvest Fair. These include the World Beef Expo, Milwaukee County Fair, Just Between Friends Consignment Sale, Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation Walk, Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Convention, WI Beer Expo and Halloween Express. For more information on Harvest Fair and all events at Wisconsin State Fair Park, please visit WiStateFair.com.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is home to the Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair will take place August 2 - 12. For more details on Wisconsin State Fair or any of the events at the
Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials are pleased to announce that the 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, ended on a high note this evening at 10pm.
Hundreds of thousands of loyal Fairgoers came out to celebrate during the Fairâs annual 11-day run and take advantage of family-friendly pricing, diverse entertainment and fair traditions. Mother Nature was âfairlyâ kind this year, offering a few hot, humid days and a couple days of light rain, but mostly beautiful blue skies and light breezes, providing Fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy all that the Fair has to offer.
âIt was a tremendous Fair despite the tough start,â stated Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park Rick Frenette. âWe are appreciative of the collaboration and efforts of the State Patrol, West Allis Police Department, and Milwaukee Police Department to assure our Fairgoers that the Fair is a safe, fun experience for our guests. We look forward to continuing to work with them for the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair and beyond.â
âThe attendance this year shows, that more than ever our Fairgoers are passionate about the Wisconsin State Fair, and they showed amazing support for us this year,â stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. âWe are thrilled that each year they come out to enjoy the new things we have to offer and the traditions of the Fair â the agriculture, food, music, attractions, contests and activities.â
In addition to a four percent increase in attendance, initial revenue reports reflect a significant increase of 5.6%.
2011 ATTENDANCE 911,231
ADMISSION PROMOTIONS
AUGUST 4 HUNGER TASK FORCE DAY 45,133
149,500 pounds of food donated to Hunger Task Force
AUGUST 5 DISCOVERWISCONSIN.COM DAY 5,145
AUGUST 8 SPRECHER BREWING CO. $6 BEFORE 6PM 10,047
AUGUST 9 KOHLâS FAMILY VALUE DAY 27,559 Adults
13,073 Youth
AUGUST 11 U.S.CELLULAR $5 after 5pm 4,214
AUGUST 14 MILITARY & VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY
COURTESY OF BUDWEISER 2,162
FOOD STATISTICS
Wisconsin Bakers Association Original Cream Puffs 355,478
Artic Glacier Pounds of Ice 550,425
Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 52,143
The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place August 2 â 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
Fairgoers, participants and spectators always look forward to the annual Cream Puff Eating Contests on Golden Guernsey Dairy Day and today was no exception. The contests, held earlier today on the stage in Central Park did not disappoint! This yearâs judges included Master Baker Dave Schmidt of the Wisconsin Bakers Association and Rick Wisconsin State Fair Park Board members Rebecca Wickhem House, State Representative Keith Ripp, West Allis Mayor Dan Devine and Aldo Madrigrano. The Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, continues through Sunday, August 15 in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Competitors in the celebrity Cream Puff eating contest were served up an extra-large Cream Puff by Master Baker Dave Schmidt and members of Team Cream Puff. Contestants were allowed to touch the plate and lift it however, their hands were not allowed to touch the Cream Puff itself.
The Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Contest commenced shortly after 11:45am on the stage at Central Park. Participants included Van "The Man" McNeil from 99.1 The Mix and Milwaukee Wave Professional Soccer Team, Stan Atkinson from B93.3 FM, Alexis Nickelotti, Fairest of the Fair, Katie Wirkus, Alice in Dairyland, Danielle Dale, Wisconsin Honey Queen, Heather Wojciehowski from the Milwaukee Admirals, Trenni Kusnierek from AM620 WTMJ, Curtis McSchmurtis from 97.3 Radio Now (2010 Champion), Dave Murphy from Oldies 95.7, Kyle Lance #16 of the Milwaukee Wave, Ryan Miller of FM102/1, Tony Clark from FOX 6, Rigs from Radio Now 97.3, Renee Lorenz from OnMilwaukee.com, and Tony âRadarâ Hess from FM106.1.
Contestants taunted each other in good fun prior to the start of the competition and were all business once things got underway. Things wrapped up in just one minute and fifteen seconds with 2009 Champion Dave Murphy of WRIT Oldies 95.7 declared the winner. Murphy was awarded with a plaque and the traveling Cream Puff Trophy, a Cream Puff topped milk bottle that will be inscribed with his name.
The â5 and underâ age category featured a number of excited young Fairgoers! The winner was Jeremy Conley of Richfield, WI.
The 6 to 9-year-olds took the stage next and Mykala Anchondo of Milwaukee took the top spot.
The 10 to 12-year-old heat was won by Ryan Caflisch of Sauk City.
There were two heats for the 13 to 17-year-old age group. In one, Matthew Misiewicz of New Berlin walked away the winner and the other heat produced Tyler Foster of Milwaukee as the winner.
The reigning champion in the 18 to 29-year-old category, Dom Singleton from New Berlin, claimed victory yet again dominating the competition!
There were three rounds in the 30 to 59-year-old division, including heat winners Thomas Hernandez of Milwaukee, Paul Stelter of Greendale, and Dave Zabler of Franklin.
The 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14, 2011. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
Deep Fried Beer...like the Deep Fried Butter everyone is talking about it at this years Wisconsin State Fair.
You've tried to imagine the flavors in your mouth and what it might taste like...
You're wondering where you can find it and how much it costs.
I have you covered as we go to the Budweiser Pavilion and get some first reactions to the much talked about Deep Fried Beer at the 160th Wisconsin State Fair.
You've heard all about it and thought, "I wonder what THAT tastes like?" Deep Fried Butter...you'll find it on the menu at The Machine Shed near Gate 4, next to the We Energies Stage.
If you're trying to decide on weather you should try this or not, let me just say it's the Wisconsin State Fair! Go BIG or go home!
My first reaction to Deep Fried Butter was, "that's a LOT of butter", I later slipped into a butter coma for hours and craved even more when I came to. It's not for everyone but definitely worth a try.
In response to the incidents in the surrounding neighborhood community of Fair Park on Thursday evening, August 4, Wisconsin State Fair management will implement a new Youth Parental Guardian Admission Policy.
Immediately, the Youth Parental Guardian Admission Policy will go into effect. At 5pm today, Friday, August 5, 2011, the following policy will go into effect at all Fair admission gates.
1. All youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (age 21+) to be admitted to the Wisconsin State Fair after 5:00pm.
2. Anyone age 18 years or over may be asked to show a valid driverâs license or state identification card for proof of age in order to be admitted to the Wisconsin State Fair without a parent or guardian after 5:00pm.
3. Any young adult under 18 without a valid driverâs license or state identification card and not accompanied by a parent or guardian will not be admitted after 5:00pm.
4. Exceptions and challenges to this policy will be satisfied at the discretion of Fair Management.
âThe foremost concern of the management of Wisconsin State Fair is the safety of its Fairgoers, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors and employees,â stated Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Park, Rick Frenette. âThe behavior of certain groups of young people last night is not something we will tolerate. The Fair is family-oriented event and we are acting swiftly to protect the safety of those entering the Fairgrounds for the purposes of enjoying the Fair.â
Wisconsin State Fair is working with the State Patrol, City of West Allis and City of Milwaukee to have an increased police presence in the neighborhoods surrounding the Fair Park.
Incidents in the Midway area on the evening of Thursday, August 4, resulted in approximately 24 arrests. Seven Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Officers were injured, two of those hospitalized, responding to fights in the Midway. There were no reports of Fairgoers injured within the Fair Park.
Wisconsin State Fair will continue through Sunday, August 14 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Another year of the Celebrity Baked Potato Eating Contest and another loss...I give up! I thought for sure with defending champion, Brew City Bruiser, "Justice" and Today's TMJ 4's Brian Gotter, "out" of the competition, I was in for the win. I thought wrong!
The Celebrity Baked Potato came down to an "eat off" between Brew City Bruiser, Terror Lipinski and OnMilwaukee.com's Andy Tarnoff, with Andy taking the crown.
Other contestants included, Radar from FM106, Jack Strebel from FM1021, The Fairest Of The Fair Alexis Nickelotti, PR/Communication Manager of WSF Patrice Harris and 3 time Olympian and WI Potato Spokesperson, Suzy Favor Hamilton.
The video below features the  fair-goers Baked Potato Eating Contest.
The good people at The Machine Shed stopped by The MIx Studios this afternoon to drop off a sample of Deep Fried Butter good-ness, along w 2010's Krispy Kreme Cheese Burger (I had about a dozen that year...) and 2009's Chocolate Covered Bacon.
The Deep Fried Butter is...intresting and unique, probably not for everybody but definitely worth a try! Find them near Gate 4 and tell em' Van McNeil sent you! Happy State Fair y'all! :)
Wisconsin State Fair today announced seven exciting shows for the 160th celebration of the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U. S. Cellular. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage lineup will offer Fairgoers even more diversity this year, including old-school hip-hop, contemporary Christian, classic rock, comedy and more. The 2011 Fair will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.
NEW in 2011, all tickets purchased for shows at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage will INCLUDE FAIR ADMISSION. All of the following shows go on sale Friday, February 25 at 10 am online at WiStateFair.com. The box office will NOT be open, but tickets ordered online can be printed at home or mailed for a minimal fee. All seating is reserved.
Dig out the parachute pants and get ready to bust a move, because opening night of the Fair, Thursday, August 4, kicks off with 90s hip-hop superstars MC Hammer, Tone Loc and Young MC. The show will begin at 7:30 pm and tickets will be available for $35, $25 and $15.
On Friday, August 5, the Grammy Award winning Contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns will take the stage following opening artist Corrie Carlson at 8 pm. Tickets will be available for $35 and $25.
Nickelodeonâs hockey players turned pop sensations, Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan of Big Time Rush are sure to melt the hearts of many teenage girls on Saturday, August 6. The show begins at 7 pm with an opening act to be announced in the near future. Tickets will be available for $40, $30 and $20.
On Sunday, August 7 the HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2011 starring The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie, The Association, The Grass Roots, Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders and The Buckinghams will begin at 7pm. Tickets will be available for $35 and $25.
Get ready for some laughs...millions have watched him and his hilarious characters on Comedy Central and CMT, and now they are all heading to the Wisconsin State Fair! Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham takes the stage on Monday, August 8. Brian Haner, the âGuitar Guyâ will open the 7:30 pm show. Tickets will be available for $49, $39, and $29.
2011 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Oak Ridge Boysâ biggest hit, âElvira.â Fairgoers will have the chance to hear it live on Friday, August 12. Billy Dean will open the show at 8 pm. Tickets will be available for $30, $25, $20 and $10.
The amazing acrobatics and inspiring imagery of Cirque Sublime â ADAMO will mesmerize Fairgoers on Saturday, August 13. The show will feature the Acrobazia acrobats, as seen in Cirque du Soleilâs Mystère in Las Vegas. Milwaukeeâs own The Tempters will open the 8 pm show with an a cappella performance. Tickets will be available for $45 and $35.
Donât forget...NEW in 2011, all ticket prices above INCLUDE FAIR ADMISSION, and all of the above shows go on sale this Friday, February 25 at 10 am. At this time tickets can only be purchased online at WiStateFair.com. Tickets can be printed at home or mailed.
The 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14, 2011. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights.
Find out even more at...www.WiStateFair.com
The 45th Annual Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected from 36 young women and one young man currently representing their county, district and state fairs as Fairest. The Fairest of the Fairs was unveiled Wednesday evening during the 88th Annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention taking place this week in the Wisconsin Dells.
The Fairest of the Fairs will represent the 76 Wisconsin county, district, and state fairs in 2011. The newly crowned Fairest begins her one-year term immediately and will carry out her duties through the conclusion of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in January of 2012. Fairest's responsibilities include traveling to the county, district and state fairs throughout the state as the spokesperson for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, and she will as serve as the official hostess of the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, August 4 through August 14. Throughout her term, the Fairest of the Fairs will promote educational, agricultural, social, cultural and commercial opportunities offered at Wisconsinâs county, district and state fairs.Â
Alexis Nickelotti, 20, representing Vernon County Fair was crowned the 2011 Fairest of the Fairs. Alexis is the daughter of Steve and Gina Nickelotti of Genoa. As a junior at UW-Plateville, she is majoring in Business Marketing with a minor in Biology. Over the years, Alexis has actively exhibited in swine, corn, silage, ceramics and alfalfa at Vernon County Fair while also participating as a 4-H Food Stand waitress for more than a decade. At UW-Platteville, she has been a member of both the Cheer & Stunt Squad and the universityâs All Stars since 2008, the Pre-Medical Society since 2009 to the present, and is a member of the Relay for Life Planning Committee. Further, at UW-Platteville she has been recognized with the Housing Rising Star Award in 2009, Housing Master Communicator in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010, and is a three-time recipient of the Cheerleading Spirit Award among other accolades. Additionally, she is a Resident Assistant and is a resource for 31 residence hall students, while enforcing university policies, facilitating group interactions, providing programming and resolving conflicts.
Alexis was selected as Fairest of the Fairs from a field of 36 qualified young women and one qualified male, and replaces the 2010 Fairest of the Fairs, Natalie Salkowski of Ozaukee County. âEach year there is an impressive and talented field of contestants competing for Fairest of the Fairs, and the counties they represent should be very proud of these exceptional young people,â stated Joan Behr, the director of communications for Foremost Farms who served on the panel of judges. Behr continued, âI was so very impressed by the pool of candidates, their existing knowledge of the fair industry, their passion, and their willingness to enhance and increase their knowledge of both the fair and agriculture industries.â The Fairest of the Fairs was selected by a panel of three judges representing the agricultural, fair, and media industries. In addition to Joan Behr, the panel was comprised of former Wisconsin Association of Fairs president Harry Nienaber of Marshfield and WTMJ-TV Channel 4 Consumer Reporter Karen Stiles.
Amy L. Manske, 20, representing Waupaca County was announced as the first runner up. Amy is the daughter of Matthew and Kathleen Manske of New London. A junior at UW-Green Bay, Amy is majoring in communications.
Mary Pat E. Speerstra, 19, of Trempealeau County was named second runner up. Mary Pat is the daughter of Jack and Mary Speerstra of Whitehall. A sophomore at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Mary Pat is majoring in Dairy Science.
Kayln Krebs, 20, of Washington County was named third runner up. The daughter of Russell and Sheilah Krebs of Hartford, Kayln is currently a junior at St. Norbert College and is studying Natural Sciences.
Kristin Kohlmann, 19, representing Fond du Lac County Fair was selected fourth runner up. Kristin is the daughter of Wally and Leigh Kohlmann of Fond du Lac. A sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kristin is a certified nursing assistant and is studying Genetics.
Kasey Jean Kowaleski, 19, representing Rusk County, was bestowed with Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Kasey is the daughter of Ben and Kelly Kowaleski of Ladysmith. She is a sophomore at University of Wisconsin - Baron County.
âThe caliber of young women who participate each year is quite impressive, and this year is no exceptionâ stated Patrice Harris, director of public relations and communications of the Wisconsin State Fair. âEach year, our staff, Fairgoers and exhibitors are excited to meet Fairest and the management is proud to have her as the Official Hostess of the Wisconsin State Fair. We are very much looking forward to working with Alexis and aiding in her development on both a personal and professional level.â
Individuals interested in competing in the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs contest may contact their county, district or state fair board for more information or visit www.wifairs.com.
The 2011 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.
How To Help Tornado Victims
The tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, as well the twisters as Kansas and Texas, have killed dozens and left thousands homeless. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
Relief efforts are underway. Right now, the best way to help the victims is a donation to major relief organizations.
Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Click HERE to donate online. You can also text REDCROSS to 909999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters." For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website by clicking HERE.
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day. Click HERE to donate via their website. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.
You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check: Put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK. 73157.
Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
Feeding America - Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies. Click HERE for their website.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
How To Help Tornado Victims
The tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, as well the twisters as Kansas and Texas, have killed dozens and left thousands homeless. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
Relief efforts are underway. Right now, the best way to help the victims is a donation to major relief organizations.
Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Click HERE to donate online. You can also text REDCROSS to 909999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters." For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website by clicking HERE.
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day. Click HERE to donate via their website. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.
You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check: Put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK. 73157.
Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
Feeding America - Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies. Click HERE for their website.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Grow Your Own Pickles & Celebrate National Pickle Week
Celebrate National Pickle Week by growing a few of your own cucumbers for pickling.
All you need are a few seeds, a sunny location and a bit of garden space or a large container. Train these large vining plants up a fence, trellis or decorative obelisk to save space.
Consider planting National Pickling Cucumber Seeds developed by the National Pickle Packers Association and Michigan Agriculture Experiment station. These were bred for their versatility and perfect pickle shape. You'll be harvesting cucumbers in about 52 days after planting.
Or save some space with Bush pickle. This cucumber forms a 3 to 4 foot wide mound and produces an abundance of 4-inch fruit. It's a perfect size for containers. And save even more space and grow straighter fruit by training these smaller plants up a cage or trellis. Cucumbers are ready to pick in about 45 days.
A bit more information: Cucumbers are generally ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days after planting. This makes them a great option for mid and late season plantings. Just calculate the number of frost-free days left in the growing season to see how late you can plant. And further extend the season by using floating row covers like ReeMay, Harvest Guard, and Frost Covers to protect plants from frosty weather.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Celebrate Clean Air Month – Grow Some Air-Purifying Houseplants
Celebrate National Clean Air Month by growing a few houseplants to improve your indoor air quality.
NASA teamed up with PLANET (Professional Landcare Network, formerly ALCA) and found adding 15 to 18, 6 to 8 inch diameter container houseplants will improve the air quality in an 1800 square foot house. Keeping them healthy will increase their beauty and ability to cleanse the air.
Consider adding a bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii). Use this large houseplant to create a warm welcome for guests, dress up a blank wall or mix in with other houseplants for an impressive indoor garden.
This palm is an understory plant in Central America. It is hardy in zones 10 to 11 and adapted to the lower light conditions indoors. Grow it in a brightly lit location and keep the soil slightly moist.
Cut off fronds as they die, leaving the leafy stem covering intact. Once it is fully dried, remove to expose the attractive stems.
A bit more information: Start new plants by division. Remove suckers and offshoots that form at the base of the plant. Slide the bamboo palm out of its pot. Use a sharp knife or drywall saw to separate the offshoots from the main plant. Repot the parent plant and offshoots in a container slightly larger than the remaining root ball.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
We get your letters...
What an amazing weekend!
First of all, a very big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Grafton and Mukwonago and waited in line amid cold, windy and rainy conditions for those Wisconsin Dells Season Opener Cards.
For me, it is a chance to meet / hang out with YOU the listener and give you goodies!
Second, got this letter from our 99.1 The Mix Contact Us forum, from the Dawson family of Port Washington and was truly surprised that my "simple gesture" warranted the following...
Question: Your Name:
Answer: Michelle
Question: Your City:
Answer: Port Washington
Comments:
Yesterday I took my parents to Grafton to wait for season opener cards. It was quite a cold morning. We arrived at 10 because in the past there have been huge lines. My mother is recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. She is a very petite older woman.
Van McNeil was interacting with people people in line and I asked him if it would be possible for my mom to going to the bank to warm up. He unexpectedly took my mom's hand and escorted her into the building. He was so kind to her and gave her a hug. He made sure she was warm and dry and took very good care of her.
My mom and dad are thrilled to be going to the Dells. Unknown to Van my dad just got out of The hospital last Friday after 4 1/2 weeks of being in. It's been a very rough couple of months for my parents and their health. My mother was just beaming about how nice Van was.
I wanted to thank you for the season opener cards which will allow my parents and my family to enjoy a vacation in Wisconsin this summer, and send a special thank you to Van for being so wonderful to my parents.
You're welcome and THANK YOU Michelle!
Just doing what I do because that's how my mama raised me!
Enjoy the Dells!
-Van
#everylistenermatters
Perennial Garden Renovations
Give your tired perennial garden a boost without a total renovation. Topdressing your garden with compost every year or two provides most if not all the nutrients your perennials need.
Pull back the mulch if needed. Then spread an inch of compost over the soil surface. You can buy a quality compost or make your own.
Leave the compost on the surface or lightly mix it into the soil. The earthworms, ground beetles, and other organisms will take it from there – moving the compost into the soil and around the plant roots where it is needed.
Or, do a bit of vertical mulching. Use an auger bit on your cordless drill. Simply drill holes into the soil between plants. Then fill the holes with compost. This gets the compost closer to the plant roots and soil organisms that will help mix it into and improve the soil.
Soil preparation and repair will help transform your garden.
A bit more information: Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ spray to increase plant vigor and their natural ability to tolerate environmental stresses, insect attacks, and disease problems. These natural products aren't fertilizers or pesticides. They can be applied to established plants at the beginning of the season to boost their ability to deal with stress or as soon as problems arise.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Growing Banana Plants Indoors or Out
Add a bit of the tropics indoors or out with a banana plant.
The large leaves are great for screening views and creating a bit of privacy on a balcony, patio or in the yard. Add a wicker planter or chair and you have your own tropical get-away.
The fiber banana (Musa basjoo) is hardy in zones 5 to 11. It grows in full sun. It will die back to the ground and benefit from winter mulch in northern areas of its hardiness zone.
Less hardy and smaller, the blood banana (Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'), has large leaves with red markings on 6 to 8 foot plants. It's only hardy in zones 10 to 11, but can be overwintered as a houseplant or allowed to go dormant in other areas.
Combine these tropical beauties with palms, ginger and bird-of-paradise. Or add some hardy tropical look-alikes such as Japanese forest grass, large leaf hostas and trumpet vines.
A bit more information: Push the limits of your growing region with special wintering techniques developed by Dr. David Francko, author of Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths: Warm-Climate Plants for Cooler Areas. And for those in warmer regions check out Creating the Tropical Look.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Preserving the Asparagus Harvest
Preserve the flavor and nutrition of asparagus to enjoy year round.
This flavorful vegetable is low in calories and high in Vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Unfortunately, it is most readily available and at the best price in the spring.
Insure the best flavor with proper harvesting. Select young tender spears 8 to 10 inches tall. Wash, remove the ends, and then cut to fit the freezer bag or container.
Blanch the asparagus before freezing to lock in flavor, color and texture. Dip the asparagus into boiling water. You'll need a large pan with a lid. Blanch small spears for 2 minutes, medium spears for 3 minutes and large spears for 4 minutes.
Remove and immediately set the blanched spears in ice water for 5 minutes to cool. Drain and freeze.
And, if you don't have an asparagus patch, you may want to consider planting one this year.
A bit more information: May is National Asparagus Month. For tips on planting and harvesting asparagus listen to my audio tip. And check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation website for helpful tips and guidelines for preserving your harvest.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
Add a little color and flavor to your garden and salads with Mexican tarragon.
This subtle beauty is really a type of marigold, but the leaves and flowers have a tarragon fragrance and flavor.
Wait until after the danger of frost has passed to plant this zone 8 to 10 hardy plant. Grow it in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is somewhat drought tolerant. Northern gardeners can treat it like an annual and those in the northern range of its hardiness zone may see it die back to the ground in a hard freeze. But don't worry its root hardy.
The yellow flowers appear in late summer and persist through fall. The 14 to 20 inch tall plants make a nice addition to herb gardens and flowerbeds.
Harvest the new growth to use fresh. Preserve the flavor by freezing the leaves or storing in vinegar. They tend to lose their flavor when dried.
A bit more information: You can find this plant listed under several common names including Mexican tarragon, Texas tarragon, pericon, and sweet mace. No matter the common name you can use the leaves and blossoms in soups, sauces and chicken dishes as well as salads. Some gardeners even seep it for tea. Visit Bonnie Plants for more information and gardeners ideas for growing and using this plant in the garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Year of the Watermelon
Year of the Watermelon
The National Garden Bureau has declared 2013 the Year of the Watermelon. Be part of the celebration and consider planting watermelon in this year's garden.
Don't let the sweet flavor deceive you – these are nutritious as well as delicious. High in Vitamin C, low in fat and calories - it is a great way to boost your energy. Plus, all parts are edible.
You can pickle the rind, eat the fleshy portion fresh or roast or grind the seeds for flavoring. In china they stir fry watermelon while the Russians often pickle it before eating. You may want to try some new ways of enjoying this tasty summer treat.
Grow watermelon in full sun and well-drained soils. Save space by growing these plants on a trellis or decorative obelisk. Just secure the heavy fruit to the support with a cloth or macramé sling. Or plant a few seeds in a container and let the vines wander over your balcony or trellis.
A bit more information: Try planting one of the large picnic-type watermelons that can weigh 15 to 50 pounds. These are sure to get everyone in the family excited about growing and eating this, the largest edible fruit in the United States. Or perhaps you want to try one of the icebox melons that is much smaller at 5 to 15 pounds and easier to squeeze into the fridge. And don't forget about those with unique colored rinds and flesh and of course those that lack seeds.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Clematis Stem Wilt
Clematis Stem Wilt
Your clematis looks beautiful until suddenly the stems and leaves start turning black. Though it looks bad your clematis will survive.
The fungus that causes this disease enters your plant through wounds and cracks in the stem near ground level. Fortunately new growth arising below this point will be disease free.
Reduce future problems by pruning out and destroying infested stems. Disinfect tools between cuts to reduce the risk of spreading this disease.
As new growth emerges from the soil carefully secure it to the support to reduce the risk of cracking and damage. Eliminating the entryways for the fungus will reduce the risk of disease.
In the future consider planting the crown of the clematis below the soil surface. This allows the plant to produce new shoots below the point of infection.
Try growing small flowered clematis that tend to resist this disease. Alpina, macropetala and the viticella types are a few to consider.
A bit more information: For a disease to occur you must have the causal organism (fungus, bacteria, virus) present, disease-promoting weather and susceptible plants. Remove one of these factors and you eliminate the disease. Keep this in mind when managing clematis stem wilt and other plant diseases in your garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
I'm a fan, are you?
Who doesn't LOVE a good Roller Coaster? Am I right?! I've been so very lucky to been have rasied in the Midwest, a stones throw away from Six Flags Great America, where I practicaly spent my summers as kid with my best bud Edgar!
Mom and dad would drop us off at open and pick us up at close. 10a-10p. Don't think I could handle that now. Heck, I could barley make it on one run of Batman The Ride Backwards!
Yes, that's right, for a limited time this season, (BTW... I tried to find out when from officials, they wouldn't budge, so get there soon!) Batman The Ride will be running BACKWARDS!!
MOBILE USERS: Click here to WATCH Van rides Batman: The Ride Backwards!
www.SixFlags.com
My Lucky Brewers Socks
I've been wearing these sock to the last few games I have attended at Miller Park and the crew always wins when I have them on. Do you think my socks lucky?
Matt Nathanson AND Plain White T's coming to Festa!
YES! That headline is correct...Matt Nathanson AND the Plain White T's will be performing at Festa Italiana, Saturday night, July 20th and I have the honor of being your ON STAGE HOST!!
I'm super stoked and looking forward to hanging with Platinum-selling singer-song writer Matt Nathanson, and Grammy-nominated Chicago-bred Plain White T's again!
Check out the videos from both groups last visit to The Mix Studios:
WATCH Matt Nathanson Interview and Performance.
WATCH Plain White T's Interview and Performance.
Watch for and Prevent Borers on Trees and Shrubs
Extreme heat and cold, droughts and floods can leave our plants stressed and more susceptible to damaging borers.
These insects are the immature stage of moths and beetles that feed under the bark and inside the stems of plants. Their feeding weakens and in some cases kills the plant.
Many borers are opportunists, attacking already stressed trees. We can't control the weather but we can help reduce stress on our plants. Start by growing plants suited to the climate and growing conditions in your landscape.
Mulch the area under and around the base of trees and shrubs. Organic mulches like wood chips keep the roots cool and moist and reduce competition from grass and weeds.
Be sure to water new plantings thoroughly and as needed the first few years. And do the same for established trees and shrubs during extended drought. This will keep them healthy and help ward off borers.
A bit more information: Incorporate trees and shrubs into perennial planting beds. You will create an attractive garden and better environment for the plants. Plus, planting beds as well as mulching will reduce the need for hand trimming and will keep weed whips and mowers away from the trunks of the trees. And don't pile soil or mulch over the stems of shrubs and the trunks of trees. These practices create entryways for pests and encourage disease problems.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Lawn Revival
If sparse, bare spots or lots of weeds describe your lawn, it is time for a little lawn revival.
Start by evaluating the current state of your lawn. If more than 60% is bare or filled with weeds, it is time to start over. Look at this as an opportunity to properly prepare the soil, select a more drought tolerant lawn or convert it into a no mow or low maintenance lawn or planting bed.
Overseed thin sparse lawns. Core aerate first or use a slit seeder to insure good seed-to-soil contact. For small bare spots use a lawn patch kit or make your own. Mix a handful of quality grass seed into a bucket of topsoil. Remove any dead grass and roughen the soil surface. Then sprinkle the commercial or homemade lawn patch over the prepared bare spot.
Keep the soil moist until the grass seed begins to grow.
A bit more information: Larger areas will benefit from the addition of organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil before sowing the grass seed or laying sod. Keep the soil moist until the sod has rooted into the soil below and the grass seed begins to grow. Consider overseeding the lawn to help create a more uniform appearance in the lawn. For more information, click here.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
At a meeting of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors, held earlier today, the Fair Park Board addressed the future of the amusement ride area at Wisconsin State Fair as part of contractual procedures. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will be held August 2 â 12 in West Allis.
The good people at The Machine Shed stopped by The MIx Studios this afternoon to drop off a sample of Deep Fried Butter good-ness, along w 2010's Krispy Kreme Cheese Burger (I had about a dozen that year...) and 2009's Chocolate Covered Bacon.
The 45th Annual Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected from 36 young women and one young man currently representing their county, district and state fairs as Fairest. The Fairest of the Fairs was unveiled Wednesday evening during the 88th Annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention taking place this week in the Wisconsin Dells.
Amy L. Manske, 20, representing Waupaca County was announced as the first runner up. Amy is the daughter of Matthew and Kathleen Manske of New London. A junior at UW-Green Bay, Amy is majoring in communications.
Mary Pat E. Speerstra, 19, of Trempealeau County was named second runner up. Mary Pat is the daughter of Jack and Mary Speerstra of Whitehall. A sophomore at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Mary Pat is majoring in Dairy Science.
Kayln Krebs, 20, of Washington County was named third runner up. The daughter of Russell and Sheilah Krebs of Hartford, Kayln is currently a junior at St. Norbert College and is studying Natural Sciences.
Kristin Kohlmann, 19, representing Fond du Lac County Fair was selected fourth runner up. Kristin is the daughter of Wally and Leigh Kohlmann of Fond du Lac. A sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kristin is a certified nursing assistant and is studying Genetics.
Kasey Jean Kowaleski, 19, representing Rusk County, was bestowed with Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Kasey is the daughter of Ben and Kelly Kowaleski of Ladysmith. She is a sophomore at University of Wisconsin - Baron County.
