80 new food items, miniature horses State Fair features this year

MILWAUKEE -- The gates to the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair open in just three days. The 161st State Fair kicks off Thursday, August 2nd for its 11-day run. This year, there are over 80 new food items, and over 50 rides. In addition, a curfew program will be in place for the duration of the fair, requiring those under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 5:00 p.m.

"It is just going to be an incredible run. We are so excited," Kathleen O'Leary with the State Fair said.

This year, "Spin City" is set to take over the Midway. The feature is a 200-foot "Stratosphere" swing. The State Fair will be the first time the ride has been in the United States!

"Whoever goes go up there -- they've got a lot of courage going up there!" Alan Fox said.

One of the over 80 new featured food items is the "Fat Elvis" -- a Reese's peanut butter cup deep fried with bacon around it, in banana batter on a stick.

Over 10,000 animals will be available for viewing at this year's fair.

"We are going to have miniature donkeys this year. They will be housed in our horse barn. There will be 40 of them," O'Leary said.

Officials say they expect to sell around 30,000 popular "Cream Puffs" during the fair's 11-day run.

On the Wisconsin State Fair's opening day on Thursday, August 2nd, discounted admission of $4 is available with the donation of two canned food items.

CLICK HERE for additional information on the Wisconsin State Fair via State Fair's website.

CLICK HERE to "Like" the Wisconsin State Fair on Facebook.

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