Wisconsin State Fair opens Thursday for 2013 run

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- They're just about ready to light it up and let 'er rip at the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair. Final preparations are underway as fair organizers get set to open the gates on the 2013 fair on Thursday, August 1st.

Event Services Director Adam Heffron is monitoring the midway -- where folks will find the new Air Raid and the Sky Flyer, which replaces 2012's Stratosphere. Heffron says he's monitoring the Spin City set-up, which involves cleaning, stocking and tweaking some 50 rides and 35 games.

"We’ve got an incredible amount of competition down here with ride owners and game owners. They wanna out do the other ride or game owner, and look a little bit better, and have a little bit better operation," said Heffron.

The Future Farmers of America aim to do the same with their beloved livestock.

Libby Hauser says while she's familiar with the fair, her winter yearling, Fly Dollar, has never been show anywhere before. So Libby hopes the cow digs the new atmosphere.

"I’m trimming her up. Finishing clipping her, clipping her legs, her head. So she’s all ready to go," said Hauser.

The 2013 Wisconsin State Fair runs from August 1st through August 11th in West Allis.

Highlights for the first day of the Fair include:

OPENING CEREMONIES

WELLS FARGO $2 DAY benefiting Hunger Task Force

AGRICULTURE

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

CONTESTS AND OTHER FUN STUFF