'It’s a little hard to breathe": Wisconsin fairgoers impacted from poor air quality

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- People across our area are feeling the impact of Thursday’s poor air quality from the Canadian Wildfires.

“When I was coming out, I was like there is smoke in the air and I was like what Canada again?” said Kay Long, who attended the Wisconsin State Fair.

Canadian wildfire smoke created a smokey sky and light haze through the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds on opening day Thursday, July 31.

“My eyes have been tearing all day, I mean I have to get a napkin and clear it up,” said Jane Garza, who attended the Wisconsin State Fair.

While trying to enjoy the best the fair has to offer, from good eats, to rides and everything in-between - those in attendance say the poor air quality is hampering their fun.

“The air quality is very poor,” said Mike Nell. “It has affected my breathing, it’s affected my throat and I’m healthy and both my eyes are weeping from the smoke, it’s not good.”

People with respiratory issues are taking the hardest hit.

“I have asthma and I have allergies, so it’s definitely kind of hard on my nose and stuff and it’s kind of hard for me to breathe,” said Long. “I was out a little earlier and I feel like it was way worse earlier than it is now, it’s kind of getting clear, but it still is very hard for me to breathe.”

Long says she had to double up on her medicine and keep her inhaler on hand in order to keep up with the festivities.

“It’s a little hard to breathe today,” said Long.