Waukesha County Fair closes early Saturday due to severe weather

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Severe storms across Wisconsin caused an early close at the Waukesha County Fair on Saturday night.

The fair began Wednesday for it's 180th year -- the longest running fair in the state. Saturday's fair day was supposed to be open until midnight, but officials made the decision just before 6 p.m. to close the fairgrounds at 7 p.m. due to expected severe weather. The closure also meant the cancellation of the Seether concert on the main stage, set to start at 8 p.m. Dark skies quickly encapsulated Waukesha by 7 p.m. -- a telling sign the staff made the right choice to close for the night.

"We work diligently with the National Weather Service and our sheriff's department with our security and safety to hold off to really make the right decision at the right time, and that's where we are here," said executive director, Chrissy Gluege. "Our first and foremost is the safety and security of everyone."

The fair will resume at 10 a.m. Sunday for its last day of the year.