Wisconsin State Fair kicks off with minor changes
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin State Fair returned Thursday, Aug. 5, after skipping last year due to COVID-19.
There are some changes this year with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind.
One of these changes includes combining the new with the old. You can now get a famous State Fair cream puff for getting a COVID-19 vaccine while at the fair.
While there are some other changes, for the most part, the fair is returning the way it left.
"The State Fair is open," said Will Rogers, a Wisconsin State Fair attendee. "Yes! Everybody's gotta come."
Masks are not required at the State Fair but some are sporting them anyway.
"I'm a person that is not 100 percent healthy," said Amari Johnson, a Wisconsin State Fair worker. "So of course I'm going to make sure I'm extra cautious."
Others stated that they feel they are safe because they are vaccinated and most are ready to finally return to family traditions.
"We come here every year with our family," said Mariah Rubenzer, a Wisconsin State Fair attendee. "We come here open to close."
"I've been coming to the fair since I was smaller than my daughter with my mom," said Alicia Pavlopoulos, a Wisconsin State Fair visitor. "And every year I've come with my daughter and my mom now."
The State Fair says they have made a few key changes with COVID-19 precautions in mind.
"You'll see hundreds of additional hand sanitizing stations throughout our expansive 200-acre fair park," said Tess Kerksen, the public relations manager of the Wisconsin State Fair. "Additionally, we've gone cashless in our parking admission entrances, so that's going to be a little different, and it helps us stay more contactless."
There are also no eating contests this year, but for the most part, people can enjoy their favorite aspects of the fair.
"I love all the different foods," said Lilly Christensen, a Wisconsin State Fair attendee. "And you can do so many different things, and it's a great way to get out of the house during COVID."
The State Fair told CBS 58 that if you buy tickets online, you can save time getting in, which will also help you avoid crowds.