Foundation impact
The operating budget of Wisconsin State Fair Park is funded by revenue it generates from the annual Wisconsin State Fair and other events at the Fair Park. When there are projects and programs that are in need of funding, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation steps up to help!
Our Beginnings
In 1995, community leaders established the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) partner of the Wisconsin State Fair. The Foundation has been here ever since to provide donors with a pathway to contribute to our beloved Fair and play a role in improving aging buildings, supporting programming and creating personal legacies at the Fair Park.
Our Collective Impact
Over the past six years, the Foundation has funded more than $730,000 toward projects and programs of the State Fair thanks to the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors. Thanks to YOU and your critical support, we have provided funding in the following areas:
$97,000
Central Mall Reconstruction
$177,000
Park Beautification
$65,000
Ag Education And Youth Programs
$100,000
Dairy Lane Exhibit Construction
$250,000
Milwaukee Mile Improvements
2024 spotlightS:
Youth programs
Thanks to our donors, the Foundation and State Fair teams enlightened more than 1,000 elementary school children about the bounty of the state through an agricultural education program called Ag Discovery Day. Students from urban areas were immersed in agriculture exhibits including milking stations, wool and fiber production and many hands-on exhibits highlighting careers in agriculture and STEM-focused ag activities.
The Foundation also championed the transformative power of the arts with support for Kids from Wisconsin music performances. The Kids are a fan-favorite tradition of the State Fair performing daily at the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater.
Park beautification
In 2024, we continued with phase three of our long-term commitment to improve Central Mall and Central Park. Because of YOU, we were able to fund new seating areas in both Central Park and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater. This initiaitive builds on our previous project support including seating and shade in Central Mall and the 1851 Steel & Stone fountain in Central Park.
capital improvements
Our donors funded major track improvements to the historic Milwaukee Mile. The improvements were geared toward the safety of drivers and spectators which ultimately allowed IndyCar to return to Milwaukee.
DONORS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
With heartfelt gratitude, we THANK YOU for your commitment to the future of the Wisconsin State Fair. Whether your support comes in the form of a Friend of the Fair membership, event participation, a memorial, sponsorship or an in-kind contribution, you are making a difference and helping to preserve and enhance one of our state’s greatest treasures!
THANK YOU!