I look forward to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair every year.   I'll admit, when I was in my late 20's, it took country music group Blackhawk to lure me back to the Fair, however, once I got there, I realized how much I loved the it, not only as a kid, but as an adult. Fast forward a few years and a 4 year old and I could not WAIT to get to the fair!  My son is just old enough to really start to enjoy it (and remember it!).  All week we had been talking about it, going over what we were going to see, and looking at the Fair's brochure to get ready.

As we drove around the corner by the Leinie Lodge, Teegan could see the ferris wheel and got VERY excited!  We got to the gate, paid and parked with ease in about 2 minutes.  With great anticipation (from both of us!) we headed through the gate.  Our first stop was for a corn dog-a great first course!  Next it was time to get our wristbands for rides.  Ride bands were $25 for unlimited rides-a great deal if you only have one child, but it really could get spendy with a few kids.  I was surprised by their parent policy-if you needed to ride on the ride with your child (mine is only 39 inches tall, so he pretty much had to be accompanied by someone taller on all rides), you needed a wristband as well......translation:  it was going to cost me and an additional $25 to ride all the kid's rides.  I wasn't too thrilled with this policy, so instead of 2 bands for $50, I opted for $30 in ride tickets for both of us to share.  We hit a few good ones, including the buzzy bee ride, the fun house and the ferris wheel, which was a huge hit.... Teegan was convinced he could see our house from up there!  Although we stuck to the little kid's rides, there were plenty of options for the big kids, including a tower drop, a haunted house and some crazy thing that spins about 200 miles per hour!  I was, however, disappointed to see that the Zipper seems to have been retired and was nowhere to be found.  All in all, old or young, the Midway had plenty of options for everyone.
Our next adventure was the animal barns.  Teegan loves farm animals, so he really enjoyed walking through the barns, seeing the cows, horses, pigs, sheep, bunnies and chickens.  We were thrilled to run into one of our neighbors, whose steer had just been crowned grand champion!  Teegan got to pet 'the best cow at the fair!'  Pretty good stuff. 

Sticking with the farm theme, we ventured over to the Tractor Central tractor display.  Getting a chance to sit on, climb on and stand next to all these HUGE machines we watch work the fields around our house was pretty cool. 

Next stop was the Chippewa County Fire/Police booth.  I always make a point to stop by and familiarize my kid with our emergency helpers.  He was introduced to a fireman (in uniform) who walked us over to the full size, real life display of the fireman in all his gear (which is scary!).  They talked about the uniform and what all the components were for.  After getting to know the fireman and their gear, he was awarded his Junior Fireman sticker and got a red balloon tied to his wrist.  In the 35 years I have been going to the fair, it is great to see some things never change! 

Our tummies told us it was time for food, round 2.  Teegan decided he wanted French fries, and I knew right where to head!  Just inside the main entrance of the fair is a log cabin that serves THE BEST hand cut fries buy the bucket.  We ordered a small (16oz for $4.75) and a bottle of water.  There were not any picnic tables around, so we found a nice piece of grass behind a booth to have our picnic.  We finished our snack break off with the wonderful, still warm, chocolate chip cookies sold by the Cookie Cottage.  Delish!

Stuffed with grease and re-hydrated, it was time to hit more rides.  On our way we ran into some friends, who have a 9-year-old son.  Teegan and Patrick immediately became best buddies and Patrick (who had a wristband) agreed to take Teegan on any ride he wanted.  The boys hit the Spinning Bears, the Buzzy Bees, the Big Slide and the kid’s roller coaster-a definite hit!  While the boys were living it up on the Midway, the Grandstand fired up and I was excited to be able to hear the concert perfectly!  Neal McCoy was putting on a great show and my kid was having the time of his life...what a great combination. 

We were all little disappointed that two of our favorite exhibits from last year were not back.... the butterfly exhibit and the fishing pond.  Teegan remembered them well from last year (even correctly pointing out where they were supposed to be) and was disappointed to not see them again. 

We finished the night with a slice of pizza and a bottle of water to share on the way to the car.  I buckled him in and got out of the parking lot in seconds.  My kid was asleep by the time I hit the main road...operation Northern Wisconsin State Far....SUCCESS!

As the sun began to set on our time at the Fair, I came to a few realizations:

1.  If you have an only child, go with another family or have them invite a friend so they can enjoy the rides (and you are not forced to ride the buzzy bees 12 times). 

2.  Fashion is out the window-go with comfort.  Sneakers, t-shirts and a ball cap are great.  Open toed shoes in the cattle barn can spell (or SMELL!) disaster for all involved!

3.  Go during the week so the crowd is not too large.

4.  Bring the stroller.  Even though he is 4 and does just fine walking on his own, after a great night at the fair he needed to be carried back to the car.

5.  Bring enough money.  The two of us spent around $75 for our short, 3-hour trip to the Fair.  If you want to save a little money, pack a picnic to eat in the car.  (Although then you'd miss out on all the GREAT fair food!).

6.  Cream Puff.  Nuff said.   

Although I found myself heading home at the time I used to arrive, I have to admit, the Fair is so much more fun as a mom!