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Meet Bucky at the State Fair: learn a language or ‘jump around’

 

Even if you can’t tell a Holstein from a Guernsey, there’s something for you to at the Wisconsin State Fair. This year’s activities include competitions for crowing roosters, vibrant gladiolus, handmade quilts and unusual food concoctions.

For the first time, the fair offered a competition for vendors to invent unheard-of dishes–think bacon-on-a-stick. As a result, you may get to taste: Thanksgiving Waffles,  Iced Irish Coffee Floats, and Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Bacon Nuggets with Berry Jelly—some of the contest’s finalists.

But the best day at this year’s fair (we think) is Aug. 7—
UW-Madison’s Day at the Fair

A team from Continuing Studies, will, again, offer quick language lessons in Spanish, French, and German while fair participants will learn words in Chinese in a stamp art project. Last year, the Continuing Studies area was very popular, and its staff was asked to present a similar activity.

At the fair’s Central Park, fairgoers can experience UW research at hands-on exploration stations, test athletic skills and experience the “Wonders of Physics” at 3 p.m.

Visitors will get a chance to “jump around” at an authentic pep rally led by the UW-Madison Spirit Squad at
1:30 p.m., and the recently restored and environmentally friendly Bucky Wagon will lead the 3 p.m. parade with Bucky Badger and the UW Marching Band.

Sports fans can test their skills with Badger inflatable athletic activities and see trophies such as the 2011 Big Ten Championship and Paul Bunyan’s Axe, retained by Wisconsin as part of the eight-year victory streak in Wisconsin-Minnesota football games.

Fairgoers will receive $4 off adult admission until 4 p.m. if they make either a donation of new, unopened school supplies or a cash donation to the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Volunteers will be stationed at fair entrances to collect the school supplies/donations that will be contributed to Milwaukee children in need.

Short Wisconsin Citizen Test? Will you pass?

HOLSTEIN or GUERNSEY? Prove to us that you are a Wisconsin resident. Write your guess in the comments.

Guernsey or Holstein? Are you sure?         #

* Photo:  Creative Commons Photo by Catherine http://www.flickr.com/photos/45958245@N00/6088638364
# Photo by UW-Madison, University Communications
© Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System