Wisconsin State Fair Day 3: Saturday August 4th

Miller Lite Main Stage Review:

I didn't understand a word of it, but those who braved out the bad weather sure did have a good time Saturday night at the Miller Lite Main Stage. This was an all Spanish show. The opener, who didn't feel like going on the stage until 8:40, played Ranchera music similar to the late Latin star Selena. I will have to say this about her show, it was definately pleasing to the eyes. She is a former beauty queen who happens to have a great voice as well. She had three dancers who went through atleast three costume changes. She changed a few times as well. She could dance seductively, sing about as well as anyone I have heard at the fair in awhile, and had the crowd singing along for a good part of the show. I would say she had better crowd reaction than the headliner. Backstage was like nothing I had ever seen at the fair. There were reporters from multiple radio and television stations. When Ana Barbara got out of her limo and immediately had three umbrellas above her head and ten to fifteen people surrounding her as she walked to her dressing room. Usually the talant has a good amount of privacy until they decide to do something like a meet and greet. Maybe its a cultural difference, but the way it looked to me, Ana Barbara was treated like she was the Queen of England. Reporters going crazy, large groups of people following her around. Even in her dressing room it seemed like a lot of people where in there doing interviews. After her show was done she was surrounded again. It took her ten minutes to make it from the back steps of the stage to the end of the pit wall (which is at best 20 feet). She took pictures with anyone and everyone who simple jumped up next to her. I overhead the stage manager tell Ana's manager that he thought she was a great talent and he would like her to headline the fair next year, with with reasonable ticket prices. For some reason, tonights tickets were $50, 30 and 20 instead of $30, 20 and 10.

The headliner, who once again did not start his show til after 10pm, could be described an Mexican opera polka. He had a great voice and the ability to drink down about 10 warm bottles of beer. I think his show ended because he either had to go to the bathroom or throw up. However, I have to admit he put on an entertaining show for the crowd. He interacted with them well and even did a few bits with people going up on the stage and singing to them.

Today I was able to go out and enjoy the fair myself. It took me a good hour and a half to make it through the Expo center. They have everything you could possible want and not need. And guess what? I FOUND MY BEEF JERKY SPORTS STICKS!!!! They have not had them for a few years. That stuff is like cocaine to me. I have had withdrawal symptoms for years and finally I got my fix. I was able to walk around the big backyard and get a big, juicy turkey leg for only $4 with coupon. Also on the menu were Cheddar nuggets and Herb Kohl milk. I was out there for three hours and wasn't even close to seeing everything. I did make it to the sheep barn (my favorite) and the "Discovery Barn" (formally called the birthing barn). If you have never seen this, especially if you have kids, it is a must. They have little baby pigs, cows, goats, chickens, ect.

PREVIEW FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 5TH

Miller Lite Mainstage:

George Jones Country Gold Tour with Leroy Van Dyke and T.G. Sheppard 7:30pm

The Tempters 630pm

Midnight Star 930pm

Free public skating from 10am to 10pm

speed skating competition 10am to 10pm

cream puff curling 10am to 6pm

racing pigs 11am to 8pm

Lumberjills 1230pm to 730pm

BMX stunt show 1130am to 630pm

Chasin Mason 6pm to 10pm

Pat McCurdy 6pm to 830pm

76 Juliet 8pm to 11pm

Bad Medicine 8pm to 11pm