MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System welcomes families, students and future alumni to attend a day of campus exhibits and special events at the Wisconsin State Fair.

“UW Day at the State Fair” will take place on the Central Mall of the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1.

Highlights at this year’s “UW Day at the State Fair” include an expanded college fair, where prospective students and their families can learn more about making the UW System a part of their future.

In addition, visitors can experience the UW through science and health exhibits, which demonstrate how the system’s 13 four-year universities, 13 freshman-sophomore campuses and UW-Extension make a difference every day in Wisconsin communities.

“We look forward to this opportunity to engage thousands of Wisconsin fairgoers through exhibits on important UW research and community programs,” said UW System President Katharine C. Lyall. “This event will build on the success of last year’s ‘UW Day at the State Fair’ by sharing more about our great university system with our friends and visitors.”

Representatives from the UW System’s Higher Education Location Program, known as HELP, and university staff will be available to talk with visitors about admissions, campuses, careers, courses and financial aid. Student ambassadors will also be on hand to talk with guests about UW campuses and student life, and visitors can meet President Lyall, members of the Board of Regents and campus chancellors.

“UW Day” allows students and staff from across the UW System to join the campuses that take part in agricultural and scientific exhibits at the fair each year. Back by popular demand, this year’s event will be filled with hands-on exhibits, child-friendly learning stations and interactive displays.

Here’s a glance at the day’s events:

Meet the Mascots: Visit Central Mall to shake hands—or paws—with UW System mascots, including UW-Madison’s Bucky Badger, UW-Whitewater’s Willie the Warhawk, UW-Milwaukee’s Victor E. Panther and UW-Parkside’s Ranger Bear. Don’t forget a camera!

For Kids: Enjoy some good, clean fun at interactive science exhibits, take your photo as a “Future UW Grad,” and bring home a collectible activity book.

College Fair: Discover more about attending a UW System campus. Staff from UW campuses and UW HELP can answer questions about admissions, courses and programs, careers, transfers and financial aid.

Science: Learn about exotic aquatic species from experts at the UW Sea Grant Institute, dig deeper into the “Code of Life” through interactive displays about DNA, meet some crawly creatures through an entomology road show, and learn a thing or two about robotics from a UW-Platteville team.

Wisconsin Public Radio: Stop by in the morning to hear live radio broadcasts with hosts Larry Meiller and Patricia McConnell.

Alumni: Support your alma mater or a close-to-home campus at the UW Store. Take home a cap, T-shirt or sweatshirt with a favorite UW logo.

UW Day at the State Fair will be conveniently located on the Central Mall near the Cream Puff Pavilion and the Budweiser stage.

Media Contact

Erik Christianson UW System 608-262-5061