MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin State Fair will return for its 170th year, organizers announced Wednesday.

The fair will take place in accordance with COVID-19 health guidelines from Aug. 5 through Aug. 15. Increased sanitization protocols are already in place throughout the 200-acre park.

“In January, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board approved a goal to have a fair this August and we are pleased to confirm we are well on our way to meeting that goal,” said Wisconsin State Fair Park Chairman of the Board John Yingling.

Tickets purchased for last year’s canceled fair will be honored this year. Main stage tickets are already on sale and general admission tickets are expected to go on sale soon.

Event organizers said final health and safety protocols will be determined as the date of the fair draws closer.

“We are happy to confirm there are WonderFair days ahead and are excited to safely gather to celebrate everything we are so proud of in Wisconsin,” said Kathleen O’Leary Wisconsin State Fair Park CEO. “We look forward to making many exciting announcements in the weeks to come!”

The pandemic wiped out the event for the first time in 75 years, organizers said.

The State Fair had the highest attendance of any annual event in the Milwaukee area in 2019, with more than 1.1 million visitors.

Fairgoers can stay informed on future updates by visiting the fair’s website.

Anchor Jason Fechner interviewed the CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair Park about the return of the fair this summer. You can watch the full interview above.