As State Fair begins, you'll notice its newest feature before you even enter the gates!

MILWAUKEE -- The 2016 Wisconsin State Fair begins Thursday, August 4th, and you'll notice the fair's newest feature before you even enter the gates!"This year we have, for the first time, put in metal detectors at all seven of our public admission gates," Kathleen O'Leary, Wisconsin State Fair interim CEO said.

Yum! Lucky FOX6 viewers cash in on free Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs

WEST ALLIS -- Two days from the start of the Wisconsin State Fair, some lucky FOX6 viewers on Tuesday, August 2nd got the opportunity to sink their teeth into a fair favorite -- cream puffs!

Which will you try? Eight finalists selected for 4th annual State Fair "Sporkies" competition

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair officials say eight finalists have been selected from 26 entries for the fair's fourth annual "Sporkies" food competition.A panel of local celebrity judges – with some help from fairgoers – will choose the recipients of four Golden Spork Awards during this year’s Wisconsin State Fair, which will take place Thursday, August 4th – Sunday, August 14th.The eight pre-selected finalists will showcase their creations in front of the crowd and compete for first, second and third place.Judging will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10th at the Bank Mutual Amphitheater.Celebrity judges this year include:

Metal detectors will be placed at all admission gates during 2016 Wisconsin State Fair

WEST ALLIS -- A spokeswoman for the Wisconsin State Fair has confirmed for FOX6 News metal detectors will be installed at all gates ahead of this year's fair.FOX6 News is told adding metal detectors to the gates was discussed during a meeting of State Fair Park's Board of Directors on Monday, June 20th.There will also be 13 new security cameras added to State Fair Park for this years fair, including two units that contain four cameras each, to provide 360-degree views.We're told each year, State Fair officials analyze the camera technology and decide whether to add cameras or upgrade the existing cameras.The two newest cameras will be located in the Central Park and Central Mall areas.We're told more than 200 security cameras are utilized at State Fair Park during the fair.A spokeswoman for the Wisconsin State Fair told FOX6 News their ongoing goal is to make sure those attending the fair know that their safety is top priority.

Mark your calendar: Wisconsin State Fair announces Bank Mutual Amphitheater lineup

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce the continuation of their multi-year partnership with Bank Mutual Corporation.Bank Mutual is the title sponsor of the Bank Mutual Amphitheater, the largest free entertainment venue at Wisconsin State Fair, and will also sell discounted State Fair Admission Tickets and Bargain Books at all of its branches across the state beginning May 2.

Get ready to run! Wis. State Fair Park Foundation to host new Cream Puff 5K

MILWAUKEE -- New for 2016 -- the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation hosts the inaugural Cream Puff 5K, a run/walk offering participants not only the first Original Cream Puffs of the year.

Wisconsin State Fair officials announce final two shows slated for Main Stage

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce the final two shows slated for the Main Stage presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino at this year’s Fair, rounding out an eclectic lineup of entertainment with a little something for everyone!The Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular will run Thursday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 14 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.The Happy Together Tour is back at the Fair!

Grand Champion Eats & Treats food competition at WI State Fair open to small businesses

WEST ALLIS -- Bragging rights, ribbons and prize money await Wisconsin food companies who enter their best sweets, snack foods and canned products in the new Grand Champion Eats & Treats Competition at this year’s State Fair.

Newsboys, Happy Days: Live, Phillip Phillips & Matt Nathanson to take the stage at 2016 State Fair

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce three more shows slated for the Main Stage presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino lineup at this year’s Fair.Nine of the 11 shows for the 2016 State Fair have now been announced, representing a variety of genres and celebrating music from the ‘60s through today.

Wisconsin State Fair to host "I Love the 90s Tour," Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, Beach Boys

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair officials announced on Monday, February 22nd three more shows slated for the Main Stage presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino during this year’s Fair.Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and Melissa Etheridge will take the Main Stage on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This co-headlining show will feature Grammy- and Oscar-winning Etheridge, along with four-time Grammy-winning Benatar, performing with her long-time band mate and husband Giraldo.

Rascal Flatts, Halestorm to take the stage at 2016 Wisconsin State Fair

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair officials announced two more musical acts for the 2016 run -- hard rock band Halestorm will take the Main Stage Friday, August 5th and country pop band Rascal Flatts will play Saturday, August 6th.Halestorm began in the late 90s, and debuted their first full-length studio album, "Halestorm," in 2009, followed by "The Covers" in 2011.

"They're learning a ton:" Kids take part in Performing Arts Day Camp at State Fair

WEST ALLIS -- Since 11-year-old Ellie Lollis can remember she's loved to perform."It's like my favorite thing to do,"said Lollis.That's why she signed up for the Wisconsin State Fair's first ever Performing Arts Day Camp."They're learning a ton on the ability to express themselves and have fun and excitement and a lot of them have said that they have some vocal training and they enjoy dance," said Wisconsin State fair Day Camp Coordinator Whitney Rathke.The campers, who are in sixth through eighth grades, are teamed up with the traveling singing and dancing group Kids From Wisconsin."We get to work with those kids who are honestly inspired by us and get to see us and look up to us and ask us to sign buttons.