The Brief The Wisconsin State Fair opens Thursday at 10 a.m. and runs through Aug. 16. Ride inspections were conducted by state safety officials and fair leadership. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services joined State Fair CEO Shari Black to observe ride inspections on Wednesday, a standard procedure before the fair starts. Related articleWhat you can do:State Fair officials said there are a lot of ways to get to the fair. The fair runs through Aug. 16.