The Wisconsin State Fair begins this week, and hopefully you've planned which Sporkies you want to dig into, which rides to try and which acts you want to rock out to. But don't forget one of the most important preparations: knowing what you can and cannot bring into the grounds these next several days, so you don't cause a security logjam. 

Indeed, arguably the most important policies for attendees are the rules regarding what people can and cannot bring inside the fair – including the event's bag policy, newly instituted last year. 

For anyone visiting the State Fair, all bags and purses must be smaller than 9"x10"x12", save for an exception for diaper bags as well as bags carrying family care items or medical needs. Messenger or camera bags exceeding the size limits as well as hard-sided coolers will not be allowed in either. If you bring a bag that's not allowed, it must be returned to your vehicle or home since State Fair will not have lockers available for storage – and any confiscated prohibited items will not be returned. 

In addition to bags smaller than the size restriction, the following items are allowed on the State Fair grounds:

• Collapsible or telescopic umbrellas (but not at the main stage)
• Strollers or wagons
• Small cameras including DSLRs (must be for personal use; photos for commercial or media use is only allowed with proper media credentials)
• Sealed bottled water or empty water bottles, as well as empty cups
• Soft-sided coolers for infant/family need or dietary need
• Backpacks used as diaper bags
• Seat cushions (but not stadium seats)
• Empty collapsed totes

On the other hand, items that are not allowed on the fairgrounds include:

• Illegal drugs/substances and paraphernalia
• Firearms
• Knives
• Weapons or anything that could be used as such
• Fireworks, sparklers or explosives
• Hard-sided coolers
• Camelback-style hydration packs
• Large stick or golf umbrellas
• Picnic baskets
• Outside food (unless for infants or specific dietary needs)
• Glass bottles
• Aerosol cans
• Alcohol
• Drones
• Pets (unless a service animal)
• Selfie sticks
• Signs
• Banners or flags on poles
• Laser pointers
• Lawn chairs
• Skateboards, hoverboards, electric scooters or skates
• Bicycles, tricycles and unicycles
• Hula hoops
• Stadium seats

For more information on the 2023 Wisconsin State Fair's policies and prohibited items, visit their website. And for more info and updates on the late summer spectacular, stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.