The Sconi

Shari Black has been named executive director and CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, a news release said.

Black has served as interim executive director and CEO since October, the Wisconsin State Fair Park board of directors said.

“Shari is a strong leader who has the skills and abilities necessary to continue the success of Wisconsin State Fair Park,” said John Yingling, chairman of the Wisconsin State Fair Park board of directors. “She brings extensive experience in operations, fair programming, budgeting, board governance and relationship management to this role, and is well-respected within the organization and the fair industry. The board looks forward to working with her well into the future.”

Black will oversee a nearly 50 full-time permanent employees and 1,000 part-timers, the news release said. She has been involved in the fair industry for over 30 years, 15 of those as executive director of the Waukesha County Fair, CBS 58 reported. 

Over the last five years, attendance at the the fair has averaged one million, according to the news release.

This year's fair will be held Aug. 4-14.

"As tradition, there will be dozens of rides, hundreds of foods, thousands of animals and a million ways for everyone to have a WonderFair time," the fair said on its website.

State Fair Park, with almost 200 acres, is a venue for entertainment events throughout the year.

"Home to the Exposition Center, Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center, Milwaukee Mile Speedway, Wisconsin Products Pavilion and Original Cream Puff Pavilion, hundreds of events are held at State Fair Park each year," the park said on its website.