Be MKE: State Fair, Pat's Rib Place leaving Public Market and county facing major deficit

Who we are. Where we go. What we need to know.

It's that bittersweet time of the year.

The Wisconsin State Fair — one of summertime's last major milestones — kicks off its 11-day stretch Thursday. There's only one thing we can do ... make the most of it!

Let's get a taste of the food first. There will be 100 new food and drink options . This year's Sporkies food competition winner was the Deep-Fried Lemonade Bites, and the Drinkies beverage competition winner was the Fairway Fusion.

The Original Cream Puffs is celebrating its 100th anniversary. How? With four new flavors on select days . The original flavor will be available every day of the fair, of course.

Now, onto the entertainment. Music writer Piet Levy went through the schedule and highlighted one top show for each day , from Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, one of the nation's top touring comedians, to rapper and UW-Madison grad Yung Gravy.

And, here are the logistics of it all , including hours, ticket info and ways to save on admission.

Let’s talk business

$9 million. That's how big of a deficit Milwaukee County is facing . And, it could more than double by the end of the fiscal year. That's according to to the Comptroller's Officer. What's contributing to the deficit ? "Overtime from law enforcement and correctional staff. A pricey food vendor contract. A significant shortfall in the historic local sales tax," wrote reporter Vanessa Swales. Potential options to offset the looming deficit include re-reviewing one-time funding items in the 2024 budget; reallocating American Rescue Plan Act dollars and 2023 year-end surplus; closing Parks Department recreational amenities earlier than usual; and/or reallocating a portion of last year's surplus via transfer from the debt service reserve to close a portion of the balance.

Under a new $700 million proposal , Wisconsin would have a new tallest building . The 55-story apartment tower would be built on the site of the Marcus Performing Arts Center's downtown parking structure. The proposal — from Madison-based The Neutral Project LLC — also includes a hotel, office and retail spaces, parking, public plazas and walkways. The Neutral Project plans to use the unusual construction technique of mass timber for the development. Mayor Cavalier Johnson's administration wants a one-year exclusive right to negotiate a sale of the parking structure property, which is currently city owned. The Neutral Project is also behind The Edison , a high-end riverfront mass timber tower with construction slated to start this fall.

One of the best bars in the country is right here in Milwaukee, according to the inaugural USA TODAY Bars of the Year list . That would be Bryant's Cocktail Lounge . It was one of 27 establishments featured in the roundup. Bryant's made the cut for its menuless ordering system and history that dates to the 1930s.

Out and about

A "happy birthday" is in order! ComedySportz, which was born in Brew City, is turning the big 4-0 . And, how will it be celebrating? With a days-long World Championship at its Milwaukee arena , 420 S. First St. In addition to the home team, there will be comic competitors from across the country. Here's more on ComedySportz and how to get tickets to its world championship matches, which run Wednesday through Saturday.

Black Arts Fest MKE returns to Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Dr., Saturday. There will be performers and musicians, including Joseph Clarke & Friends; paint and sip sessions; a fashion show; kids and family activities, including a dance party; and more. Here's what to know , including ticket info.

Remember when Red Bull brought its famous Flugtag to Milwaukee ? In August, the energy drinks empire is planning to host another one of its events here: Red Bull Wake The City . This will be the first time Wake The City — a doubles wakeboarding competition that combines athleticism and entertainment — is being put on in the U.S., according to the company. "Top professional wakeboarders will perform highly technical tricks across five unique features, competing in teams of two to impress judges with their style, creativity and execution," a news release said. Here's what to know , including when and where the event will be held, how many wakeboarders are set to compete and more.

Don’t go hangry

Pat’s Rib Place — which Oprah Winfrey stopped by recently — will be leaving the Milwaukee Public Market at the end of the month. Why? So the business — owned by Winfrey's niece, Alisha Hayes, and Alisha's husband, Ty — can focus on expanding its retail line of barbecue sauces (two of which received a coveted shoutout on Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2020). Another barbecue joint, David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse, will take its spot at the market this fall. The smokehouse — which already has a Mukwonago location — will serve up slow-smoked brisket, tender ribs, pulled pork, sides, sauces and smoked cocktails.

Here are the talkers

The 2024 Paris Olympics (Giannis' version).

As Greece's flag bearer, Antetokounmpo led his home country down the Seine River for the opening ceremony Friday. Afterward, on social media, he called it the "greatest honor."

During his Olympic Games debut Saturday, Antetokounmpo scored a whopping 34 points. But, Canada beat Greece, 86-79, in Group A play. Tuesday was a real nail-biter. Giannis scored 27 points , but Spain managed to pull out the win, 84-77.

Greece's next opponent: Australia at 6:30 a.m. CT Friday. Here's what would need to happen for Giannis and his team to advance to the next round of play.

Antetokounmpo isn't the only member of the Bucks family who's a part of the Olympics. Johnny Watson, the Bucks' executive producer of broadcast and live events, is, too. He's show-calling, aka producing, in-arena presentations for the men's and women's basketball games. That includes videos, graphics, music, special effects, lighting, on-court entertainment and national anthems. To pull this off, he's working with a crew of at least 25 people per game from around the world. "It's one of the most prominent sporting entertainment in the world," Watson said . "It's a huge deal. I'm honored."

Be MKE,

Hannah

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To see what I'm up to around the city, follow me on Instagram @hannahhopekirby . Always keeping it pretty profesh over on Twitter @hannahhopekirby . Be MKE love or comments can be sent to hannah.kirby@jrn.com .

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Be MKE: State Fair, Pat's Rib Place leaving Public Market and county facing major deficit