If there’s one thing Wisconsin takes seriously, it’s the fair.
This week marks the opening of the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair, an event which draws in crowds from not only across the state but across the country.
Over the 11 days spanning between July 31 and August 10, people from all across the state are encouraged to enjoy entertainment, rides, and food.
For many small businesses and local entrepreneurs, the State Fair is the perfect place to show off their uniquely crafted goods. Over the course of the event, judges will competitively rank professionals’ dairy products, poster art, sweets, honey, meat, and plein air entries.
This year, Waukesha County has its eyes set on Fazio’s Chocolate to bring home a second consecutive win in the Sweets and Treats division.
Fazio’s Chocolate is a boutique chocolate shop located in the heart of Elm Grove. The business was started as a way for the owners’ family to honor their grandmother and grandfather, who were Italian immigrants. The couple moved to the U.S. via a passenger ship named ‘Gertie‘. After a long journey, they passed through Ellis Island and made it safely to America.
The shop honors its heritage while also finding ways to be creative and modern. That was what allowed their ‘Decade of Decadence’ turtle to bring home 1st Place and the Best in Show Award at the 2024 State Fair.
The ‘Decade of Decadence’ truffle is a praline crunch layered with berry marmalade and cheesecake in a dark chocolate shell. It is flawlessly designed, with a crisp triangular shape, and colored with show stopping purple and yellow streaks that would fit into an art museum.
The Grand Champion Eats and Treats competition is an important one- Wisconsinites are no stranger to good, high quality food. Fazio’s win in 2024 was a huge success and a testimony to the businesses talent.
The judging for the 2025 contest will be held on August 6. Fazio’s win is proof that some of the state’s best small businesses can be found right in Waukesha County.
For those unable to attend the fair, of those who want to try Fazio’s without fighting the crowds, the shop is bringing the fair to Elm Grove. Inside, they have state fair salt water taffy, fudge favorites with special fair pricing, and their famous ‘Holstein hopper’- a limited edition state fair ‘cow’ frog.
