Eat Some New Stuff, but Don’t Forget the Classics

Bob Shaw of the Pioneer Press recently took a trip to the State Fair with the family and scoured for some of the oddest (and best tasting) food at the Fair. What he came up with was a refreshing list of old favorites and new additions to the Fair. For real foodies, Shaw says to seek out the Food Building for the new Nitro ice cream, which is supposedly frozen in different ways than traditional ice cream. Another new and individualistic thing to seek out at the fair according to Shaw is the Beergarita, which is predictably eponymous for a mixture of beer and margarita. This frat-boy sounding concoction can be found at the Tejas stand near Dan Patch and Underwood. Besides these interesting finds, Shaw also said he had soft spots for the classics. One has to get the fried cheese curds, and don’t forget the bucket of Sweet Martha’s Cookies. Get some Minnesota State Fair tickets so you too can scrounge around for the weirdest food and the best deals at the Fair.

Crazy Food is Coming Up

The Minnesota State Fair is finally arriving this weekend, and after months of anticipation, it looks like the new exhibitions, food and activities at this year’s fair aren’t going to disappoint. For the Minnesota State Fair-goer who always wants to stay on top of the latest food creations at the fair, there will be new additions to the (in)famous on-a-stick treats. They include fried fruit, sloppy joes, Rocky Road scones, corned beef, cabbage(?) and Kool-Aid pickles (I have no idea). The fair is also going to apparently offer peanut butter hot dogs, calamari, and Uffda brats.

Storm ravages Fair, but workers plan to clean up in time

Last weekend’s powerful thunder storm roared through the state fair grounds, but don’t worry fair goers, the Great Minnesota Get Together won’t be delayed any this year. Despite overturned trees, blown away vending stands and damage to the grand stand, Fair workers are working hard to make sure clean up is complete by opening day. Don’t forget your favorite sun-blocking hat for the days you visit the fair – you might find out that your favorite shade-providing tree is gone! Hopefully new trees in the area can be planted soon so the Fair can continue to be a pleasant place to spend a day at the end of a long hot Minnesota summer.

Minnesota State Fair Guide

This weekend, the Minnesota State Fair Guide comes out in the local paper. I love spending my Sunday morning pouring over the Fair Activities and Grandstand line-up. The guide is also the best place to read about State Fair deals and discounts. If you need Minnesota State Fair tickets, I would recommend getting them early. The best grandstand seats sell out fast. I know Ticket King, a local Minnesota ticket broker, had great seats to Brad Paisley on August 23rd last month, but now I see most of the good ones are gone (they had the first few rows from the stage) - I think the Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler concert is going to be one of the hottest summer shows of the year. It's a great way to kick off the great Minnesota get together! Buy your Minnesota State Fair concert tickets now and enjoy reading the official state fair guide this weekend!

State Fair = Something for Everyone

As the Minnesota State Fair draws closer, I am realizing how contagious fair fever can be. I asked my niece Kayla to look up some interesting fair facts and write something for my Minnesota State Fair blog and she was glad to do it because she loves the fair as much as I do! Thanks for the article Kayla - you are the best!!!

Kayla writes...

The Minnesota State Fair is a great place for families. From the cheese curds to bands and the rides to booths it's a great place to be. It brings more than a half million visitors a year! It is one of the most popular events in the country with about six stages of entertainment, 25 varieties of foods-on-a-stick, and 1,300 booth exhibits. The Minnesota State Fair has the perfect blend of science, art, food and music. With its food, rides, mural of exhibits and fabulous music acts, the Minnesota State Fair is one of those rare events that does something for everyone! Let's go to the fair!