Thursday, September 13, 2012

Thank You for a Great MN Fair Season

What a fair, huh?

I know, I'm a little late posting on this but just wanted to wrap some things up regarding this 2012 MN State Fair!

No single day of the Fair broke attendance records this year, but overall the 2012 Great Minnesota Get-Together ranked second in total attendance, with 1,788,512 people coming through in 12 days. That's ONLY less than 2,000 off the all-time high of 1,790,497 in 2009. So, congrats MN! 

Great weather, great food, great music, great company. That's what it's all about. 

What are some of your fair memories? Leave me a comment and I'll give ya a shout out during my next post! 




And, hey! See you next year! August 22- September 2, 2013!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Great Minnesota Get Together

Happy fair time! We hope everyone is getting their fill of cheese curds, Sweet Martha's cookies, spaghetti on a stick, and deep-fried EVERYTHING!

The Minnesota state fair is the one of the happiest times of the summer. Always something to do, yet a little bittersweet because it means the end of the summer.... which no one ever wants.

Hopefully you all take advantage of this great time of the year and go out to the MN state fair!

Minnesota State Fair- Fair Do's

I'm sure you've seen it.... People walking around the Minnesota State Fair with crazy hair do's! Well, Fair Do's, the vendor that styles these hair do's, won People’s Choice for Best Customer Experience at a Non-Food Vendor! Congrats!



However crazy this looks, I'm not sure if I'd ever let my
kids go out in public like this!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

MN State Fair Grandstand Concerts

The Minnesota State Fair is coming up.... ARE YOU READY? One classic thing to do at the fair is go see a concert at the Grand Stand! There are preforming artists for EVERYONE, young and old! Take at the list below and see what concerts you could make it to at the MN State Fair Grandstand!


THU., AUG. 23
Bonnie Raitt with special guest
Mavis Staples
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $34.50 and $44.50

FRI., AUG. 24
Alan Jackson with special guest
Jamey Johnson
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40

SAT., AUG. 25
Blake Shelton with special guest
Sunny Sweeney
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $31 and $41

SUN., AUG. 26
An Evening with Anita Baker
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $38

MON., AUG. 27
The Happy Together Tour 2012
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18

TUE., AUG. 28
Demi Lovato with special guest
Hot Chelle Rae
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35

WED., AUG. 29
KISS and Mötley Crüe The Tour
2012
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $51, $71 and $81
Very Limited Seating!

THU., AUG. 30
Rascal Flatts with special guests
Little Big Town, Eli Young Band
and Edens Edge
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $43, $53 and $63
Limited Seating!

FRI., AUG. 31
Featuring Semisonic, The
Jayhawks, Dessa and Jeremy
Messersmith
5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35

SAT., SEPT. 1
Journey with special guests Pat
Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo
and Loverboy
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $38, $48 and $58

SUN., SEPT. 2
40th Annual Minnesota State
Fair Amateur Talent Contest
Finals - FREE!
8:00 p.m.

MON., SEPT. 3
Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller with
special guest Big K.R.I.T.
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29 and $39
Reserved Seating
General Admission




MN State Fair Dates and Hours

Hey all you MN State Fair Goers!

Don't forget, fair grounds are open from 6 AM to midnight. LONG DAY!

Check out this link to make sure you can make all you favorite state fair attractions in time!

Looking to save some money at the Minnesota State Fair? Want the best discount for your Minnesota state fair experience? Get your tickets on these days! (found at mnstatefair.org)


THRIFTY THURSDAY: which is Aug. 23
Adults (13-64): $10
Seniors (65 & over): $10
Kids (5-12): $7
Children (Under 5): Free

SENIORS AND KIDS DAY: which is Monday, Aug. 27
Adults (13-64): $12
Seniors (65 & over): $7
Kids (5-12): $7
Children (Under 5): Free

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: which is Tuesday, Aug. 28
Active military, retired military and veterans receive the following discounted admission ticket price when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present valid documentation of military service.
Active military, their spouses and kids: $7
Retired military and their spouses: $7
Military veterans and their spouses: $7

READ & RIDE DAY: which is Wednesday, Aug. 29
Public library card holders receive the following discounted admission ticket price when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present a valid library card. (One discount per card.)
Adults (13-64): $10
Seniors (65 & over): $7
Kids (5-12): $7
Children (Under 5): Free

SENIORS DAY: which is Thursday, Aug. 30
Adults (13-64): $12
Seniors (65 & over): $7
Kids (5-12): $10
Children (Under 5): Free

KIDS DAY: which is Monday, Sept. 3
Adults (13-64): $12
Seniors (65 & over): $10
Kids (5-12): $7
Children (Under 5): Free


The Great Minnesota Get Together

And the count down begins. One week until the great Minnesota get together. 

Want to find some new and unique things to do with your time at the fair?

Here is a list of new attractions and exhibits at the MN State Fair! Go check them out!

-3rd Lair SkatePark Lessons
-Great Big Sandbox
-Lasertainment Laser Hitz Show
-Pianos on Parade
-Minnesota Wine Country
-World of Wonders: Palace of Illusions
-Luminarium


Monday, July 9, 2012

Minnesota State Fair Highlighted as one of America's Greatest

"The Minnesota State Fair attracts more than 1.8 million visitors each year and is the second largest state fair in the country," according to Weather.com's article titled America's Greatest State Fairs.

The 320 acre fair was first held in 1859. The first airplane flight in Minnesota history took place at the fair in 1910. Dan Patch set the world harness racing record at the Grandstand in 1906. John Philip Sousa composed the Minnesota March and performed it at the fair in 1927.

Basically the Minnesota State Fair is home to more greatness than simply 'something on a stick.'

However, food is one of the main attractions! More than 450 foods are available at 300 concessions selling 60-plus items on a stick.

The 2012 Minnesota State Fair takes place August 23 - September 3.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Minnesota State Fair Poster

The Minnesota State Fair 2012 poster was unveiled early in June. But apparently I missed it and therefore did not pass it on to you guys. To remedy that, here is the 2012 Minnesota State Fair poster!


Thursday, June 28, 2012

New & Crazy Minnesota State Fair Foods

Alere's Featured Salads - 

Asian Salad - Romaine lettuce, fresh parsley, Mandarin orange slices, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, feta cheese and croutons with choice of Asian vinaigrette or raspberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Classic Tossed Salad - Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pecans, dried cherry/cranberries, olives, feta cheese and croutons with raspberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Garden Salad - Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and croutons, with choice of ranch, French or raspberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing. At Veggie Pie, Located in the Food Building

Bacon Ice Cream - Real cooked and candied bacon in ice cream with a hint of maple flavor. At Rainbow Ice Cream, Five different locations including Carousel Park, Underwood Street north of Dan Patch Avenue, Underwood Street south of Dan Patch Avenue, Carnes Avenue at Liggett Street, and the Agriculture Horticulture Building

Beef Tongue Caramelos (Tacos) (Available Aug. 27–30) - Served with chipotle salsa, cilantro vinaigrette, sautéed onions, cabbage and jalapeno. At Sonora Grill (new vendor) – Taste of Midtown Global Market, Located in the International Bazaar

Breakfast Sliders - Trio of sliders (steak, Cajun sausage and ham) served with scrambled eggs, homemade garlic mayo and topped with cheese and green onions. At Ragin Cajun, Located in The Garden, on the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Camel Burger Sliders (Available Aug. 31-Sept. 3) - Spiced camel meat served with tomato, white American cheese, spicy mayo and caramelized onions. At Safari Express – Taste of Midtown Global Market, Located in the International Bazaar

Cereal Killer Ice Cream - Soft ice cream that tastes just like the milk left at the bottom of the breakfast cereal bowl. Featuring two flavors — one sweet and chocolatey and one honey and nutty. It’s served in a bowl with a little milk creeping up the sides and topped with dry cereal. Two fruit toppings available: banana caramel and strawberry balsamic. At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, Located on the corner of Chambers Street and Carnes Avenue

Cheeseburger Sticks - Hamburger, American cheese, pickles and a secret sauce wrapped up in fresh-baked pizza dough and served with pickles and dipping sauce. At Green Mill, Located west of the Family Fair Stage in Baldwin Park

Chicken Nachos On-a-Stick - Skewered chicken breast with corn chips, nacho cheese, pico de gallo and jalapenos. At Tejas, Located in The Garden, on the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Puppies - Crushed peanut butter cups baked in the middle of a Fudge Puppy that is dipped in chocolate, layered with whipped cream and a custom-made peanut sauce. At Granny’s Kitchen Fudge Puppies, Located on the outside west wall of the Food Building

Classic Walleye Roll - Fresh walleye, served chilled “New England-style” with Minnesota wild rice and minced celery. Dusted with Giggle’s Campfire Grill special spice blend and served on a butter-toasted brioche bun. At Giggles’ Campfire Grill, Located on Cooper Street and Lee Avenue in The North Woods

Cranberry Wontons (Available Aug. 23-26) - Cranberry-infused cream cheese wrapped in a crisp, flaky wonton shell and drizzled with chocolate sauce. At Pham’s Deli – Taste of Midtown Global Market, Located in the International Bazaar

Duke’s Poutine - Freshly cut french fries topped with piping hot gravy and squeaky white cheddar cheese curds. At Duke’s Poutine (new vendor), Located on Judson Avenue next to the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Booth

Eggplant Caramelos (Tacos) (Available Aug. 27-30) - Served with roasted red pepper, sautéed onion, Chihuahua cheese and chimichurri aioli. At Sonora Grill (new vendor) – Taste of Midtown Global Market, Located in the International Bazaar

Eggplant Fries (Available Aug. 27-30) - Served with chimichurri aioli for dipping. At Sonora Grill (new vendor) – Taste of Midtown Global Market, Located in the International Bazaar

French Dog - Choice of one of three sausages (original French Dog, smoked bratwurst or smoked jalapeno & pepper jack sausage) on a toasted artisan French baguette with a selection of sauces (yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, cheddar jalapeno and ketchup). Baguettes are baked fresh daily. At Sonny’s Spiral Spuds, Located in the Food Building

Gluten-Free Chicago-Style or State Fair-Style Hot Dog - Quarter-pound 100% allbeef frankfurter served on an Udi's classic gluten-free hot dog bun in your choice of Chicago-Style or State Fair-Style hot dog. The Chicago-Style hot dog is topped with brown mustard, diced onions, green relish, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, sport peppers, a dill pickle spear and a dash of celery salt. The State Fair-Style hot dog is prepared with condiments of your choice. At Chicago Dogs, Located in The Garden, on the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Gluten-Free Risotto Poppers - Arborio rice balls with black beans, cheese, scallions and spices, hand-rolled and dipped in tapioca flour and egg wash, then dipped in glutenfree crushed corn tortilla chips. At French Meadow Bakery, Located on Carnes Avenue, between Nelson and Underwood streets

Great Balls of Fire - Hot and spicy ground pork sausage rolled into balls and served with dipping sauces, including Indian curry, Korean BBQ and cool cucumber. At Sausage Sisters, Located in the Food Building

Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon Sandwich - Grilled wild Alaskan salmon served plain or with fresh lettuce, tomato and bacon on a soft corn-dusted bun. At Smokey’s Charbroiler, Located on Murphy Avenue, across from the Pet Center 

Hibiscus Iced Tea (Available Aug. 27-30) - Made from the hibiscus sabdariffa flower, this tea is a tart, cranberry-like beverage infused with freshly squeezed natural orange juice. At Sonora Grill (new vendor) – Taste of Midtown Global Market, Located in the International Bazaar

Lamb Chop On-a-Stick - 100% grassfed specially seasoned lamb loin chops served on-a-stick. At Lamb Shoppe, Located in the Food Building

Lamb Fries - Traditional Middle Eastern dish of lamb testicles marinated with Holy Land spices. Served grilled with sautéed onions or deep fried in a crumb coating and served with traditional dill sauce. At Holy Land Deli, Located in the International Bazaar, southeast corner

Minnesota Wine Bistro Menu - 

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Bar - Grilled sourdough toast brushed with creamy roasted garlic sauce, topped with aged romano and parmesan cheeses and a slice of Portobello served warm from the grill.

Antipasto Plate - Featuring Minnesota bison sausage, assorted cheeses, roasted peppers and sliced baguettes.

Wine Smoothies At Minnesota Wine Bistro (new location), Located on Underwood Street (the former Epiphany Church Diner location)

Ole’s Cannoli - Cannolis dusted with powdered sugar and topped with chocolate chips, pistachios or sprinkles. They also come in dark chocolate-dipped shells. At Ole's Cannoli (new vendor), Located inside the front entrance of Heritage Square

Paul Bunyan Bar - A vanilla bean or cinnamon premium ice cream bar hand-dipped to create a thick coating of chocolate, then rolled in chopped almonds, coconut flakes or chocolate. At Ice Cream Parlour, Located inside the front entrance of Heritage Square

Ragin’ Ankles - Slow-smoked tender pork shanks, crispy fried and tossed in a spicy pineapple rage sauce — a combination of grilled fresh pineapple, habaneros, BBQ sauce, pineapple juice and cayenne. At Famous Dave’s, Located on the corner of West Dan Patch Avenue and Liggett Street

Red Velvet Funnel Cake - Red-velvety funnel cake flavored with a dash of cocoa, brushed with butter, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with a cream cheese glaze. At Smoothies and Jurassic Dogs, Located on Murphy Street across from the Pet Center

Scone with Sausage Gravy - A buttermilk scone covered with traditional southern gravy and sausages. At French Meadow Bakery, Located on Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

Spaghetti Eddie’s Super Stick - A stick of pepperoni and cheese dipped in a garlic batter mix, deep fried and served with marinara and hot BBQ dipping sauces. At Spaghetti Eddie’s, Located at Dan Patch Avenue and Cooper Street Spaghetti Sticks - Spaghetti noodles, sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese all wrapped up in fresh-baked pizza dough and served with a side of spaghetti sauce. At Green Mill, Located west of the Family Fair Stage in Baldwin Park

Sushi - Two varieties of fresh sushi: California Roll features crab, cucumber, avocado, seaweed, sushi rice and sesame seeds. Tempura Shrimp Roll features tempura-battered shrimp, capelin roe, avocado, cucumber, mayo, sushi sauce, sesame seeds, sushi rice and seaweed. At Shanghaied Henri’s, Located in the International Bazaar

Sweetie’s Delights - Mashed sweet potatoes on-a-stick, lightly battered and dusted with powdered sugar. Served with a side of whipped cream. At Mr. Potato & Sweetie, Located on Liggett Street on the east side of the Horse Barn

Waffle De Liege (Belgian Street Waffle) - Authentic street-style waffles with a caramelized pearl sugar crust coating on a soft, sweet, dense and doughy waffle. Served plain or topped with Nutella, maple butter or fresh fruit. At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, Located on the corner of Chambers Street and Carnes Avenue

Yosemite SAMwich - Spicy taco meat on a sesame seed bun with BBQ sauce, nacho cheese sauce, bacon bits and crispy onion tangles. At Frontier Bar, Located on the south side of Carnes Avenue, between Liggett and Clough streets

Monday, June 18, 2012

New Blake Shelton Songs

With the recent announcement of Blake Shelton hitting the stage at the MN State Fair, I thought it pertinent to check out some of Shelton's new songs!

Shelton's most recent album is titled, "Red River Blue". I'm not sure what that means, but I do know the album is packed with songs sure to make country fans swoon.

Track Listings:
Honey Bee
Ready to Roll
God Gave Me You
Get Some
Drink On It
Good Old Boys
I'm Sorry
Sunny In Seattle
Over
Hey
Red River Blue

What are your favorite Blake Shelton hits?


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Demi Lovato and Blake Shelton Announced for Grandstand Acts


Demi Lovato will be performing with special guest Hot Chelle Rae. Lovato's performance will take place on Tuesday, August 28 at 7:30pm.


Blake Shelton will be performing with special guest Sunny Sweeney. Shelton's performance will take place on Saturday, August 25 at 7:30pm.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Minnesota State Fair Pictures

I recently went around Minneapolis, St. Paul and a few of the surrounding suburbs to take photos of all the great venues! I took pictures of 24 total venues.

Enjoy these Minnesota State Fair photos!






Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Grand Old Day 2012


Grand Old Day is almost here! If anyone knows how to have time at a summer festival, it would be you, MN State Fair goers! That is why I am giving you the inside dish on the 2012 Grand Old Day!

Sunday, June 3 is Grand Old Day - a celebration that takes place on Grand Avenue from the cross streets of Cretin to Dale in St. Paul, Minnesota.

There are four 'zones' that make up the celebration: Family Fun District (Cretin to Snelling), Art District (Saratoga to Albert), Sporting District (Hamline to Dunlap), and the Entertainment District (Lexington to Dale).

The Family Fun District features games, pony rides, a petting zoo, music and entertainment fit for the entire family! In the Whole Foods Market lot, there are several entertainers provided. The day starts at noon with Paul Spring and progresses to Koo Koo Kangaroo, Snapdragon Seeds, and Radio Disney. At Grand & Cambridge, the little ones can enjoy free pony rides, petting zoo, inflatables, mini-golf and other games!

The Art District is likely to draw major crowds as it features art and crafts by local and regional artists. From Saratoga to Albert, you can get your fill of art and crafts. Noon-5pm will feature the Artstart Art Project at Pascal & Grand. There you can make your own Grand Hand Headpiece out of recycled materials!

The Sporting District features interactive games and fun from the Minnesota Wild, St. Paul Saints, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Rollergirls and more!

Also in the Sporting District is Bike Parking. Free bike parking is available on the Ayd Mill Bridge. There are over 140 bike parking spaces installed along Grand Avenue for convenient parking. Generally it will be easier to find a bike parking space than a space for your vehicle.You should bring your own bike lock. 

Perhaps the most popular area of the Grand Old Day is the Entertainment District! This district, from Lexington to Dale, presents live music in 6 festival gardens.

In the Grand Garden (between Lexington and Oxford), bands will kick off the day in the US Bank Lot. At noon Zachary Scot Johnson will perform, followed by Dan Rodriguez at 1pm and SarahLou at 3pm. This garden is presented by Summit and Barefoot Wine, which means you should gear up for a good time!

At the Billy's Stage you will hear performances by Arc Flash Hazard, Orange Whip and Hookers and Blow. The Wild Onion Stage will bring White Iron Band and Rocket Club. The Grand Country Stage, located in the Pier 1 Lot, will feature Maiden Dixie and Tim Sigler. The 80's Stage in the Walgreens Lot will highlight Mish Mash and Boogie Wonderland. The Dixie's Stage will feature a heavy and fun lineup with Charlie Parr, Blind Shake, The Soviettes and Solid Gold.

The Grand Old Parade starts just after Dale & Grand and finishes in the Family Fun District at Fairview & Grand.

7:45am 
ON THE GO SPORTING EVENTS w/ start/finish line at Wheeler & Grand

7:45am In-Line Skate
7:50am 8K Run
9:05am 1/2 Mile Youth Run
9:15am 5K Walk/Jog

10:00am
GRAND OLD DAY PARADE - "A Grand Salute to St. Paul" from Dale to Fairview

10:15am
KID'S PARADE - registration at 10am, from Dale to Fairview

10:30am
FAMILY FUN ZONE until 5pm

12:00pm
ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT from Dale to Lexington
6 festival gardens with live music (21+)

TEEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS until 5pm
WHOLE FOODS MARKET FAMILY FUN STAGE until 5pm
ART FAIR STAGE until 5pm 6:00pm
EVENT CONCLUDES

There is free parking located in the Anderson Parking Ramp at the University of St. Thomas (Cretin & Grand). A free shuttle runs along Summit Avenue (one block north of Grand Avenue) from Cretin to Dale from 10am to 7pm.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Minnesota State Fair Free Stage Acts

The full lineup for the Fair's major free stage, the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, includes folk-rock favorites Dawes (Aug. 23-24), retro blues act the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Aug. 25-26), Minnesota's own metal tribute band Hairball (Aug. 27-28), the Mavericks (Aug. 29-30), Wilson Phillips (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) and Bettye LaVette (Sept. 2-3).

Dozens of artists -- including many from the region -- will perform on five major stages throughout the run of the Fair. Highlights include: Tonic Sol-fa (Aug. 23-24), Wanda Jackson (Aug. 31-Sept. 1), the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (Aug. 23-24), the International Reggae All Stars (Aug. 25-26), Hookers and Blow (Aug. 31-Sept. 1), the Sweet Colleens (Aug. 23-24), Sherwin Linton (Aug. 27-28) and the New Standards (Aug. 31-Sept. 1).


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

2012 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concert Series


The Minnesota State Fair announced its 2012 Grandstand Concert Series. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 19. Here are the concerts coming to the MN State Fair!

An Evening with Anita Baker
8pm Sunday, Aug. 28

Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller
630pm Monday, Sept. 3

Journey
7pm Saturday, Sept. 1

Other grandstand shows available now are:

Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples 8/23
Alan Jackson 8/24
The Happy Together Tour 8/27
Kiss and Motley Crue 8/29
Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge 8/30