See You Next Year at the Minnesota State Fair

2011 was a great year at the Minnesota State Fair! We can't wait to see what the fair has to offer next year!

We will see you guys back in 2012! We can't wait for the 2012 Minnesota State Fair!

We have some goals for you in the fair 'off season'. Get your tickets early and let's ramp up the attendance! We are very competitive and want 2012 to be the most-attended fair ever!

2011 Minnesota State Fair Attendance

The State Fair made this year's event the third-best-attended Minnesota State Fair in history with 1,769,872 guests! That mean there have only been two other years with more people at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

The fair set a record for second-Sunday daily attendance. On September 4, 229,943 people came through the gates. This year's Labor Day weekend was easily the best-attended ever with 600,332 people visiting the fair in just three years!

Wow Minnesota! Way to go... no one can dare say we don't know how to party! Next year, let's try for No. 1!

Miscellaneous Things You Want to Know about the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is known for its... ahem creative food choices! Nearly two dozen foods debuted at the 2011 fair.

Some of the newbies include (ready for it?!) the Breakfast Lollipop; Carnitas Asian Fusion Tacos; Chan's teriyaki chicken on-a-stick; chocolate-covered jalapenos on-a-stick; Coushari rice with lentils; crab fritters; Dirt Dessert; fresh fruit wraps; the Grilled Yankee Apple Pie & Chocolate Sandwich; Jamaican Jerk Fries; the Mexican Horchata drink; Minneapple Pie; Northwoods Salad on-a-stick; Pham's Chow Fun; pizza kabobs on-a-stick; pretzel dogs; Southside Rib Tips; Spring Grove Soda Pop; Starberi Frozen yogurt; sweet corn ice cream; T-Bonz chicken pitas; and White Razzie Puppies on-a-stick.

In total, vendors served up more than 450 different types of food, more than 60 of which were on-a-stick!

Can't wait to see what vendors come up with next year!

Minnesota State Fiar App Rocked

The Minnesota State Fair Launched its free App for iPhone and Android smartphones. The App was very successful and resulted in nearly 100,000 downloads!

Talk about a successful App! Did you download it? If you haven't yet, you better for next year. The fair is guaranteed to be even bigger and better next year!

Sold Out Granstand Shows

There were plenty of sold out Grandstand shows at the Minnesota State Fair this year. Sold out shows included Def Leppard and Heart; Toby Keith, Eric Church and JT Hodges; and Train, Maroon 5 and Matt Nathanson.

So... basically what we're telling you is all the best shows were 'sold out'. Not so fast though, a couple secondary markets had tickets available, including Ticket King! Tickets were reasonably priced for such great events. Next time make sure to check out Ticket King to get all the tickets you want on even 'sold out' shows!

Minnesota Has Even More Talent with the Giant Sing Along 2011

The Minnesota State Fair presents the best 12 days of summer. For 12 hours on each of those 12 days, a field of 32 microphones created what the Great Minnesota Get-Together is all about.

The Giant Sing Along brought fair guests of all ages together as friends, families and soloists crowded the mics. The fan-favorite appeared to be the classic, "Don't Stop Believin'," by Journey.

Minnesota's Got Talent

Sixty-one counties in the great state of Minnesota sent contestants to the Fair's County Fair Talent Contest. The contest is held over 10 days at Family Fair in Baldwin Park. The winners of the contest are as follows:

• Open Division 1st Place: Sher-Bounce Crew, Sherburne County - "Wonderland" dance performance



• Teen Division 1st Place: Angela Steele, Isanti County - "I Can't Do It Alone" vocal and dance performance



• Preteen Division 1st Place: Josie Nelson, Norman County - "Sunshine" vocal and guitar solo

The best amateur talent sent shockwaves of amazement through the Grandstand crowd of nearly 10,000 at the 38th annual State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals on September 4. Those winners are:

• Open Division 1st Place: Connor Engstrom, Mountain Lake - "Rise of the Phoenix" original guitar performance



• Teen Division 1st Place: Tori Adams, Edina - "Time To Say Goodbye" vocal solo



• Preteen Division 1st Place: Jose Nelson, Alexandria - "Sunshine" vocal and guitar solo

Congratulations, Minnesota - you've clearly got talent!

The Minnesota Fair is Over

The Minnesota Fair is over and it really is pretty sad. It was such a good fair this year and I can't believe I spend all year hyping this fair up and then it goes by faster than anything in the whole entire world. I just hope that everyone got a chance to go and experience all the wonderful foods, rides, and interesting booths this year. It was such a good one and I can't wait for next year's.

Minnesota State Fair Attendance

Here is the attendance of the Minnesota State Fair thus far during the fair.

Thursday - 101,658

Friday - 123,735

Saturday - 177,166

Sunday - 171,869

Monday - 124,538

Tons of people are going to the fair because it's awesome! Make sure to head down to the fair before it ends and eat all the foods and go on all the rides that you can

Minnesota State Fair Concert Tickets

Looking for tickets for concerts at the Minnesota State Fair? Why not buy your tickets from Ticket King? Here's the thing about Ticket King, they were really proactive and got a ton of the concert tickets early because they plan ahead so well, and easily have the best selection and prices in town. If you're looking for a good place to get tickets, definitely stop by Ticket King, which has locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Minnesota State Fair is in Full Swing

The Minnesota State fair is in full swing and it is downright awesome right now. There is nothing better than spending an afternoon at the fair with your friends and family and eating delicious foods. I went there last week, and there is honestly nothing better than that roasted corn that they have. If there is a God and we found out that he created one food to give to the people, I would think that it is that roasted corn at the state fair that he created.

Minnesota State Fair Concert List

August 25th - Reba

August 26th - Def Leppard

August 27th - Big Time Rush

August 28th - Carnival of Madness

August 29th - The Happy Together Tour

August 30th - Steely Dan

August 31st - Toby Keith

September 1st - Marc Anthony

September 2nd - A Prairie Home Companion

September 3rd - Weezer

September 4th - Minnesota State Fair Amateur Contest

September 5th - Train and Maroon 5

Favorite State Fair Stand

My favorite State Fair stand is obviously Sweet Martha's Cookies. There is just no topping this one folks. The gooey cookies that are piping hot are to die for with a glass of milk. Here's my tip of the day and heed this vice and apply it to your lifestyle: go to the side of the stands and avoid the huge lines in the middle of the Sweet Martha stand. Feel free to go in the long middle lines the day I'm there (This Thursday)

State Fair is this Week

The State fair starts this week! Here's all the information you'll need on the State fair for the upcoming week.

The fair begins this Thursday, August 25th and ends after Labor Day weekend. The fair's hours are 7 am -11 pm each day.

Here are the prices for the fair:

* Adults (13-64): $12
* Seniors (65 & over): $10
* Kids (5-12): $10
* Children (Under 5): Free

Here are the prices for the first day of the fair:
* Adults (13-64): $10
* Seniors (65 & over): $10
* Kids (5-12): $7
* Children (Under 5): Free

Minnesota State Fair 2011 is Almost Here

The Minnesota State Fair 2011 is almost here! I am counting down the days. Be sure to buy your early admission gate passes from Cub or you will be paying way more at the Gate this year.

This is all I can think about today!

August 25th through Labor Day, September 5th, 2011.

Be there!

State Fair Gate Pass Giveaway!

My friends over at Ticket King are giving away two State fair gate passes to be used any day. How do you get the tickets? Buy a ticket to a concert at the State Fair and you automatically win. If you aren't interested in a ticket to a concert, simply stop by the Ticket King office in St. Paul and fill out an entry form. Ticket King's office in St. Paul is located on 186 W. 7th Street, right across from the Xcel Energy Center.

So It's Really Hot Out Every Single Day Now

It's pretty much hot every single day now. We're in the middle of July, really in thick of things in terms of summer. The middle of July means it's almost August and August means the fair! Looking for a ticket to the fair? You can buy discount admission passes at Cub foods now?

Looking for tickets to the concerts at the State Fair? Just buy them using Ticket King who has the best deals and customer service in the Twin Cities!

Alright this Warm Weather is Just Teasing Me into Thinking It's Fair Time

Dear Mother Nature,

Thank you so much for providing a second beautiful day in a row. All I want to do is go outside and sit in the sun. This weather is also reminding me of what could be: the Minnesota State Fair. Please let the fair come sooner so that I can eat corn dogs, french fries, brownies, and donuts. Not to mention that I want to drink milkshakes and root beer. Oh yeah, and there are going to be awesome exhibits and really cool concerts. Please hurry fair, please hurry.

Love,

A Fair Fanatic

Remember you buy tickets to all of the concerts at the fair using Ticket King!

Car Show Got Me Thinking That it's Almost Fair Time!

This past week there was the MSRA Back to the 50's Car show at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. I was having an amazing time, but when I looked around, I thought to myself "gosh I wish it was time for the fair."

This is nothing against the MSRA Back to the 50's Car Show - I love that show like a fat kid loves cake - but come on, guys the Minnesota State Fair just can't be topped. All I want right now is some of that sweet corn and Sweet Martha's cookies. Delectables that can't be found, or topped, elsewhere.

So after you get over the wave of emotion your experiencing about the MSRA Back to the 50's Car show being over, just remember, we're are only a couple short monthes away from the State fair!

Then you can spend all the money you made this summer on tickets to the fair and the amazing concerts!

2011 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Lineup

I have a grandstand lineup update for you! There are more great concerts and artists than I ever dreamed!

Here is your state fair concert checklist:

Reba with special guest Ronnie Dunn - Thursday 08/25
Def leppard with special guest Heart - Friday 08/26
Big Time Rush - Saturday 08/27
Carnival of Madness - Sunday 08/28
The Happy Together Tour 2011 - Monday 08/29
Steely Dan with special guest Sam Yahel - Tuesday 08/30
Toby Keith with special guest Eric Church - Wednesday 08/31
Marc Anthony - Thursday 09/01
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor - Friday 09/02
Weezer - Saturday 09/03
Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals - Sunday 09/04
Train & Maroon 5 with special guest Matt Nathanson - Monday 09/05

Personally, the show I am most looking forward to would have to be Toby Keith with Eric Church. 'Special guest' Eric Church that is... What an amazing combo. Eric Church could be a headliner all his own, so to get both for the price of one ticket? Amazing!


Lucky for me (and you!) Ticket King has tickets for these Minnesota State Fair concert lineups. Can't wait! See you soon... I'll probably have a fried something in my hand.

Here I come Minnesota State Fair!

Concerts for everyone in the family!!!

This years Minnesota State Fair is including quality concerts and entertainment for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Is your dad an 80’s rocker buff that sings “Put some sugar on me” in the shower? Then be sure to get him some tickets through Ticket King because the legendary rock brand Def Leopard is coming to the state fair this year!!

Having a 13 year old girl cousin, Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush is always on when I go over there. So guess what I am buying her Big Time Rush tickets through Ticket King so I can finally get the TV once.

My mom loves country music so I am getting her tickets for Reba and Toby Keith.

As for Grandma, I am getting her tickets to A Prairie Home Companion.

My friends and I are getting tickets for the Train and Maroon 5 show and I know one of my friends is getting tickets for the Marc Anthony show for his girlfriend and him to go see. (He hopes some Latin flavor will spice up his love life)

My Uncle is checking out some Steely Dan and the Happy Together Tour.

With Tickets selling out fast my family and I are using Ticket King!

More 2011 State Fair Concert Announcements

The 2011 Minnesota State Fair will showcase several concerts. The bands that will be performing are Def Leppard & Heart, Big Time Rush, Happy Together Tour, Steely Dan, Toby Keith, Marc Anthony, and Maroon 5 & Train. You can find them all on http://www.ticketkingstpaul.com/! Check out the bands and see which one you want to attend!

Minnesota State Fair Concert Tickets On Sale

The Minnesota State Fair Concert tickets have officially gone on sale. Did you buy your tickets yet? If you decide to wait until closer to the show, no worries - companies like Ticket King have state fair concert tickets right up until the show date, but you might pay more! Purchase your Minnesota State Fair Concert Tickets with Ticket King!

First Set of Grandstand Acts Announced for 2011 Minnesota State Fair

The 2011 Grandstand Acts have been announced for the 2011 Minnesota State Fair. Check out the great acts planned!

Def Leppard with Heart on Friday, August 26th at 7:30 PM
Big Time Rush on Saturday, August 27th at 7:30 PM
THE HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2011
featuring The Turtles with Flo & Eddie, The Association, The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, and Mark Lindsay-former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders on Monday, August 29th at 8 PM

Toby Keith with Eric Church on Wednesday, August 31 at 7:30 PM

Purchase your Grandstand Acts tickets with Ticket King!

Steve Thomas Selected For Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art

From a pool of nearly 80 artists, Steve Thomas of Lino Lakes has been chosen to create the Official 2011 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art. Just prior to the 2010 State Fair, officials announced a first-ever Commemorative Art Call for Submissions. Any Minnesota artist could apply. The artist is expected recreate an artistic potrayal of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. His original art will be unveiled at the fairgrounds in June and displayed at the Fine Arts Center during the fair's 12-day run.

Thomas is a self-taught illustrator who has been creating art since he could pick up a crayon. A graphic artist and Web producer, he has worked in the newspaper industry for 13 years and also runs his own small business, Steve Thomas Art & Illustration. Congratulations to Steve Thomas!

Minnesota State Fair Undergoes $6 Million in Improvements

From the Kare11.com:

"More than $6 million in improvements and maintenance projects will help spruce up the site of Minnesota's late-summer get together-- better known as the Minnesota State Fair. Improvements and maintenance projects approved for 2011 include construction of a new restroom on the north end of the fairgrounds, a new roof for the Education Building, window replacement in the historic Cattle Barn, significant infrastructure work and hundreds of painting, maintenance and landscape jobs throughout the 320-acre State Fairgrounds."

2011 New Year, New Fair

I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year's. 2010 went fast and 2011 will be the same way. 2011 is a New Year and that means it will be a new Minnesota State Fair. For all of those Minnesota State Fair fans that can't wait until the fair, the date is yet to be finalized for the 2011 Great Minnesota Get Together. When the dates become official we will provide that information immediately. Hope everyone has a great 2011!