Doncha Know About the Minnesota State Fair?

Yeah I’m a Minnes”Oh”tan, and I’ve got a bit of the accent to match. It’s a heck of a deal, I’ve also lived up north before. There is a tradition that most of us from this great state acknowledge, the Minnesota State Fair. The “12 days of fun”, or “Great Minnesota get together” if you prefer. I grew up going nearly every year. I thought I’d go this year as I will probably be moving away soon. So here’s what my home state’s fair is about. 

Every Minnesotan who goes has their list of favorite things from food, to exhibit, to shows, and shops. So here we go: I love creative activities since my family’s had pieces there, and the education building since my university, and high school exhibit there. My favorite food is pork chop on a stick, followed closely by Sweet Martha’s cookies. My favorite show is the Timberworks Lumberjack Show actually, and I enjoy going through the grandstand and political booths, and west end market. I also have a favorite way of navigating it all too.

One of the foremost attractions for the general populous is the food though, and it gets more unique and diverse every single year. I can’t say I’ve tried some of the oddest either, including the deep-fried twinkie, or spam sushi, but I will say deep fried pickle is good. To answer the next questions, yes, Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar is a cut above other chocolate chip cookies, and yes a pork chop on a stick is better than one on a plate.

It’s been around since 1854 and since then it’s had many of the same things going on, from the animal barns, to the food. though many exhibits and buildings have “evolved” with time. It’s a celebration of some of the things our state has to offer, from livestock and agriculture, to north-woods elements, to great entertainment, creativity, and education. 

If I do have to move away I hope I can get back to the fair some years, and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the fair again.