Having lived in Minnesota my whole life, I have grown up
with the tradition of going to the fabulous Minnesota State Fair. It’s the
event I look forward to most every year, and my longing begins as soon as the
Fair closes its doors each Labor Day. Personally, I go mostly for the food –
corn dogs, cheese curds, cheese on a stick, pickle on a stick, ANYTHING on a
stick – but there’s so much more to be entertained by. There’s seed art, crop
art, craft art, free concerts (Boyz II Men), expensive concerts (Rush),
livestock auctions, horse shows, butter sculptures, butter princesses, the
haunted house, the tunnel of love, rides (and carnies) at The Midway, rides for
kids at The Kidway… not to mention the people-watching!
The first Minnesota State Fair was held in 1859, and has
grown over the years to become one of the biggest state fairs in the country,
with permanent fairgrounds in St. Paul. Last year, over one million people came
from all over the region to take part in this historical event that has become
an essential part of Midwest culture. If you haven’t gone yet, I highly
recommend making the trek if you’re in the Twin Cities area. You still have a
few more days – the last day is Labor Day so make it count.
Photos:
1) The Midway at night.
2) Do you prefer corn dogs or pronto pups? Ketchup or mustard?
3) Getting ready for a horse show.
4) Winning corn.
5) Celebrity seed art.
6) Vintage seed sacks.
7) New this year: Peaches and Cream Parfait available at The Salty Tart.
8) Glittery diorama about sugarbeets.
9) Getting lured into the World of Wonders.
10) Princess Kay of the Milky Way