I really liked this article because of the nostalgia I could relate to and the information worth sharing with those who have never been to a state fair. I got interrupted when I was about to write my comments last week and now you’ve posted your report on this year’s visit. I have to say I liked this article better. Of course the video of the child and his cow called for appreciation. Note that I couldn’t get mechanics right on the links to see the Princess Kay butter video from the actual fair review. Maybe it works from this article instead? I’ll try after I finish my comments here.
Two tidbits to share. I’ve been to the MN State Fair only once since I returned to MN in 2013. I had a friend visiting from VA and I wanted to share the fair with her. But I knew I couldn’t handle all the walking of a day at the fair. So I rented a scooter for myself. I was amazed by the way people even in the crowded buildings made way for me to get close to exhibits so I could see. I’ve questioned “MN nice” when it comes to racial justice but I didn’t question it in the treatment I received at the fair from my fellow citizens as a handicapped person.
Then I’ll relate the story of my cousin, the true fair believer. Until just a few years ago, she went every opening day for decades. Now at 87, she won’t consider taking a scooter as I did so she didn’t go this year. She even took off work for her annual outings when she had a career. She relished going all by herself at the opening time those first days. She had her set routine that included exactly where she’d get her morning coffee, the benches she sat on throughout to hear different music for free, and the various buildings she never missed going into. Of course, she included the dairy building and got her “all you can drink” milk fix.
Isn’t it great to have such memories and those souvenir giveaways, including plenty of yardsticks?
Alta -- your comment hear contains so much I have to work to do it justice!!!
I love the State Fair and enjoyed writing the preview as it brings back memories for me! The truth is though anyone who combed the internet with the Fair bug might be able to do that. I knew when making my actual visit it would evolve into something unexpected. I feared the mechanics of sharing my personal videos might get tricky. I think the better approach going forward is to post the videos to YouTube on my account and then offer that link. Substack is built to work real good with YouTube. I was just trying to avoid the extra work. Things can often go bad when we take a shortcut. I was trying to post directly from my Google Photos app. Probably need to do Photos >> Drive >> YouTube. It sounds hard and time consuming :)
Your comment about MN nice is very insightful. It is a difficult topic I think as we see both sides of it. I think that is a decent topic and your REAL EXAMPLES captures the differences in behavior.
The true Fair believer is an AWESOME TITLE. There isso much to do. The Grandstand lineup of acts is always fun. I think you capture how much live music and entertainment is going on EVERY DAY. Your cousin was smart to map out a plan. I always seem to get back having missed things I was sure I would see. The all you can drink milk thing was me until I made some changes. Getting a deal is FUN. When my kids were in Middle School & High School there was a boy who tried to prove he could drink a gallon of milk. His attempt ended with lactose overload. The kind of stuff kids do.
You made my morning with this amazing comment. I will have to revisit with you. The yardsticks just makes me laugh!
I love the Fair! The people watching is extraordinary. I hope I am entertaining others in the same way. I have a vision that a family somewhere in MN has a closet full of free yardsticks. When I see people carrying them on a crowded day I just laugh.
The cookie thing would be for you then. The lady who started the business now only does the State Fair mostly but sells the dough in local grocery stores. A bucket of cookies is 4800 calories. In a good year they claim they sell 3 million cookies PER DAY and the concession nets millions of dollars over 12 days. Add the float and you are set for dinner. I will try and get a photo of the lineup of industrial mixers churning the dough. So much equipment and the ovens are just conveyer belts. Everyone on the bus at the end of the day carrying a pail of cookies with them it seems.
I'll get a photo. The carver is in a refrigerated room every day for ten days in a parka carving one of the ten finalists. The locals are bringing food into the barn and watching the carving while cows lying around with hay flying through the air and the fans for circulation. It is a scene.
Thanks for commenting! I had a neighbor named Verne and he defined Minnesotan to me for at least a decade. A proud Swede. I love the old Ole and Lena jokes!
I really liked this article because of the nostalgia I could relate to and the information worth sharing with those who have never been to a state fair. I got interrupted when I was about to write my comments last week and now you’ve posted your report on this year’s visit. I have to say I liked this article better. Of course the video of the child and his cow called for appreciation. Note that I couldn’t get mechanics right on the links to see the Princess Kay butter video from the actual fair review. Maybe it works from this article instead? I’ll try after I finish my comments here.
Two tidbits to share. I’ve been to the MN State Fair only once since I returned to MN in 2013. I had a friend visiting from VA and I wanted to share the fair with her. But I knew I couldn’t handle all the walking of a day at the fair. So I rented a scooter for myself. I was amazed by the way people even in the crowded buildings made way for me to get close to exhibits so I could see. I’ve questioned “MN nice” when it comes to racial justice but I didn’t question it in the treatment I received at the fair from my fellow citizens as a handicapped person.
Then I’ll relate the story of my cousin, the true fair believer. Until just a few years ago, she went every opening day for decades. Now at 87, she won’t consider taking a scooter as I did so she didn’t go this year. She even took off work for her annual outings when she had a career. She relished going all by herself at the opening time those first days. She had her set routine that included exactly where she’d get her morning coffee, the benches she sat on throughout to hear different music for free, and the various buildings she never missed going into. Of course, she included the dairy building and got her “all you can drink” milk fix.
Isn’t it great to have such memories and those souvenir giveaways, including plenty of yardsticks?
Alta -- your comment hear contains so much I have to work to do it justice!!!
I love the State Fair and enjoyed writing the preview as it brings back memories for me! The truth is though anyone who combed the internet with the Fair bug might be able to do that. I knew when making my actual visit it would evolve into something unexpected. I feared the mechanics of sharing my personal videos might get tricky. I think the better approach going forward is to post the videos to YouTube on my account and then offer that link. Substack is built to work real good with YouTube. I was just trying to avoid the extra work. Things can often go bad when we take a shortcut. I was trying to post directly from my Google Photos app. Probably need to do Photos >> Drive >> YouTube. It sounds hard and time consuming :)
Your comment about MN nice is very insightful. It is a difficult topic I think as we see both sides of it. I think that is a decent topic and your REAL EXAMPLES captures the differences in behavior.
The true Fair believer is an AWESOME TITLE. There isso much to do. The Grandstand lineup of acts is always fun. I think you capture how much live music and entertainment is going on EVERY DAY. Your cousin was smart to map out a plan. I always seem to get back having missed things I was sure I would see. The all you can drink milk thing was me until I made some changes. Getting a deal is FUN. When my kids were in Middle School & High School there was a boy who tried to prove he could drink a gallon of milk. His attempt ended with lactose overload. The kind of stuff kids do.
You made my morning with this amazing comment. I will have to revisit with you. The yardsticks just makes me laugh!
Great article. I love people watching at the fair.
I love the Fair! The people watching is extraordinary. I hope I am entertaining others in the same way. I have a vision that a family somewhere in MN has a closet full of free yardsticks. When I see people carrying them on a crowded day I just laugh.
Yes. What is great, everybody seems to be having a good time.
I just love it!
I do not approve of how high-end and healthy some of the new fair food options sound, but two thumbs up for the cotten candy float. Genius!
The cookie thing would be for you then. The lady who started the business now only does the State Fair mostly but sells the dough in local grocery stores. A bucket of cookies is 4800 calories. In a good year they claim they sell 3 million cookies PER DAY and the concession nets millions of dollars over 12 days. Add the float and you are set for dinner. I will try and get a photo of the lineup of industrial mixers churning the dough. So much equipment and the ovens are just conveyer belts. Everyone on the bus at the end of the day carrying a pail of cookies with them it seems.
I love it every year. There's a couple of Lutheran churches that serve old fashioned Sunday dinners with mashed potatoes. Range of behavior.
The Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculpture thing--also genius!
I'll get a photo. The carver is in a refrigerated room every day for ten days in a parka carving one of the ten finalists. The locals are bringing food into the barn and watching the carving while cows lying around with hay flying through the air and the fans for circulation. It is a scene.
Loved your insights too about the discipline needed to run an event of this size given the constraints. It’s sort of a miracle.
Thought you'd enjoy the crazy pride to reserve a bench for $2500 for 12 days.
Who voted for Pitbull? Oh wait…
Since you might be a fan...
https://www.twincities.com/2022/08/28/pitbull-iggy-azalea-concert-review-minnesota-state-fair-grandstand/
He got great reviews this morning performing in thunderstorm and high winds -- when I do the polls I often consider WWAD?
Verne? and Lina? Did Verne come after Lina dumped Oly?
Thanks for commenting! I had a neighbor named Verne and he defined Minnesotan to me for at least a decade. A proud Swede. I love the old Ole and Lena jokes!