Celebrate 150 years of Great MN Get-Togethers!
MN State Fair runs August 27 to September 7, 2009
I love the MN State Fair! This year will be my 20th experience at this end-of-the-summer extravaganza, and trust me, I won't be alone. Each year, over 1.6 million people take cars, buses, and bikes to this 12-day food and fun fest between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
2009 marks the Great MN Get-Together's sesquicentennial! (If you're like me and can barely eek out "sesquicentennial", don't worry. I've been assured there won't be a test at the gate.) So, waaaaay back in 1859, a year after Minnesota became a state, some folks must've gotten together and thought, "let us gather up the thousand or so people who live in our great state and have a party!"
This idea stuck, and nowadays, the annual get-together is well known for its food and entertainment. At last count, the state fair has over 60 foods on-a-stick and more than 100 free acts around the fair grounds. (I think it's safe to say that it's your own fault if you get bored.)
Maybe you've only been to the MN State Fair a couple of times or maybe never at all? Have no fear! I'm including what I like to do, so if you're a rookie or a first timer, you'll have an idea of what to do when you get there.
The Night Before the Fair
- No snacking! I "save my stomach" for the next day.
- Check in to a hotel near a free park & ride. (My favorite is the Residence Inn by Marriott in Roseville)
- There's more park & ride info on the state fair's website - www.mnstatefair.org.
- Get a good night's sleep!
The Day of the Fair
- 7am: Rise and shine 8am: Board the bus at Highcrest Park (bring water!)
- 9am: Seek nourishment! (try a stand on Dan Patch)
- 10am: Check out the 4-H building (cannot break the habits of an old 4-Her)
- 11am: Morning SNACK! (s'mores or cheese curds are good at this time of the day)
- Noon: Ride the Skyride and visit horticulture building (gorgeous greens!)
- 1pm: WARNING: This is the point of major food consumption: corn-on-the-cob, corn dog, root beer, candy-bar-on-a-stick or Sweet Martha's chocolate chip cookies.
- 2pm: Sit. Digest. Watch parade! (Apply more sunscreen)
- 3pm: ANIMALS! (Must see all animals in buildings on Judson, especially Miracle of Life barn!)
- 4pm: Sit again. People-watch. (Possibly fish-watch near DNR building)
- 5pm: MIDWAY!!! (and Giant Slide!)
- 7pm: Feed me, Seymour! French fries for sure…and maybe alligator...
- 8pm: Watch something free at International Bazaar
- 9pm: Shop the International Bazaar! (Getting sleepy…)
- 10pm: Board the bus and head back to the hotel
That was approximately 13 hours at the MN State Fair, and I still didn't do everything! Maybe I need two days this year?!
What are you waiting for? Book your hotel room today and get ready to celebrate 150 years of the MN State Fair!
