Sunday, August 21, 2011

It's Time for the Minnesota State Fair!

By Jason Rhein

The Minnesota State Fair.
Every year, the Minnesota State Fair, commonly called "The great Minnesota get-together", attracts nearly 1.8 million visitors. It is the 3rd largest state fair in the country and runs Aug. 25 through Sept. 5.

When looking at everything there is to do at the Minnesota State Fair, it can be very overwhelming. That is why I have made the following lists of the things you must check out and the food you must eat at the fair.


The Top 10 Things You Must See

10. The 4-H and Education Building - Check out all of the crafts, foods and other items made by members of the 4-H clubs around the state of Minnesota

9. The Bandshell - Stop by to watch some great and free entertainment, including music acts, comedians and the State Fair Amateur Talent Contest.

8. The Dairy Building - Learn about Minnesota's dairy farms, look at Miss Minnesota's butter head and enjoy a delectable ice cream cone.

7. The Grandstand - Check out a world-famous act at the Grandstand (for the full list of entertainers and ticket prices, read below).

6. Mighty Midway - Want to pump your adrenaline? Get some thrills on one of the many rides at the Mighty Midway amusement area.

5. Ye Old Mill - Take a ride and make a splash on this gentle and classic boat ride.

4. The Animals! - Explore one of the many barns, exhibits and the Coliseum to take a look at the many animals that come from around the state of Minnesota.

3. The Food Building - Of course, you have to try some of the unique and delicious foods at any fair you visit.

2. The Agriculture & Horiculture Building - Look at everything that is grown in the state of Minnesota and even check out the state's largest vegetables!

1. The SkyGlider/Sky Ride - It's a true classic. Take a glide across the top of the fairgrounds and check out the fair's skyline.

The Skyride at the Minnesota State Fair.

The Top 10 Fair Foods You Must Try

10. Deep-Fried Pickles

9. All-you-can-drink Milk

8. Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob

7. Fresh-Cut Fries

6. Dairy Building Ice Cream

5. Frozen Apple Cider

4. Tom Thumb Mini Donuts

3. Pronto Pup

2. Cheese Curds

1. Sweet Martha's Cookies
Sweet Martha's Cookies stand at the Minnesota State Fair.

The Grandstand

If you want to see a concert while at the fair, be sure to check out an act at the Grandstand. You can purchase tickers now. Below are the dates and prices for all of the performing artists/bands.
  • Aug. 25 - Reba McEntire and Ronnie Dunn - 7:30 pm - $45-55
  • Aug. 26 - Def Leppard and Heart - 7:30 pm - $41-61
  • Aug. 27 - Big Time Rush - 7:30 pm - $35
  • Aug. 28 - Carnival of Madness - 5:00 pm - $30-35
  • Aug. 29 - Happy Together Tour - 8:00 pm - $18
  • Aug. 30 - Steely Dan - 7:30 pm - $45-55
  • Aug. 31 - Toby Keith and Eric Church - 7:00 pm - $39-59
  • Sept. 1 - Marc Anthony - 8:00 pm - $50-60
  • Sept. 2 - "A Prairie Home Companion" - 7:45 pm - $29-42
  • Sept. 3 - Weezer - 7:30 pm - $35
  • Sept. 4 - Amateur Talent Contest Finals - 8:00 pm - FREE
  • Sept. 5 - Maroon 5 and Train - 6:30 pm - $37-47
  •  
    The Ye Old Mill boat ride at the Minnesota State Fair.
    Photo Credit: Bala, Mykl Roventine, Steve Moses,