Almost everything Minnesota has to offer can be found at the state fair.
Most people come to the fair for the food, feasting on everything from chocolate chip cookies by the bucket to corn dogs to deep-fat-fried whatever. The-12-day run that ends on Labor Day is truly a glutton’s paradise.
But there’s so much more than mere delicacies to gorge yourself on; there are also barns full of animals of all sizes and shapes as more than 8,000 livestock competitors exhibiting more than 20,000 animals shooting for the grand prize, which may come with big prize money. FFA and 4-H members, along with open class showmen with bring their best livestock to get bragging rights and high honors.
Livestock are not the only projects that all ages will be exhibiting, as attendees will be able to browse through buildings of 4-H and open class exhibits from needlepoint to seed art to award-worthy vegetables and flowers. Be sure to check out all of Minnesota’s finest.
Along with all that is a dose of state history, as the state fair predates the state itself with the first territorial held in 1854, four years before it became the 32nd state admitted to the Union.
With anything that endures since the mid-19th century, history is bound to be made somewhere along the way. The Great Minnesota Get-Together, as it has been labeled, has had its share of firsts in its history. In 1901, U.S. Vice President Teddy Roosevelt delivered his “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick” speech; five years later, pacer horse Dan Patch set the world harness racing record in the grandstand, and in 1910 the first Minnesota airplane flight took place.
In 1927, the American March King, as John Philip Sousa was monikered, composed and performed “Minnesota March,” as it was dedicated to University of Minnesota faculty and students.
Will history be made at the 2024 edition of the state fair? Time will tell, but it definitely will make memories for attendees. If you can’t make it to the fair this year, take a walk through this slideshow from Day 1.
About the Author
You May Also Like