Everything On A Stick

It's time for the Minnesota State Fair...and anything you could possibly desire on a stick. Seriously, not only food items, but random items as well. Last year there was even a "Ruler on a Stick." Aren't rulers already stick-form? My personal favorite was "Bacon on a Stick." It was honestly a slab of bacon on a stick and people were lined up to buy it! (I did not partake.).

The Minnesota State Fair has been in existence since 1859, the year after achieving statehood, and has operated every year with the exception of 5 years due to either war, scheduling conflict or epidemic. After years of temporary sites all over the state, the State Agricultural Society settled permanently on land donated by Ramsay County centrally located between Minneapolis and St. Paul (though it has a St. Paul address).  The fairgrounds itself is huge, encompassing  320 acres. By comparison, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is only just over 100 acres and EPCOT is 300 acres. There is a Skyway ride that will carry people from one side of the fairgrounds to the other, as well as shuttle services. Last year, we were there for 10 hours and didn't see everything!

Naturally, one would expect to find the requisite animal, farm implement and horticulture exhibits, as well as midway attractions and art/crafts, but I was impressed by the number of attractions that were not agriculture-related. A building that included vendor booths from what seemed to be every college in the state, along with financial aid agencies and even a MENSA booth! What a time-saver for a high school junior or senior to gather all the information they need to decide on a college! Another building featured all of the major professional sports teams located in Minnesota, complete with schedule hand-outs and merchandise for sale. 

Back to the food items for a moment. I would be remiss if I did not mention Sweet Martha's Chocolate Chip Cookies. I personally have not tasted these fair-favorites (gluten allergy), but people wait in line for 2 hours for them - and at 2 different booths! Also, All You Can Drink Milk - for one dollar. The one item that my food allergies would allow me to eat (and there were several options, this is the one I chose) and was worth every bite was the Ribbon Fries. These tasty morsels were available plain or loaded (think loaded nachos). AMAZING!
Food options are such a big deal at the State Fair that there are maps available just to find your favorite food . There's even a "Fair Food" app for your phone!
Alas, our schedule will not allow us to visit the fair this year, despite its 12-day run, but I am already looking forward to next year's! Anyone visiting Minnesota during the last week of August must attend this event!

Ribbon fries

For more State Fair information, check out www.mnstatefair.org.

The Quirkiness That Is Minnesota

The title could also read "Only in Minnesota," or "Things That Make You Go, HUH?"

Nothing posted here is meant to offend native Minnesotans - these are merely observations of people, events, etc. of the happenings in and around our state.

The first of many to come is this article in the Star-Tribune (Minneapolis newspaper):

Como goes ape over new soap

The St. Paul zoo's star orangutan has lent her name, if not her bathing habits, to a new beauty product.

 http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/101484359.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU