Anybody in Minnesota would tell you the 11 days leading up to Labor Day, are reserved for the "Great Minnesota Get-Together." Not every Minnesotan will attend the fair during this marathon of family, friends, food, and fun, but being one of the largest state fairs in the country, it will attract nearly two million visitors every year.

The event originally started in 1859, one year after Minnesota was granted statehood, to encourage farming throughout the state of Minnesota by showcasing crops, livestock, and various other agricultural exhibits and competitions.

Since 1859, the fair has been held yearly, besides five exceptions including 1861 and 1862 due to the Civil War and Dakota Indian Conflict, 1893 because of scheduling conflicts with the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1945 due to wartime fuel shortages, and in 1946 due to a polio epidemic.

Now, the fair has flourished and grown into a 320-acre, 12 day event, a summer tradition for many Minnesotans, regardless of their connection with agriculture or farming. Currently, one $14 admission ticket will give you access to over 500 foods and approximately 300 rides plus attractions.

New 2017 attractions at the fair include the Great Big Wheel, The Great Minnesota Knit Together, and Eco Experience, among many others linked here. The Great Big Wheel is the tallest traveling Ferris wheel in North America, and with only one $5 ticket, you, too, can enjoy a ride 15 stories high with beautiful views of the State Fairgrounds and the Twin Cities.

The Great Minnesota Knit Together is Minnesota's largest yarnbomb, a form of art displaying crocheted, knitted, and other yarn-crafted creations. Eco Experience will highlight the latest in eco-friendly innovations to create a healthy environment.

Other recurring attractions include the Miracle of Birth Center, which displays live births for spectators, as well as offers up-close experiences with approximately 200 newborn farm animals. The Pet Center will show pet surgeries and show demos of agility training and police canines. Thousands of people will gather at the Grandstand to view different performers such as Sam Hunt and Toby Keith. Midway and Kidway rides also offer a thrill-seeking aspect with many different amusement rides to keep the kids entertained.

Despite all of the exhibits, rides, performers, and competitions, it is no doubt the state fair food in one of the best attractions. Over the 12 days of the state fair, state fair workers will use nearly half a million sticks for pronto pups and corndogs, 145 tons of potatoes to make French fries, 4 million mini donuts, and 2.6 million cheese curds.

Over 1 million cookies are served each day from Sweet Martha's, and approximately 26,000 gallons of milk are served at the All You Can Drink Milk booth throughout the duration of the fair. Additionally if you lined up all the hotdogs end-to-end served over the 12 day fair extravaganza, it would extend to about 35 miles. Minnesotans sure know how to eat.

Make sure to attend the state fair before it ends on Labor Day. I'd advise stopping the calorie counting for the day, especially if you're like me and Sweet Martha's Cookies is the first destination after entering the fairgrounds. Happy eating!