As the summer ends and the school year begins, it can really only mean one thing in Minnesota. The State Fair. The "great Minnesota get-together" is full of different foods, activities, and products to buy. There is something new to try every year, and also the return of our favorite stands as well. It's a place where you can spend an easy twelve hours, taking 26,000 steps and putting on eleven miles, and still question whether you saw everything you wanted. And trust me, you need all of that walking to compensate for the food intake.
The day acceptably starts with a food that you typically would not eat for breakfast. For example, it is always a pork-chop on a stick for my mother. There's just something about knowing what you like and liking what you know that brings you back to that starter stand every year. But there are many stands that do in-fact offer breakfast foods. Juanita's Fajitas has some very tasty-looking breakfast burritos, although I didn't try them.
Nearly every stand offers lemonade, but there is only one stand worth getting it from: the Cheese on a Stick stand at the corner of Judson Avenue and Nelson Street, and again between West Dan Patch and Carnes Avenues. They have the best lemonade at the fair, friendly workers, and not to mention some pretty good cheese on a stick too.
Once you're hydrated by lemonade, it's safe to say you could spend hours walking around the Bazaar or the Grand Stand. There is something to buy or an infomercial at every corner! And as hard as you try not to get sucked in, you will. You might as well just accept it. There's everything from nail designs to the Sham-Wow, to pretzel dips, or wine slushies, to tools, and clothes, or toy cars, or drones. Even pianos and pillows and full-size beds. There are exercise machinery and near-magical weight loss remedies. You can even visit with different college representatives to explore your options when that time comes! You name it, you can probably find it at the State Fair.
The cattle barn is a personal favorite of mine. Aside from being able to adore very well-pampered cows, you get to see the familial aspect that grows among everyone who sits there all day every day. Those who don't have any appreciation for the hard work that goes into farming, you'll learn a thing or two.
There are shows for dogs and competitions for livestock, horses, goats, rabbits and I'm sure more that I don't even know about. Surprising to some, but they're all worth a visit.
Don't forget to make a few quick stops to force the people you're with to take silly pictures with you too!
If you decide you need a little dessert-type snack, take a stroll to The Strawberry Patch on the west side of Liggett Street. A glazed donut with strawberries and whipped cream is a refreshing sweet treat that I definitely enjoyed, so I'm sure everyone else would too! The cheesecake on a stick is quite delicious as well.
There are also more adventurous foods to try, such as SPAM Sushi, alligator on a stick, or SPAM curds, but if you ask me, it's not worth paying so much money for something that you're not sure you'll like. Something like a deep-fried candy bar or fried pickles is adventurous enough for me.
Be sure to answer the question "What is the difference between a corn dog and a pronto pup?" You obviously should try both, and then attempt to find a conclusion. Our result was that a corn dog is sweeter, which after researching is true; pronto pups typically use a flour or batter mix with less sugar, sometimes in an attempt to cater more to adults.
If you can afford it and can get tickets in time, there are always great concerts at the fair (The Dixie Chicks are here this year and I am envious of anyone who was able to get tickets in time). And there is also Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, and G-Eazy.
Whatever length of time you decide to stay, and whatever it is you decide you need to buy, you must end your day with a bucket of Sweet Martha's Cookies for the road. Absolutely delicious and always with what seems like a never-ending line, these cookies are totally worth the wait and the money.
