–Minnesota State Fair Button 2007, quick snapshot after breakfast (notice the little piece of dirt on the middle right edge!), Minneapolis, Minnesota, photo © 2007 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
It’s Minnesota State Fair time! And after over 150 years, it’s a Minnesota tradition. The Minnesota State Fair is the 2nd largest State Fair in the U.S., second only to Texas. However, while the Texas State Fair runs for 24 days and has a larger annual attendance, the Minnesota State Fair is only 12 days with a greater number of people attending each day.
One of the most significant dates in the Fair’s history was September 2nd, 1901 when then-vice president Teddy Roosevelt was visiting and first uttered the famous phrase, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Liz and I are heading to the Fair tomorrow afternoon. If it’s not raining, we’ll take the motorcycle and park in the lot set aside especially for us. Sweet! I don’t like crowds (attendance at the MN State Fair in 2006 was 1,689,579), so the highlight of the Fair for me is the food (what else?).
We are famous for our Fair food on-a-stick. Below is a complete list (from the Minnesota State Fair Press Kit, a great resource for everything Fair). Liz and I wrote down a few we want to try: espresso on-a-stick, hotdish on-a-stick, chocolate-covered nutroll on-a-stick, wild rice corndog on-a-stick, deep-fried fruit on-a-stick, and, let’s not forget, SPAM curds!
We’ve also got a friend working at the Fair this year (thanks for the buttons!). So we’ll be sure to stop by and visit her. And the Minnesota State Fair is a photographer’s paradise. There’s the fantastic people watching, the amazing art in the Fine Arts Building, the Milk Run, and the Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation organized by the Midwest Dairy Association.
Since 1953, the Princess Kay competition has recognized young women whose families are involved in Minnesota’s dairy industry (have I ever mentioned that Liz comes from a North Dakota dairy family?). Regional dairy princesses compete for the yearly title and the entire court have their likenesses carved out of butter during the Fair.
If you’ve never seen a butter sculpture, you are in for a treat! Hope to see you at the The Great Minnesota Get-Together. Or if you can’t attend, tell us about the Fairs in your part of the world!
MN STATE FAIR – FOODS ON-A-STICK
- Alligator Sausage on-a-stick
- Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloin on-a-stick
- Beef Kabobs on-a-stick
- Beer Battered Brats on-a-stick
- Bomb Pops on-a-stick
- Butterscotch Cake on-a-stick
- Candy Apples on-a-stick
- Candy Bars (deep fried) on-a-stick
- Caramel Apples on-a-stick
- Cheese on-a-stick
- Chicken on-a-stick
- Chocolate Chip Cookies on-a-stick
- Chocolate Covered Bananas on-a-stick
- Chocolate Covered Cheese Cake on-a-stick
- Chocolate Dipped Nut Roll on-a-stick
- Coffee (frozen) on-a-stick
- Corndogs on-a-stick
- Corned Beef and Cabbage on-a-stick
- Cotton Candy on-a-stick
- Dessert Dumplings on-a-stick
- Espresso (frozen) on-a-stick
- Fried Fruit on-a-stick
- Fried Jalapeño Pepper Cheese on-a-stick
- Fried Swiss Cheese on-a-stick
- Fudge puppies on-a-stick
- Hot Dish on-a-stick
- Hot Dogs on-a-stick
- Key Lime Pie Dipped in Chocolate (frozen) on-a-stick
- Kiddi Kabobs on-a-stick
- Macaroni & Cheese on-a-stick
- Marshmallows (Chocolate-dipped) on-a-stick
- Meatballs on-a-stick
- MinneKabobs on-a-stick
- Pickles on-a-stick
- Pickles (deep fried) on-a-stick
- Pickles (Kool-Aid) on-a-stick
- Pizza on-a-stick
- Poncho Dogs on-a-stick
- Pork Chops on-a-stick
- Pronto Pups on-a-stick
- Rueben Dog on-a-stick
- Salmon on-a-stick
- Sausage on-a-stick
- Scallops on-a-stick
- Scones on-a-stick
- Scotch Eggs on-a-stick
- Shrimp on-a-stick
- Sloppy Joes on-a-stick
- S’mores on-a-stick
- Spaghetti & Meatballs on-a-stick
- Spudsters on-a-stick
- Super Dog on-a-stick
- Taffy Pops on-a-stick
- Vegetable Kabobs on-a-stick
- Wild Rice Corndog on-a-stick
- Walleye on-a-stick
Total number of foods on-a-stick: 56
NEW MN STATE FAIR FOODS IN 2007
• Apple fries (julienne apples crumb-coated and deep-fried)
@Coaster’s, located on the corner of Liggett Street and Carnes Avenue
• Blackened steak wrap with steak, eggs, potatoes and cheese
@Ragin Cajun, located on the west wall in The Garden
• BLP (bacon, lettuce, pico de gallo) quesadilla
@Tejas, located on the north wall in The Garden
• Buffalo chips and cheese
@Delicious Potato Skins, located inside the south door of the Food Building
• Butterscotch cake on-a-stick (a cream-filled cake dipped in butterscotch)
@Scotch Eggs, located east of the Horse Barn on Liggett Street
• Cajun shrimp wrap with shrimp, eggs, potatoes and cheese
@Ragin Cajun, located on the west wall in The Garden
• Calamari Fish and Chips
@two locations: inside the Food Building on the west side; west of Liggett Street on the northeast corner of the Horse Barn
• Coca-Cola cheesecake dipped in chocolate on-a-stick
@Apple Lil’s, located in Heritage Square
• Corned beef and cabbage on-a-stick
@O’Gara’s, located inside the east door of the Food Building
• Fried fruit on-a-stick (pineapple, grapes, bananas, strawberries, apples, cherries, kiwi, honeydew and cantaloupe skewered, dipped in a sweet batter and deep fried)
@Fried Fruit, located in Carousel Park near the Grandstand Ramp
• Jambalaya with eggs, potatoes and cheese
@Ragin Cajun, located on the west wall in The Garden
• Knuckle sandwich (brined pork with sweet & zesty sauce and caramelized onions on a hoagie bun)
@Famous Dave’s, located north of Adventure Park on West Dan Patch Avenue
• Kool-Aid pickles
@Famous Dave’s, located north of Adventure Park on West Dan Patch Avenue
• Lingonberry turnovers
@Rainbow Ice Cream, three locations: east of Underwood Street and just south of Carnes Avenue under the Skyride; southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street; west of Underwood Street, between Wright Avenue and Dan Patch Avenue
• Old fashioned ice cream sodas
@Bridgeman’s, located on the northwest corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street
• Peanut butter hot dog
@Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, located on the corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street
• Rocky road scones on-a-stick (scones with chocolate chips, caramel and marshmallow, rolled and baked)
@French Meadow, located inside the southeast door of the Food Building
• S’mores on-a-stick
@Ultimate Confections, located inside the east door on the lower level of Grandstand
• Soda fountain funnel cakes (topped with Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, Sasparilla, whipped cream or custard)
@Apple Lil’s, located in Heritage Square
• Sloppy joes on-a-stick
@Axel’s, located on the southeast corner outside the Food Building
• SPAM burger, Hawaiian SPAM burger, SPAM curds
@SPAM Burgers located in Carousel Park under the Grandstand Ramp
• Uffda brat (Norwegian brat wrapped in potato lefse)
@Sausage Sisters, located inside the east door of the Food Building
-posted on red Ravine, Sunday, August 26, 2007
lolol … ‘spam curds!’ eeek!
Looking forward to seeing a princess carved out of butter.
Hmmm… what sounds good…. Scallops on a stick.
corned beef and cabbage on a stick?? gotta try…
key lime pie on a stick. Yay!
Sloppy Joes on a stick; huh? I won’t believe it till I see it.
& whatever a spudster and a walleye are, they sound like they should be on a stick. One of those, each please.
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amuirin, I saw some shots on TV of the Sloppy Joes on-a-stick. Somehow, they came up with an outside crust that holds everything together. The announcer actually said it was great! BTW, each thing on-a-stick has to be submitted for a taste test and some of them are actually rejected!
I bet the corned beef and cabbage is similar. What makes you want to try that one? I bet it’s pretty good.
A spudster, I think, is some kind of potato. And walleye is a fish that’s quite big in Minnesota.
Spam curds, yes! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Spam is made by Hormel Foods (LINK) in a little town in southern Minnesota named Austin. Here’s a beautiful link to their website. You’ve got to see it to believe it!
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[…] the Webmaster MN State Fair On-A-Stick » Sunday, August 26, 2007 MN State Fair On-A-Stick Aug 26th, 2007 by QuoinMonkey [ Minnesota […]
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Nummy.
Even though I have no desire to try the SPAM balls, I will to say I did.
I’m feelin’ pretty lucky right now to live in MN where the fairs are full of fried food, friends, and fun!
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Hey, skyWire, want to go to the Austin SPAM Museum with me sometime? I’ve never been there. And would love to go. I hear they also sell SPAM T-shirts! Got to get me one!
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Hey, let’s plan a road trip. Any other Minnesota metropolitanites want to get out of the big city & head for the hills??? Spam city, here we come…
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I would have a Lingonberry Turnover and an Uffda Brat, and I’d feel thoroughly Minnesotan.
I love state fairs. State fairs were September entertainment when I grew up, something Mom and Dad could afford to take us all to. I love the food, the junk you can buy (especially those leashes and collars that look like they have an invisible weanie dog leading the way), the dairy barns, the petting zoo, Hispanic and Native American village (does MN State Fair have those?), and even the loud, obnoxious midway. I love it all! I take my girls every year.
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What a fun post!!! I love chicken on a stick!! My mom used to make that for me when I was little….
I don’t know about Sloppy Joes on a stick, though…
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Dear God…
Deep fried and Kool-Aid pickles…
and I’m almost afraid to ask what a “Bomb-Pop” is…
I am rather astounded that they figured out how to get macaroni and cheese…and spaghetti and meatballs on a stick but I guess we did place a man on the moon…
When I picture it in my head, all I can see is a bunch of people walking around nawing on sticks…
QM, you and Liz should set up your own booth… pepto-bismol-on-a-stick…you’d no doubt make a killing 🙂
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OMG, that is so funny, Heather. Liz and I are sitting here reading it, cracking up. Thanks for that great sense of humor! PB on-a-stick is compelling. But we are thinking of shortening it to Tums on-a-stick.
Maybe it IS a bunch of people walking around, gnawing on sticks. And tomorrow, we shall be among the stick gnawers! LOL 8)
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ybonesy, when is the NM State Fair? You’ll have to do a post. I don’t know about the villages…Liz and I will have to check it out.
lone beader, did your mom really make chicken on a stick when you were little? The only thing I remember on a stick is a corndog (or pronto pups in some parts of the country).
I’m still laughing at Heather’s comment. 8)
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I think second half of Sept, for two weeks.
Heather’s PB on-a-stick is an excellent idea. You could freeze them in little cubes like Coffee on-a-stick. The pink color will attract a lot of attention. Also, I would like to suggest a few New Mexican dishes: Frito Pie on-a-stick, Enchiladas on-a-stick, and Refried beans on-a-stick. (Bleah.)
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I’m having visions of spaghetti and meatballs on a stick, or even trying to make them, which could be fun and messy, and eating them would keep one occupied for quite a time, unwinding the pasta to get to the skewered meatballs. The whole thing lacks a certain something?
But, hey, the fair could have a fantastic bonfire made of all the sticks left over from all the varied foods. G
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Oh, I’ve always wanted to tour the SPAM museum. It’s in a tour book I have about “treasures off the beaten path.” Count me in!
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Teri, you’re on! Let’s plan a fall road trip with skyWire. SPAM Museum, here we come!
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G., I can’t get my mind around the spaghetti and meatballs either. And today my stomach’s a little queasy, so I’m not even trying! I like the bonfire idea. I wonder how many fire marshalls it would take to pull that off with all those people around!
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mmmm…dilly bars….mmmm
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Wait a second? Where were the dilly bars? Are you being a trickster again?
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one word … wow.
I had to skim through the list. The images and smells I began to imagine became overwhelming.
Fried fruit on-a-stick (pineapple, grapes, bananas, strawberries, apples, cherries, kiwi, honeydew and cantaloupe skewered, dipped in a sweet batter and deep fried)…mmmmmm. I want to see pictures : )
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I’m soooooooo jealous. My folks took me to the MN state fair circa 1960, and I still have some pictures from that trip.
One of the first times I took my wife home to MN I took her to the fair, about 5 years ago, and she loved it.
Here in CA they tore down the old fair site and put up modern (read: sterile) buildings — so to go to a fair like MN’s with all the neat old buildings and the sense of history, plus everything on a stick, was a real kick for her.
As a baker, she got a charge out of the Betty Crocker presentation, too.
I read that recently the homebrewer contests have gotten a lot more entries and attention; I’d enjoy that, too.
We mean to go each year but the logistics always overwhelm us. Some day I’ll be back. My favorite food is the walleye with wild rice.
Yummm!
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I joined the Minnesota State Fair Foundation a few years ago, the group whose sole purpose is to preserve all the beautiful old buildings and maintain the agricultural roots of the Fair. If anyone walked onto the grounds of the MSF and even dreamed of tearing down one of the buildings, they would have a revolution on their hands.
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[…] I feel a bit that way myself when you’re out of sorts. So, get well, my friend. There are things-on-sticks awaiting your […]
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Estrella Luna, photos will follow for sure. I won’t be at the Fair now until Friday. But will surely be looking for all things on-a-stick. It is a little overwhelming, isn’t it? The fruit sounds really good to me.
Teri, cool that you joined the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. I didn’t know there was one. But I’m glad that there are people out there whose mission it is to preserve this history. It’s a valuable part of our community.
Ben, I was hoping you’d weigh in on the MN State Fair! I just knew you’d been to a few here. I didn’t know there was a Betty Crocker presentation. There is so much going on there, how does one decide what to go and see? Maybe you’ll make it back to the Minnesota Fair some day. I bet those 60’s photographs are priceless!
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QuoinMonkey,
When you head to the Fair on Friday, you can go to the J.V. Bailey House on the fairgrounds. It is the beautiful yellow house on Cosgrove Street, and the headquarters of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. It was built in 1912, and for 70 years was the residence of the on-site gardener. If I could have a dream house to live in, it would be exactly this one—full of light, hardwood floors, a gorgeous porch, a fabulous 2nd story….well…you’ll see for yourself.
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Re the photos, one in particular has me riding on my Dad’s shoulders with my hands on his forehead.
You write of going back and re-visiting places we once knew.
As far as that photo goes, I no longer fit.
*smile*
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I want to see photos of the food, the J.V. Bailey House, and the giant mama hog with all the little piglets. (QM, you didn’t mention it, but doesn’t every fair have a giant mama hog?) Do you do rides on the midway, QM?
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Teri, thanks for the tip. We’re heading to the J.V. Baily House. Count on photos, ybonesy. Oh, and I asked Liz about the mama hog – she shook her head in a vigorous, yes! We’ll have to see if we get to the piglets. 8)
I don’t do the rides anymore. They make me green. And having just come off a queasy stomach – no thanks! Liz actually loves the rides. But the closet I get to a ride is Bop The Mole.
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[…] -related to post, MN State Fair On-A-Stick […]
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[…] -related to posts: MN State Fair On-A-Stick […]
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Can anyone send me a picture of a sloppy joes on a stick and how is it made?
Zane
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I don’t have a picture, but I can shed some light on how every conceivable food (nearly) is presented “on a stick.”
Vendors take said food (shall we say, sloppy joes), and drive a stick through them in such a way that the ingredients are held together. Then, the whole mass is coated or rolled in batter, the batter acting as a glue-like substance. Finally, the entire mass is deep-fried. The heat from the deep-frying cements it all together. Definitely not health food.
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Wow. The literary power of this description can be measured by the intensity of worry it creates in my stomach just to consider it!
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Zane, Liz and I researched everywhere to try to find you an image of a sloppy joe on-a-stick but, alas to no avail! The ironic thing is that when we were walking around the Food Building considering what our last Fair meal would be, Liz wanted to head over to get a sloppy joe on-a-stick for a late night snack.
And I said, “Ugh! I sure wanted one earlier. But after being sick last week, my stomach just can’t handle it.” So we never ended up getting a sloppy joe on-a-stick and photographing it. Better luck next year!
What we did find is an article on the KARE 11 site and I’m including the link here:
State Fair: How about sloppy joes on a stick? (LINK)
There’s no photo, but it does say that you could have gotten one at Axel’s Bull Bites booth. And for you on-the-stick fans, Axel’s is the same place that sold Macaroni & Cheese On-A-Stick. And there you have it!
Maybe you can head to Axel’s for a meal and ask him for a photo. What better?!
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Teri, thanks for that mouthwatering rendition of anything on-a-stick! You nailed it. Priceless!
Elizabeth, as Teri mentions, definitely not health food! I think going to the Minnesota State Fair in summer is a lot like preparation for January winters here: you kind of dress in layers and prepare the mind by coating the intestinal lining in vibes of warm thoughts, cold milk, and the idea that it will all be over soon so enjoy it while you can!
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Well, get ready all you Minnesota State Fair lovers! Liz got an early email from Fairchild (MN State Fair gopher) yesterday and, guess what? They released the music acts that are going to play this year. I didn’t see the list yet. But maybe I can get it from Liz and add a link later.
It’s hard to believe, but there are people working all year long to make MN State Fair week a sucess for those few days at the end of summer. I’m going again for sure this year. I loved taking photographs last year. 8)
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Year-round employees? Yes. Do you want to know how many there are, QM? I happen to know. But I see by a comment on another post that you’re quite fond of mystery. Perhaps you’d just like to wonder about it. Forever.
However, if you’re up for a guessing game, here are the rules: if you *can’t* guess it within five people, you owe me a pronto pup at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. A Papa Pup, obviously. Not the small kind. If you *can* guess it within five, I will take you to the secret places only employees can go. Places you can bring your camera. Places wrought with mystery and romance.
No asking Liz for help. I know how she is.
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OH, you took away my Ace in the hole – Lizzie! Hmmm. Let’s see. Well, I’m not good with numbers (hence mystery holds a lot of appeal for me). But I just can’t resist the opportunity to take the camera where no regular josephine has gone before.
Okay, I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess – 125. I have no idea though. It seems high. But then I know there are a lot more year round employees than I would ever imagine. Because the Fair is HUGE in MN.
Am I even close?
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QM, wow! Teri has certainly given you the ultimate in mystery! However, I suspect you will be given that opportunity even if you are not close. Good luck! I’m waiting to hear how you did! D
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diddy, what’s your guess? ybonesy, do you have a guess? Hey, the more the merrier. Of course, I still have my ace in the hole. I haven’t asked her yet. I’m sticking to the rules. 8)
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QM, I’m guessing that you might be close, based on the size of a state fair. The preparation must be massive! My guess would be 175, a bit higher than your guess & I have no clue! It could be even higher than my guess! D
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Dear, dear, QM. I will take my Papa Pronto with ketchup, no mustard. I’m particular to the “pup” stand outside of the Fine Arts building, in case you want to know. The sting of defeat will be easier to take with sensational photographs, impressive oils, and dazzling sculptures to look at instead of me gloating all over the place.
Wait a minute! Have you ever thought about entering your photographs in the competition?
I will reveal the number after your Ace-in-the Hole checks in. That Lizzie. She’ll probably know.
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OHHHH, the agony of defeat! 😦 Yeah, I’ll let Liz guess, too.
Good guess, diddy. Maybe you got closer than I did.
Okay, Teri, I’ll meet you outside the Fine Arts, ready to pay up. I love pronto pups but I call them corn dogs. Is it regional?
In the meantime, will await the answer to the MSF mystery. Oh, I forgot to mention – that’s a good idea, entering my photographs. I’ll ponder.
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Chin-up, QM. You gave it the ole’ college try.
Pronto Pups are the original, real-deal corn dogs that were the first to arrive at the MSF in 1947. It’s the name the family who brought them to the Fair coined. There are some sorry knock-off corn dogs there, too (cheap imitations), but the coating on Pronto Pups is delicious. A secret recipe no one but the owners know. Very mysterious, eh? I wouldn’t go so far as to call the coating romantic, however. I’m trying to appeal to your Cancer sensibilities. Is it working?
I’ve been ticking through your photos in my mind…Fitzgerald Theatre through the rain…a collage of your writers’ hands…so many choices…
Wait! Stop the presses! Perhaps Robert Bly will have a reading between now and then and you can photograph his hands. How can you not get a spot on the wall with a photo with our first Minnesota Poet Laureate?
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Well, there would be a director and an assistant director, the fairgrounds maintenance crew, the education and events people. Media/PR, maybe a graphics artist. (OK, I already looked it up. I’m such a bad liar. I was going to guess something in the ballpark and have it just sound like I was logically arriving at the right number, but to tell the truth, I can’t figure out who else it is they employ, because it’s a pretty high number, much higher than I would have figured. But, I’m not going to spill the beans this time…oh no.)
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OH, YB, cheater cheater, pants on fire. I haven’t looked it up, but I feel I must be under par. Ok, we’ll wait for Lizzie, as she will most likely know the answer, thus allowing QM a chance to retrieve the prize? And yes, QM, you should enter your Photograghs into the competition! I always enjoy the photos during our annual Art’s Fest in Harrisburg! D
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oh, wow, I had no idea about the pronto pups. You are a wealth of information about the MN State Fair, Teri!
ybonesy, you looked it up?! I can’t believe it. And diddy did not look it up but is waiting for the number…
well, we just got home from dinner. And I told Liz to check into red Ravine and hazzard a guess (isn’t that a funny expression?). Am I even spelling hazzard right?
We’ll see when she weighs in!
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Okay, so if I guess correctly do I get to bring a guest along with me on the romantic & mysterious behind-the-scenes tour?
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How’s about 73???
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Oh, BTW, I like your idea for the photos I should enter. I’m going to give that some serious thought. And Robert Bly. Hey, Teri, did you say you were going to see him read sometime soon?
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Drum roll please………….
There are 73 year-round, full-time employees! The Sensational Skywire gets it on the first guess! I will have to go deep into a meditative state to consider transferring the prize to another contestant. One can’t mess with the State Fair spirit guides.
It begins with 73, and grows to hundreds and hundreds. One group that is hired is police officers, and the Fair has been brainstorming for two years how they’ll deal with the Republican National Convention (in St. Paul during Fair Time) needing all the police officers they can get their hands on, too. The GOP also needs the city buses and all the parking lots the Fair uses. What do you think of that?
Yes, I’m a wealth of fun facts about the Fair. Best not to get me started.
Robert Bly: I have not heard about any upcoming engagements, but am keeping my ear to the ground. He is 81, and I don’t want to miss hearing him read his work live. You’d probably be the first person to photograph just his hands, QM.
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Teri the Fun FairChild Fact Fountain! My next question is how many fair employees are there during Fair Time? We can all hardly wait for the great Minnesota get-together.
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I went on Robert Bly’s website, and his only current engagement in Minnesota is at a Men’s Conference in the Fall. That won’t do us any good. He’s on both the Coasts, but that’s not especially handy. I suspect things will start popping up here with his new-found role, though.
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I think there are about 14 zillion employees during the Fair. And they all wear matching t-shirts.
Oh, nice alliteration, skywire. You’re really buttering me up for the Mystery and Romance tour. Noted and enjoyed.
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It’s true — I’m a cheater with a conscience 😉
How did Liz know the answer?? BTW, the website said there were 76 year-round employees. Like I said, it seemed like a lot of people to me, but then I noticed all the on-going events. That’s one busy place!
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Teri, keep me posted if you hear anything about Robert Bly. Yeah, I bet we will start seeing more readings here with his new role as our first Minnesota Poet Laureate. Hey, are we the first state to have a Poet Laureate?
ybonesy, I wonder if they hired a few more employees this year. BTW, Liz has an uncanny ability to pick up on details like that. She always has her antennae pointed up. And she remembers details that I forget if I don’t write them down.
Teri, I hadn’t thought about the Republican National Convention being during MN State Fair week. That seems like really bad timing, I have to say. It’s going to be crazy around here.
Keep us posted on more fun Fair facts as you think of them! Hey, do you know the origins of FairChild? I can probably look it up. But if you already know…. 8)
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QM,
Fairchild is one of the two identical-looking State Fair mascots. He was introduced in the mid-60’s. His nephew, Fairborne, was introduced in the mid-80’s. Beyond those facts, I don’t know why there are two.
Thinking about the name Fairborne, I tried to remember if anyone had every been born at the Fair. There *is* a list of one-and-only happenings that have occurred at the Fair. My old boss has the status of having the only baby ever baptized at the Fair. You guessed it, both she and her husband work there.
I hate to admit it, but some people get a bit carried away.
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Teri, I didn’t know there were two State Fair mascots – Fairchild and Fairborne. How do you tell them apart if they are identical? Wow, they had their baby baptized at the Fair? Now that’s a serious Fair Fan!
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I return to the Fair in two weeks for my six-month stint. I know just who to ask about Fairchild and Fairborne. To be continued…
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hey teri-fairchild… does it count that a month or so ago you happened to be talking “fair” & I stored the info you shared on year-round employees in my ‘interesting tidbit file’? that’s how I came up with such a good guess …
looking forward to the fair with or without a special tour!
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Yes, skywire, the very reason you were excluded from the “QuoinMonkey Challenge” is that I know you have a mind like a steel trap. It occurs to me that you’ll have to answer another question, like in a game show when the winner has a nerve-wracking round alone near the end of the program. The chance for the really big prize (like a matching washer and dryer) will hang in the balance. You’ll be taken off to a different area of the stage with strobish lights and lots of noise from the studio audience.
Are you in, skywire? Can you take the heat?
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8) 8) 8) I’m waiting to hear what skywire is going to say! And can’t wait to hear what you find out about the Fairchild, Fairborne boys when you start back at the Fair!
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I’ve been pondering your offer… I am wondering if there is an actual washer & dryer involved… I wonder if there is something to study or if I will just have to be at the mercy of the fates… But, I will take your challenge because the opportunities are too rich to pass up.
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Teri, I think you should do something eventful, personally speaking, on the fairgrounds. Like having a birthday party there. Something not so big as baptising a child or getting married, but more than eating lunch. What can it be?? A first of some sort. Ideas??
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Ms. Skywire,
Way to step up to the plate. You’re fearless, I say! Fearless!
Here’s your question:
Four times in State Fair history there was an exhibition in the Grandstand of an explosive nature. What, my dear, was happening that drew thousands and thousands of spectators?
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ybonesy, I like your idea of Teri having an event or even doing a FIRST at the MN State Fair. But, yes, something simple. I’m pondering that one. Whatever she decides, maybe skyWire can show up and video tape it (and I could photograph). What can it be? What other first?
Oh, skyWire, tough Fair question. And (drumroll) will you be able to answer it! Stay tuned.
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I can feel skywire’s investigative skill vibes from hundreds of miles away. The wheels turning in her brain are nearly knocking the world off its axis. Easy, skywire, easy!
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Teri, so what are the rules? Does skyWire get to research the question? Or is she supposed to pull from everything she has already read, heard, seen, about the MN State Fair?I’m unclear about the rules of engagement. But skyWire loves laundry. So I know she’s taking her time, pondering the possibility of that new washer and dryer. 8)
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My head feels like exhibiting an explosive nature from this question, Teri. I have some lame guesses but who knows??? This is tough.
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Geez…I sort of feel like the professor who gives test questions she never lectured on. But it’s a beautiful Harvest Gold set, skywire, straight from the 70’s. It’s the carrot, sister. Keep your eye on the prize.
The rules, QM? skywire is not allowed to contact the State Fair for the answer. Anyone or any other resource is fair game.
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Hey Teri Fairchild!
My best guess is they hosted Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show; that would have been pretty explosive.
I will take the rustic red if they have it!
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skyWire, finally, a guess! I’m so excited. And can’t wait to ask you how you arrived at Buffalo Bill. Lizzie Loves Laundry. Rustic Red Rocks. 8)
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skywire,
Oh, so close. So very close. Your guess reminds me of the old, Wild West days. Kinda like the real answer.
There were four years that there were staged locomotive collisions at the Grandstand: 1920, 1921, 1933, 1934. They would put two trains on a track opposing each other, fire them up, and let them rip. Ker-bang! One account said they were going 90 m.p.h when they collided. I didn’t know things could go that fast back then.
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Oh, skyWire! So close!
Teri, staged locomotive collisions. That is wild, isn’t it? It sounds like the old version of the modern Monster Cars that run each other to death. Or Evel Knievel jumping the Grand Canyon. I guess humans have always been thrill seekers. I thought it was a modern construct. 8)
Hey, does skyWire get a consolation question? Maybe a consolation prize? I bet she’s bummed about the Rustic Red Washer and Dryer. ;-(
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A consolation prize…yes, I had thought of that, too. skywire did pour her heart and soul into the final round.
When I was at the State Fair today I saw a little something. Nothing like the washer/dryer set. In fact, a mere crumb by comparison.
I’ll have it tomorrow night at the Poetry and Meditation group. A little Maya Angelou on a Friday night will hopefully be a healing balm.
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The Fair is beginning to announce the new items on a stick. There is one so gross I can hardly bear to report it. A wad of bacon, covered in chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt. It’s called a Pig Licker. I feel like throwing just up thinking about it.
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Teri, oh dear. The Pig Licker is not one that’s going to be on my list this year. Although I have to say, there is something appealing about the salt, sugar, salt thing. That old yin and yang food cycle like Sweet & Sour Shrimp. Hmmmm. Well, maybe I’ll try it. We’ll see! 8)
Do vendors have to submit their Food-On-A-Stick ideas and then have them approved? How does that work? Does it have to taste good to get approved?
It sure would be cool to see a locomotive collision again (Comment #72). Maybe they should bring that back on the 200th anniversary of the Minnesota State Fair!
BTW, Liz is still reeling from losing that contest, though I thought Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show was a great guess.
Do you have another trivia question for Liz and our readers to get the old history brain working again? Would be fun to go another round for the new Rustic Red washer and dryer. 8)
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I didn’t know Liz had taken the loss so hard. Yes, I’ll have to think of another trivia question. Something to take her mind off that silly locomotive collision thing.
It is very competitive to get a booth at the Fair. People know there are vendors who can make enough during those 12 days to live on for the entire year, so…
To be considered for a booth you have to have a unique idea, something that isn’t already being done at the Fair. It has to be marketable to a wide audience. And, you have to have had experience serving huge crowds of people. Once someone can answer “yes” to all of the above, then a presentation/demonstration has to be made to the Sales Department.
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That’s amazing — thinking about making enough in 12 days to live for an entire year. Quite lucrative. And sounds like very competitive.
Ah, I was teasing Liz about the trivia question yesterday. We were chuckling about it. 8) But if you do think of another one, it’s kind of fun for the readers, too. And ybonesy and I always like a good contest.
Hey, Teri, did you ever tour the SPAM Museum in Austin, MN (Comment #14)? I heard they got hit by the floods this year in Austin. I never made it down to the museum last year. Someday I’d still like to see it. 8)
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QM,
I didn’t get to the SPAM museum. Not yet, that is. I know SPAM sales are way up as grocery prices climb. Every once in a while I hold a can of SPAM in my hand in the grocery store, considering. Something tells me it would need to be disguised in scrambled eggs or a cheesy hotdish.
I have the next trivia question, so stayed tuned. I have to think of a prize Liz will work toward.
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Teri, I haven’t even given SPAM a thought at the grocery store. I didn’t know it was making a comeback. Some people do love it. I can see it in a cheesy hotdish (that’s so Minnesota). 8)
I read your comment to Liz and she’s totally excited for the new MN State Fair Trivia Challenge – Round 2. She says, “Bring it on!” We’ll look forward to it whenever you are ready.
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Okay, Ms. Lizzie (and all you Fair enthusiasts), are you ready?
The cattle barn is, of course, an enormous structure on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. What isn’t known to the average citizen, is that there is an equally huge basement underneath it. What undairy-like activity was the basement used for during the 1940’s?
In keeping with the theme of cows, Liz (and knowing you come from a long line of people in the creamery business), your prize for the right answer will be a delicious, creamy treat during the Minnesota State Fair in the dairy building–a shake, a sundae, a cone, a glass of milk.
Knock yourself out.
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Teri, great question! The prize is perfect — Liz sure does have the creamery in her blood. She loves her dairy. I’ll alert her to the new trivia. Hmmm. I’m going to think about it, too. 8)
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Okay… I have to just guess at this one because first of all, who knew there was a basement. And second of all, who knows what kind of shenanigans might be taking place there.
So, my best guess is based on the probable needs of the country at the time to assist in war-time activities. I am guessing they produced some kind of munitions. That would be pretty undairy-like as well.
Thanks for the stumper of a question, Teri 😉
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Good guess, skyWire. I was going to guess something to do with prohibition and the making of moonshine. But I think I’ve got the wrong time period. I think you’re in the ballpark. We’ll see what Teri says!
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LIZ!!!!! YOU’RE A WINNER!!!!
I’m shaking with excitement over here, barely able to type.
During WW II, propellors for fighter planes were being made in the basement of the cattle barn.
I think it was that dairy-in-your-genes that was working on your behalf. Get ready for some ice cream, sister!
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WOOT WOOT WOOT!!!
I am shaking too cuz I just won a shake from the One-And-Only MN State Fair Quiz Master!!!
Thanks Teri 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Liz, you are way too good for me. I never would have guessed that. And, Teri, wanted to let you know, Liz did NO RESEARCH to answer that question. It just came to her from the Dairy Ghosts of North Dakota. 8)
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Just bask in the glow of the win, Dear. I don’t think anyone else in Minnesota (or maybe even America) would have produced the right answer.
Wait! The Dairy Ghosts of North Dakota just sent me a message. They said to tell you they are always with you. Guiding. Inspiring.
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To all potential MN State Fair Go-ers… here is an early press release on new food items:
“6/24/2008 8:16:48 AM
Associated Press
ST. PAUL Wondering what’s on the menu at this year’s Minnesota State Fair?
Food officials are introducing Pig Lickers, Pickle Pops and Big Fat Bacon.
There was some hesitation about allowing something called Pig Lickers to be sold at the fair. But Charlie Torgerson, who co-owns several Famous Dave’s Franchises, says the chocolate-covered bacon decorated with some sea salt is the best meat out there.
If you want the bacon but not the chocolate, you might try the Big Fat Bacon. It’s one-third pound of bacon, fried and caramelized with maple syrup. It’s served on a stick.
And a Pickle Pop? It’s simply pickle juice frozen in a push-up sleeve. Fair vendor Preferred Pickle came up with the idea after years of serving deep-fried pickles on a stick.
The Minnesota State Fair runs August 21 to September 1. “
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Oh, man, a Pickle Pop sounds awesome! I LOVE Otter Pops; we fight over the last ones. In fact, maybe I should recycle the Otter Pop sleeves with pickle juice and make my own!!! Thanks, skywire, for the idea.
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ybonesy, are you REALLY going to do that, make a Pickle Pop?! I have to admit, I want to try one just to say I’ve tried one. I’ve never had an Otter Pop. What IS an Otter Pop?
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Here are some Otter Pop links:
Otter Pop branding (LINK)
Otter Pop push-up pops (LINK)
Otter Pop on Wikipedia (LINK)
Oh, and I found an Otter Pop recipe for Bacardi and Rum (LINK), but pickle juice does sound better. I’ll truly make it. The girls are already intrigued. First we need to buy another round of pops since we ransacked our last purchase.
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ybonesy, thanks for these great links. Those Otter Pops are SO CUTE. I don’t know if we have them here in MN. Or at least in the grocery store I was in last night. I looked for them and didn’t see them.
I may have to come to New Mexico to have an Otter Pop. What a great excuse! Can’t wait to hear how your Pickle Pops go. And especially with the recycled Otter Pop sleeves. Keep us posted!
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I work at the state fair and I am wondering if any of you have heard of any ghost stories about the fair. I have heard of a couple of them, but I figure that over the years, and the war, that there could be more.
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Luther, great question. We were just talking about ghosts in Savannah when we were visiting last week — it’s a town full of ghosts and ghost stories. I’ll have to ask our red Ravine resident Fair expert Teri B. about the ghosts. Maybe she’ll have some leads or know where you can find out.
I do know just yesterday she sent Liz and I a snippet of history of when the Northwestern Casket Company (in the building where we now have our art studio) had an exhibit at the MN State Fair. Expect an upcoming post on that one!
I’ll let Teri know you asked and see what I can find out. In the meantime, you’ve alerted me to the fact that I need to do my annual MN State Fair post. I’d better get rocking on that. Liz and I will be attending this year and it’s coming up fast!
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Luther,
I have not heard any ghost stories from the Fair, and now that you bring it up, I’m surprised I haven’t. I work at the Fair, too, and one of my jobs this year is to document stories of people who have stayed in the campgrounds for years, sometimes decades. Who knows what I’ll hear!
QM,
Can you believe the Casket Company used to have a booth at the Fair? Did people actually buy their coffins in-between the Ferris Wheel and corn-on-the-cob?
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Well, if someone were to ride the Sky Coaster (LINK), which I did at the NM State Fair one year, they might be compelled to then go look into caskets.
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LOL. ybonesy, I won’t be one of the crazies riding the Sky Coaster. My stomach won’t take it (for people with Cancer as an astrological sign, the stomach is a weak spot).
Teri, I was blown away by the little snippet and photo of the Casket Company booth at the MN State Fair. When I started to look at the details, it made perfect sense though. Thanks for the cool tip! Let us know of any ghost stories from the longtimers at the campgrounds. 8)
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[…] Or for little known Minnesota State Fair trivia, visit the comment section of last year’s MN State Fair On-A-Stick where our friend Teri (who works at the Fair) knocks our socks off with her bounty of State Fair […]
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OK, I’ve got some other trivia for you. Can anyone confirm the “rumor” that there are actually some graves on the fairgrounds, and if so, are they marked?
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Luther, you’re back with another “ghostly” question! (I remember you from #94 – 96) 8)
I seem to recall reading somewhere in my research about some graves. But I don’t remember where now. Doesn’t it make sense though, that there may be graves on the MN State Fair Grounds, considering it used to be the Ramsey County Poor Farm?
Teri, I know you’re swamped right now, but do you have any insights into Luther’s new question (#100)? Love to hear anything you know.
BTW, Congrats, Luther, on being the 100th Comment on this post!
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Tomorrow we begin training our new employees at the campground for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. I’m going to ask them a few fun trivia questions for door prizes. Wanna try your hand at one?
1. The main entrance at the Fair is called Dan Patch Avenue. Who or what was Dan Patch?
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Teri, I have no idea who Dan Patch is. But I want to guess he’s a jockey or a horse (?). Don’t know why. Just sounds like it. I’ll have to ask Liz what she thinks. I don’t think she’s seen this yet. She called earlier to talk about the tornado in downtown Minneapolis. All is well where she works. I’ll see what she guesses about Dan Patch. 8)
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In the “getting hotter/getting colder” game, you are hot, QuoinMonkey. Totally hot.
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Teri, I asked Liz last night if she knew who Dan Patch was — Nope, no idea. That’s my best guess! So we’ll wait to hear what your answer is.
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Dan Patch was a famous race horse. He set impressive records at the Grandstand racetrack back in the early 1900’s.
Good instincts, QM!
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[…] kicks off this week and it’s time for our annual State Fair post on red Ravine. We’ve covered a lot of history in the past, so this year I’m focusing on one of my favorite attractions at the Minnesota State Fair […]
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