Thursday, August 23, 2012

Weekend Happenings: The Great Minnesota Get Together

Minnesota State Fair
MN State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108
August 23 to Sept 3, 2012
6:00 am to 12:00 am daily
Cost:  $9/$12 daily admission

         
       

The first "Great Minnesota Get-Together" took place in 1855. Since that time, the Minnesota State Fair has firmly established its place as one of the biggest events of the year. For 12 days, crowds will descend onto the fairgrounds to take in an insane amount of sights and activities. Looking to buy a tractor, jewelry, a pet hermit crab, and some homemade fudge all in one spot? Look no further. There will also be animals big and small, from bumblebees to horses. There will be creative showcases including arts and crafts, butter sculptures, seed art, and the local-artist exhibition. There will be jars of pickles on display. The mighty Midway will once again invite thrill seekers to spin, drop, and fly on the carnival rides, while the Kidway will entertain families with low-scare adventures. Big acts at the Grandstand include Demi Lovato, Rascal Flatts, Bonnie Raitt, and Wiz Khalifa (not all on the same night, obviously). Or take in one of the excellent free shows at one of the open stages, as Wanda Jackson, Dawes, Wilson Phillips, and Bettye LaVette are all scheduled to perform. Food, be it fried or on a stick (or both!), is the biggest draw of the fair, of course. While cheese curds should always be on the list, part of the fun is trying something you've never had before. New treats this year include bacon ice cream, beef-tongue tacos, lamb chop on a stick, cranberry wantons, sushi, poutine, red velvet funnel cake, and something called "Ragin' Ankles."

This weekend at the Grandstand:  Alan Jackson (Fri., Aug 24), Blake Shelton (Sat., Aug 25), and Anita Baker (Sun., Aug 26).

Source:  Jessica Armbruster

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