FAIR TIMES

Throughout the country, August and September mean one thing - fair season!  County Fairs, City Fairs, State Fairs, Irish Fairs, Renaissance Fairs, and many others.  At this time of year you are certain to find at least one fair that celebrates your interests and hobbies.  Here in Minnesota the last week of August can only mean The Great Minnesota State Fair, which has been going on for over 150 years.

Just a girl taking her cow for a walk.

Time to sheer the sheep.

Fire on Water.

Minnesota "Hotdish" on a stick!

The Minnesota State Fair was first held in downtown Minneapolis in 1859 (the year after Minnesota was granted statehood).  Over the years the location of the fair would bounce around from place to place, before coming to rest at its current location on over 300 acres of land midway between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Bees making honey.

The many different flowers determine the color of the honey.

MMMMM, Bacon!!!

According to the State Fair’s website, there have only been five years when the fair didn’t take place: 1861 and 1862 due to the Civil War and the Dakota Indian Conflict, 1893 because of scheduling conflicts with the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1945 due to war-time fuel shortages, and 1946 due to a polio epidemic.

Cheese Curds are a required entree at the fair.

Minnesota is becoming known for its craft beers.

The Dairy Princesses all have their bust carved in butter as they via . . .

. . . for the title of Princess Kay Of The Milkyway!

Naturally I found the Unicorn.

This year the lobster roll was my favorite food item at the fair.

For many, the State Fair is a “must attend” event of the summer, and the only place where you can find hundreds of food items “on a stick.”  It’s an experience like none other, and if you have the chance, I highly recommend that you check it out.  This year’s fair runs through Labor Day, September 1.

***Do you like to attend Fairs?  Leave me a message below and tell me        about your favorites.