Minnesota State Fair

For the 152nd time since 1859, a deluge of Minnesotans dressed in brotanks and fanny packs has flooded St. Paul for the latest installment of the Great Minnesota Get Together. Even as you read this sentence, from Albert Lea to Roseau, and all points in between, citizens of the 32nd state in the Union are making the pilgrimage to our capital city for the chance to see beauty queens carved from huge butter blocks while double-fisting a couple of pronto pups and washing them down with an entire bucket full of cookies. The Pioneer Press ...

The annual Great Minnesota Get Together is still a few weeks away, so you still have time to set aside calories in preparation for the 'Smorgasbord in St. Paul' that is the Minnesota State Fair. It has been announced there will be more than 50 new foods available to fair-goers this year. Overall, that means 500+ food choices at this year's Fair. Here are a few of the spanking new delicacies on which Minnesotans may soon choose...

Some Minnesotans might be surprised to hear that we're at the brink of a major political storm. A slow stream of articles have touched on some of the races sprouting from the August primaries, but a full-scale clash (annoying TV ads, smear campaigns, debates, etc.) between the parties is still on hold. The building pressure will likely result in short but sharply negative contests. One of the major reasons...

Though I've kept you updated on the State Fair improvements and price changes, I have a confession to make: I am not a fan of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate it. I've been a few times before and I manage to find some enjoyment. I like the rides and I love...

Lovers of the Great Minnesota Get-Together will be paying higher prices for a day at the fair this year. But not too worry, the increases aren't likely to break the bank. Regular admission will be raised $1 for adults, meaning you'll be paying $13 at the gate. Children's and seniors' tickets are also up $1 to $11 for admission. This is the first admission increase in the last four years. Admission tickets purchased before the fair will also go up $1. These tickets are available through Aug....

Our beloved State Fair will look a little different when we are reunited once again in a little more than a month. On Thursday, fair officials released the new makeover, which includes a new transit hub as well as the nearby West End Marketplace. The makeover was a $15 million project that expanded the fair by 22 acres.

"It is the biggest...

The Great Minnesota Get Together is just two short months away, meaning we are all just two months away from fun in the sun and of course, food. There will be an even greater variety to choose from this summer -- the Minnesota State Fair has announced 28 new foods. In true State Fair fashion, the foods range from interesting twists on well-known items to some of the crazier options. Some highlights below:

Beer Gelato

 Two American favorites: Ice cold beer and ice cream (well, gelato is close enough). Why not put them together? The gelato is made on site and blended with local craft beers. Find this one at ...

Arguably the best beer festival in the state in terms of beverage, music and miscellaneous factors, the 6th annual St. Paul Summer Beer Fest should not be turned down lightly. With the official list of breweries just released, if you haven't made plans... it's time! I won't go into all the embarrassing details about my past few years at the Fest, but in short: I had a great time. The afternoon long party simply sells itself; attendees always return every June (perhaps with a few more friends in...

Who's ready to start horsin' around? Later this month at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds there's going to be all kinds of trotting and neighing as the 2014 Minnesota Horse Expo gets underway. Like so many of these events, it will only be truly experienced if one actually shows up and participates; this article can lead a horse to water but it can't make it drink. Without putting the cart before the horse, I should mention that upon entering not only will you have free rein to see hundreds of horses, dozens of breeds and almost a thousand information booths,...