I happen to live in the same county as the MN State Fair, but It still feels like a mini get-away. Growing up the MN State Fair was a family tradition. Each year we would sleepily pile in the car before the sun rose and travel to the fair. We were always one of the first cars in the parking lot. My family started the day with cinnamon rolls from the Food Building. That was back in the day when it was a popular attraction and the rolls were tender with a generous amount of frosting. I looked forward to one every year but I prefer CinnieSmiths now. Throughout the day we would share cheese curds, Fresh French Fries, fresh squeezed lemonade, and something a little healthier to balance out the fried food. My sister and I were each given 10 dollars to spend on rocks at the Coliseum. I remember the vendors being very patient with my indecisiveness. We also made at least one trip down the giant slide each year. As we were leaving the fair one year, a couple stopped us and gave us the gigantic stuffed animals they won at the Midway. I was stunned by their generosity and skill. I had only managed to win a goldfish at the Midway. The tradition stopped once my sister and I left the nest, and it was many years before I picked it up again.

Several years ago I found myself a little preoccupied with understanding the appeal and why I am so nostalgic about it each year. My new fair traditions are very different from when I was little, yet I get excited about each new State Fair reveal throughout the year. The fair seems to be known for large crowds and fried food on a stick. Other than French fries, I am not a fan of fried food and I generally avoid large crowds. I am the type of person who gets all my Christmas mall shopping done before Thanksgiving. I have come to the conclusion that the MN State Fair is kind of like a non-denominational holiday where country and city meet up to celebrate each other and what MN has to offer. A ton of political, social justice, and environmental issues are represented at the fair, but everyone gets along. It seems like a time when we are genuinely curious about new points of view. Standing in line to see crop art or waiting for a malt at the Dairy Building is a bonding experience. Traditions and trends, young and old, conservative and liberal peacefully share 322 acres and 12 days.

Each year I aim for a blend of fair experiences. My traditions include walleye cakes from Giggles’ Campfire Grill, Sweet Dream peaches from the Produce Exchange and Mini-Doughnut Beer from Lift Bridge as well as seeing Crop Art and the Fine Arts Exhibit. Tried and true experiences include honey tasting at the Agriculture Building, watching fish at the DNR pond, learning something new at the Eco Experience, and wine tasting at MN Wine Country. This year I went one day with a friend and another day with my husband so I was able to sample a lot of things. New experiences this year included seeing Sean Sherman (The Sioux Chef) present. I tried Blueberry Key Lime Pie from the Farmers Union Coffee Shop (a hit) and the chicken wild rice burrito from Tejas (would get again). I don’t think there is a universal “must eat” or “must see.” Trying what sounds good and making it your own experience is part of the broad appeal.

The fair becomes more environmentally friendly and inclusive each year. There are now several water stations with filtered water where you can refill a bottle. A meditation tent is available for people who want to maintain their prayer schedule at the fair. ASL interpreters are available and there are charging stations for wheelchair batteries.

A little bit of planning and a go with the flow attitude makes a great day at the fair. You can find just about anything you might need there, but I like to bring the following items.

If DNA doesn’t prove I am my mother’s daughter, this list does:

Water Bottle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

Spork (Isn’t metal cutlery better than plastic?)

Bamboo straw (Help save the earth and the sea turtles)

Sunglasses (A lot to look up at, but watch your feet near the barns)

Sunscreen (If you forget, you can find some at an information booth)

Chapstick (Lips need protection too)

Dental Floss (Especially nice if you plan to nosh on elote or roasted corn)

Nylon Tote (Earth friendly way to bring home First Kiss apples and Sweet Dream peaches)

Cash (Why waste precious time waiting in line at the ATM?)