Issue: 60 | August 1, 2023 |
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Cheers! 65 New Specialty Sips Announced Today!
Vacation Mullet, Rhubarb Shandy, Superior Shiver Cold IPA, Kirby Pucker Lemon Blueberry, Razzmanian Devil, PB&J Hard Honey, Strawberry Short Cake’d Up, Butter Together, Birramisu, Nah Blonde, State Fair Amber Ale, The Funnel Never End – and this list doesn’t end either! These are just some of the 65 brand-new brews and specialty beverages premiering or found only at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. They’ll be joined by 39 returning beverages found only at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. In all, the fair features 300+ brews and beverages!
(Photo: Andy Berndt)
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Free Shipping on FairWear – This Week Only!
Want to get outfitted for your day at the fair? Need a gift for the fair fan on your list? Anxious to shop NOW? StateFairWear.com is offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more through Aug. 7 only – just use the code SHIP25 at check out. Choose from tons of new styles and designs on T-shirts, sweatshirts, kids clothing, hats, crossbody bags, drinkware, novelties and more! Offer is good on sale items too! Shop now!
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For just $5, get 100 of the fair’s best deals in the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, sponsored by the Minnesota Lottery. Coupons are worth at least 30 percent off a vast variety of things to eat, drink, buy and do and are valid all 12 days of the fair. Use just one or two coupons and you’ve covered the cost of the book!
Here’s a sampling of some of the deals:
- $9 off one $30 Fun Card with 33 ride & game tickets for Mighty Midway and/or Kidway
- $3 off one Official 2023 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art Poster wherever posters are sold at the fair (regularly $10); the poster features work by crop artist Liz Schreiber
- $2 off one sno cone (regularly $5) at Sweets & Treats
- $3.50 off one bean & beef burrito (regularly $11.50) at El Sol Mexican Foods
- $3 off one wild rice cheeseburger (regularly $10) at Wild Rice Specialties
- $4 off one smoked pulled chicken sandwich (regularly $11) at RC's BBQ
- $6 off any one medium-size candle (regularly $20) at Spiral Light Candles
- $24 for one select cast aluminum BUNDT® pan (regularly $35) at Nordic Ware
Books are also available for $5 at the fair at State FairWear Gift Shops and State Fair Blue Ribbon Bargain Book and State Fair Poster Carts. Books purchased at the fair support the mission of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
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Four Artists Debut in 2023 Joyful World Mural Park |
Imagination and joy come to life as four local artists paint large-scale artworks that reflect the world they want to live in. Throughout the fair’s 12 days, four artists will be on-site creating their murals on a rotating basis in the park east of the Grandstand Ramp and south of the Grandstand.
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Philipo Dyauli is a self-taught painter who explores issues of identity and multiculturalism while reflecting on his life in East Africa and the United States. He has completed mural commissions in the Northeast Arts District, Creative Enterprise Zone and on Lake Street.
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Mia Vue Jennings currently focuses on digital art, murals and street art. She often draws inspiration from her community, her Hmong heritage, spirituality, and integral parts of the human experience. Mia won a Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Gold Medal and illustrates for Minnesota Public Radio.
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Jordan M. Hamilton is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work bridges spirit aspirations and connections to earthly transformations and expressions. He has worked as a teaching artist since 2007 and is a founding member of the Power of Vision mural project and creator of Ancestral Aspects Adornment.
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Juliette Perine Meyers is a painter, muralist and mosaic artist who often incorporates her Chinese heritage or queer identity into her artwork. She likes to use symbols and motifs in the form of cultural mythology and native flora and fauna. Juliette has worked with mosaic artist Lori Greene, and she helped form the activist-based mural collective Creatives After Curfew.
While you catch the four murals in progress, meander through a display of the 16 murals that were created at the 2021 and 2022 fairs. Joyful World Mural Park is produced in partnership with Forecast Public Art and supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
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Photo: Kaylen Larson, Street Factory Media |
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Now Is the Time to Save on Tickets and Rides & Games |
Buy pre-fair discount admission tickets and SAVE up to $3 each. Tickets are good for any one day of the 2023 fair! Plus, Mighty Midway & Kidway advance discount Fun Cards are preloaded with 25 ride & game tickets for $20, a savings of up to $5. (Quick tip: These make great gifts for anyone with something to celebrate this summer. We even have a printable greeting card to accompany your gift!)
Get your pre-fair discounts:
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Online through Aug. 23. Print-at-home/mobile option available with no additional fees! (If you’d like your tickets mailed to you, please allow two weeks for processing and delivery. Print-at-home/mobile option is not available for Fun Cards.)
- By phone through Aug. 23. Call Etix at 1-800-514-3849. Choose the print-at-home/mobile option to save on handling fees. (If you’d like your tickets mailed to you, please allow two weeks for processing and delivery. Print-at-home/mobile option is not available for Fun Cards.)
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At the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office through Aug. 23
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In the Twin Cities, at the customer service centers of participating Cub stores through Aug. 23 (while supplies last)
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Many locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., through Aug. 23 (while supplies last)
New in 2023! Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway is Aug. 28! For fair guests who would like to experience the fun of rides & games at Mighty Midway & Kidway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, on Monday, Aug. 28, at Kidway from 9 to 11 a.m. and at Mighty Midway from 10 a.m. to noon, lights, sounds and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized.
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Visiting the Animals at the Fair? Know Your Barn Hours! |
Some barns will close early for the safety of guests, animals and exhibitors on select days when animals are leaving the fair and we are preparing for the arrival of new animals. We recommend visiting the livestock area early in the day, especially on Aug. 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 4. In addition, please note that, due to the large number of horses and exhibitors participating in competitions, the Horse Barn will close early Aug. 24-28 and be closed all day on Aug. 29.
(Photo: Andy Berndt)
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Get Free Admission to the Fair When You Volunteer! |
Volunteers are critical to the Great Minnesota Get-Together! These essential folks are what make many of our exhibits memorable and engaging. Can you pitch in? Absolutely! No expertise required - just a willingness to help your fellow fair fans make the most of their day! Most shifts are two to three hours, and we'll show you what to do. Each volunteer receives a FREE admission ticket to the fair!
Here are some of the great opportunities available:
Alphabet Forest: At this favorite destination for families and children, help with photo opportunities, alphabet games and easy crafts.
The Common Table: Minnesota Eats: Introducing Minnesotans to the idea of local, sustainable food, this uniquely designed destination in the Agriculture Horticulture Building needs volunteers to help visitors try the interactive exhibits.
EquiMania!TM: At this award-winning exhibit in the Horse Barn, visitors take photos on a model horse, wrap a model horse’s leg and try a variety of easy activities to learn more about horses. Equine knowledge is not required. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt.
Kemps Little Farm Hands: Designed for kids ages 3-10, this pint-size mock farm experience lets the little ones plant seeds and feed pretend animals as they learn where their food comes from. Volunteers help them along the way. Free T-shirt too!
Math On-A-Stick: This exhibit is a welcoming space where kids and grown-ups can explore fun math concepts. Volunteers help visitors sort, count, arrange and match with reptile-shaped tiles, colored eggs and more.
Sign up solo or with friends, family, co-workers or members of a group you're a part of! Thanks for pitching in to make this Great Minnesota Get-Together even greater!
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Bingo is back! Blue Ribbon Bingo takes place all 12 days of the fair, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with games starting on the hour in Ramberg Center. Get your daubers ready for some fair fun and support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
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Proud sponsor of Ramberg Center |
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Fun Fair Jobs Make Fair Fun Possible!
We’re looking for lots of fun people! If you or someone you know is interested in working at the fair, this is the perfect chance to earn some extra cash in just 12 days!
Stop by the Employment Center! If you’re interested in working for the fair, you can save some time in the process by registering online before coming to the Employment Center to be screened for a possible referral to a current opening. If you are unable to register online, you can register at the Employment Center when you visit us.
We look forward to having you join our team!
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Find the Best Spots to Snap a Photo
We’ve picked five iconic fairgrounds spots and marked them with a Selfie Spot badge on the ground. Stand on the badges to snap fabulous State Fair photo memories. Check out the Selfie Spots map or stop at an information booth for exact locations. No matter where you snap your photo, make sure you share them with #mnstatefair!
Selfie Spots are sponsored by AARP. Stop by their booth for fun activities and giveaways – they’re located on the east side of Cooper Street, outside the J.V. Bailey House.
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Proud sponsor of Selfie Spots |
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Grandstand Concert Series Tickets Are Selling Fast! |
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Thursday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
$159, $101, $91 & $69 (all seats reserved)
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Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
$77, $97, $107, $197 (all seats reserved)
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Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.
$87, $77 & $52 (GA pit and reserved seating)
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Sunday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.
$34, $41, $51 (all seats reserved)
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Monday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
$33 (all seats reserved)
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Tuesday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
$79, $99, $109, $199 (all seats reserved)
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Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m.
$29, $39, $49, $64 (GA pit and reserved seating)
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Thursday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m.
$77, $97, $107, $197 (all seats reserved)
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Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.
$207, $127, $97 & $77 (all reserved seating)
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Saturday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.
$37 & $27 (all reserved seating)
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Sunday, Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Free – no ticket required
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Monday, Sept. 4, 3 p.m.
$16 (all reserved seating)
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Learn More About This Year’s Fascinating Commemorative Art |
The 2023 Minnesota State Fair Official Commemorative Art was unveiled at the State Fairgrounds on June 8 by Minneapolis crop artist Liz Schreiber. Her richly detailed mosaic of iconic State Fair imagery is made entirely from seeds, a labor of love she says took her 300 hours to create.
Most seeds were placed one by one, but what handy tool did she discover this year that helped her with the large areas of tiny seeds? What is the only non-Minnesota seed in the piece, and how did she obtain it? Fascinating insight into the creation of the artwork is revealed in a one-minute behind-the-scenes “Making of the 2023 Commemorative Art” video and a Q & A interview with the artist.
Schreiber’s 22” by 30” crop art with an original frame (which has its own story!) will be on display in the Fine Arts Center during the 2023 State Fair.
Posters are on sale now, along with other merchandise featuring the artwork, at StateFairWear.com, or stop by State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book and State Fair Poster Carts when you’re at the fair. Limited-edition, signed prints are also available. Sale proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, fairgrounds and educational programs.
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Use These Links to Get More Need-to-Know State Fair News
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Proud sponsor of the New Food Announcement |
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Each Day Is Different at Wright & Underwood |
Throughout the fair, we’ll be featuring different day sponsors in a specially designated tent on Wright Avenue just east of Underwood Street. Stop by for fun things to do, prize drawings and helpful information (activities vary by day sponsor). Here’s the lineup:
- Aug. 24: Mall of America
- Aug. 25: PaintCare
- Aug. 28: Senior LinkAge Line
- Aug. 29: Now Hiring with Metro-wide 911 Centers, Northstar Bus Lines and Transportation Security Administration
- Aug. 30: Nonprofit Showcase with AuSM, Can Do Canines, Minnesota Alliance With Youth, People for PSEO and Save the Boundary Waters
Check out the daily schedule for more info on each organization – coming soon!
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Play Your State Fair Jukebox Anywhere |
Dedicated exclusively to all things State Fair, the first and only Minnesota State Fair radio station is on the iHeartRadio app.
The State Fair is Minnesota’s largest music festival, so the playlist is vast and varied. You'll hear songs by this and previous years' Grandstand artists, plus bands playing on the fair's free stages, including the Leinie Lodge Bandshell.
To tune in, download the iHeartRadio app and search for "Minnesota State Fair Radio" on your phone, laptop or tablet - or go to 101.3 HD3 on your radio. The station is on air 24/7, so you can get your fair fix anytime!
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Fairgrounds Event Spotlight: Minnesota Mineral Club’s Annual Show
The Minnesota Mineral Club, established in 1945, is a nonprofit organization that encourages interest and education in geology, mineralogy, lapidary and earth sciences. Its Annual Show, Sept. 23-24 in the Dairy Building, will feature demonstrations and exhibits for all ages, including a Kids Corner, rock identification, information on field trips, a variety of vendors and loads of agates, rocks, gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads and more. Free admission ($2 per person suggested donation for ages 17+).
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Coming to the Fairgrounds |
August
- North Central Reining Horse Association Futurity & Derby Show: Aug. 3-6
- Minnesota State Fair: Aug. 24-Sept. 4
September
- Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: Sept. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30
- Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show: Sept. 15-18
- Model Railroad Show & Sale: Sept. 16
- Saint Paul Citywide Drop-Off Clean-Up Event: Sept. 16
- Viking Motorcycle Swap Meet: Sept. 17
- Munchkin Markets Children's Consignment Sale: Sept. 21-24
- Western Saddle Club Association Championship Horse Show: Sept. 21-25
- Minnesota 4-H State Dog Show: Sept. 23-24
- Twin Cities Arts & Crafts 20th Century Design Show & Sale: Sept. 23-24
- Minnesota Mineral Club’s Annual Rock, Mineral & Gem Show: Sept. 23-24
- Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders Minnesota Fall Festival: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
- Pizza Festival: Sept. 30
October
- Antique Spectacular Show: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
- Roadsters Swap Meet: Oct. 1
- Minnesota Harvest Horse Show: Oct. 3-8
- Twin Cities Oktoberfest: Oct. 6-7
- Curio Brands Warehouse Sale: Oct. 11-14
- Twin Cities Book Festival: Oct. 14
- Beef Expo: Oct. 19-22
- Junkin' Market Days: Oct. 20-21
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Proud sponsor of the SkyGlider |
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Minnesota’s most beloved end-of-summer tradition will be here soon!
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