It’s highly unlikely that anyone was ever afraid to ask anything about the Minnesota State Fair. Just in case, the world needs to know about Fairchild’s Fantastic Fair Fun Funder on the State Fair website. More than you ever wanted to know about the Great Minnesota Get Together!
Among the highlights you’ll find the answer to the perennial question: What day is it?
During the Fair the question refers to what “special” deals are on today? Here a snatch of hints but there’s lots more on FFFFF (or, as I prefer, F5):
Thursday, August 26 — Thrifty Thursday – reduced admission with discounts at the Mighty Midway and Kidway Rights. At Carousel Park (9-4) it’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Day – construct a bridge, experience the power of an earthquake (why?), engineer a construction or make concrete float.
Friday, August 27 – Governor’s Fire Prevention Day. You’ll find Early Bird Specials till 1 pm. on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions. More exciting perhaps are the youth firefighter competition or extinguisher training at Carousel Park as well as The Hot Zone at West Dan Patch where you’ll be treated to demo car fires, fire equipment, mock extrications, kitchen fires and other thrills for the amateur pyromaniac.
Saturday, August 28 – 4H Day. Need I say more? A busy day for 4-Hers from virtually all of Minnesota’s 87 counties. It wraps up with the 4-H Purple Ribbon Audition at 6 p.m. in the Judging Arena. Lots more including a bunch of sports guys, e.g. Joe Soucheray, Patrick Reusse, The Rookie and others, 10-noon at Carousel Park.
Sunday, August 29 – FAN Central Day. Minnesota pro sports teams will be there, but there’s lots more including participants and winners in the Community Pride Contest and a guest appearance by singer-songwriter Charlie Maguire and other Minnesota musicians.
Monday, August 30 – Seniors, Kids & MN State Patrol Day. Over 65 and kids 5-12 get those special deals on admission and lots of discounts on rides. At West Dan Patch Park reps of the Minnesota State Patrol will offer a show-and-tell about their initiatives, techniques and duties.
Tuesday, August 31 – It’s Ticket Deal Tuesday featuring Early Bird Specials till 1 p.m. with discounts on rides, games and concessions. The eighth annual Minnesota Cooks event at Carousel Park brings together local farmers, chefs, celebrities and the community for demos and discussions about sustainable food production practices and the farmer-to-consumer connection.
Wednesday, September 1 – Read & Ride Wednesday. Public library cardholders receive a discount on admission when they show their library card. In Carousel Park it’s the “Great Minnesota Read-Together” featuring a children’s CD release party, a reading of A Fabulous Fair Alphabet by author and illustrator Debra Frasier (10:30 a.m.), presentations by Minnesota mystery writers, games and activities all day at Carousel Park.
Thursday, September 2 — Seniors Day. As anyone 65 or better knows, it’s reduced admission and special events including “The State’s Largest Senior Stretch & Stroll” with mind and body-stretching exercises and lots of perks, e.g. t-shirts, that rare fashion feature of the Fair.
Friday, September 3 – MPR Day. That’s Minnesota Public Radio for out-of-staters. At 11 a.m. Minnesota’s primo host, Gary Eichten, welcomes the gubernatorial candidates. Hold on to your seat for the arrival of Garrison Keillor at noon to chat about the evening’s PHC show at the Grandstand and more. Not to be outdone, The Current will feature live musical performances throughout the day.
Saturday, September 4 – FFA day offers attendees the chance to second-guess the judges of lovingly tended swine, sheep and market goats in the Swine Barn, while dairy cattle strut their stuff in the Judging Arena.
Sunday, September 5 – Minnesota History Day. Take the State Fair Historical Walking Tour and receive a free 2010 commemorative art poster, not to mention the chance to work up an appetite. The State Fair Foundation the Minnesota Historical Society host a mix of educational and entertainment including music, theater, trivia and a fashion show – all in Carousel Park and all day.
Monday, September 6 – Kids & Last Chance Day. Deals for kids, discounts, last chance deals and a Last Chance flyer at all info booths. And then there’s the last chance for a corn dog, a bag of mini-donuts or one of the neophyte taste treats, maybe some fresh fruit salsa and chips, an Irish breakfast or a caramel apple puppy.
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