MAIN Travel USA Minnesota Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is an annual fair that takes place in St. Paul and has been running since its first year in 1859. Like many state fairs, it moved around a fair bit in its early years to better include the various parts of the state, which had trouble transporting livestock over long distances.

The transient nature of the fair was actually in part what led to a competing fair opening up in Minneapolis. The two fairs were both quite popular, and in the end they were joined together and held roughly half way between the two areas at Ramsey County Poor Farm, which is still the site of the Minnesota State Fair today.

Today, the fair runs for twelve days usually, with the last day being Labor Day, and the total number of people who attend the fair is upwards of 1,600,000 people. The Minnesota State Fair is also the largest state fair in the country by daily attendance, though not by total attendance as the Texas State Fair runs for almost twice as long.

Perhaps one of the oldest traditions at the fair is the election of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way, who has the pleasure of having her likeness carved in to a block of butter, among other official duties.

There is also livestock, such as cattle, horses, sheep, and llamas, which are all on show and compete in various competitions as well. The Minnesota State Fair is also home to many amusement rides, both permanent and non-permanent, along with art displays, exhibitors, and of course a selection of calorie-laden fried foods and regional specialties from a wide variety of vendors.

The Minnesota State Fair also hosts a varied and talented array of live entertainment with 70 bands on 5 stages. Styles of music range from blues, rock and country to bluegrass, R&B, and polka, along with stand-up comedy and even talent shows.

There is so much to do and see that it would be impossible not to find something to enjoy!

More about the Minnesota State Fair around the Web:

Minnesota State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, fair highlights and events including rides, concerts, entertainment, food finder, directions, map, photos.

Minnesota State Fair - Wikipedia - History and fun facts, including an overview of the modern fair's most popular events & attractions, photo gallery, attendance records, with related references and resources.

The Minnesota State Fair - About.com guide with schedule, highlights, money saving tips and transportation resources.

also see -> Christmas in Minnesota | Minnesota Lakes & Beaches

Minnesota Wineries | Minnesota Fall Foliage | Moving to Minnesota