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State Fair

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. For all of the events at the MPR booth and Dan Patch Park, go to mpr.org/statefair.

Food critics take on the State Fair's new eats

Food critics take on the State Fair's new eats

Pioneer Press food critic Jess Fleming, Mecca Bos from City Pages and the Heavy Table's James Norton ate their way through the old and new offerings at the 2016 fair.
by Tim Nelson

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It wouldn't be the State Fair without plenty of politics

It wouldn't be the State Fair without plenty of politics

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are unlikely to show up at State Fair this year, but their supporters are making the case to fairgoers, whether they want to hear it or not.
by Tim Pugmire

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New at the fair: Recipe cards

New at the fair: Recipe cards

This year, the fair is giving away a half dozen collectible recipe cards that feature Blue Ribbon-winning foods. Several of the featured chefs talk about their experience.
by Tim Nelson and Amanda Furru

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Ties that bind: It's Minnesota State Fair time again

Ties that bind: It's Minnesota State Fair time again

The fair has been a special place for millions of Minnesotans since 1859. Heartfelt stories and wide smiles were easy to find Thursday morning as the gates swung open on Day One, 2016.
by Tim Nelson

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At Minnesota State Fair, a last stand for ash trees?

At Minnesota State Fair, a last stand for ash trees?

Fair officials are in the middle of one of the state's most intensive efforts to keep the tree-killing emerald ash borer at bay and the fairgrounds green. Here's a look inside the battle.
by Tim Nelson

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Pants or no pants? 50 years of Minnesota State Fair mascots

Pants or no pants? 50 years of Minnesota State Fair mascots

In 1966, Fairchild the gopher became the official mascot of the State Fair and was joined by his nephew, Fairborne, in 1983. See how Fairchild has changed in his 50 years.
by Nancy Yang

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Iowa State Fair v. Minnesota State Fair: Outhouse category

Iowa State Fair v. Minnesota State Fair: Outhouse category

We must decide for ourselves which state fair is better, but you have to admit that the outhouse races in Iowa are, as we say in Minnesota, 'different'
by Bob Collins

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State Fair to check bags at all entry gates

State Fair to check bags at all entry gates

The State Fair says bags, purses, coolers and packages will now be subject to search at each of the fair's 11 entrances.
by Peter Cox and Nancy Yang

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State Fair reveals hopes for another expansion

State Fair reveals hopes for another expansion

The new plan isn't as expansive as the recent West End upgrade, but fair officials say the idea is still ambitious and could include new attractions the fair hasn't been able to accommodate before.
by Tim Nelson

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