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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.

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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Faces of the fair: Sean Emery, juggler

Faces of the fair: Sean Emery, juggler

"I'm basically an ex-circus clown," Sean Emery Said. "One of the finest entertainers in the Midwest -- not the whole world -- just the Midwest."
by Tim Nelson

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Faces of the fair: Down the Rabbit Hole

Faces of the fair: Down the Rabbit Hole

The Rabbit Hole is serving up modern twists on traditional Korean food at the fairgrounds. This is the first year the Rabbit Hole's owner, Thomas Kim, has made the trek to the fair.
by Tim Nelson

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Newsmaker interview: Lt. Gov. Tina Smith

Newsmaker interview: Lt. Gov. Tina Smith

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith talked with MPR News' Tom Weber at the Minnesota State Fair.

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Fair foodies: Your Friday Roundtable

Fair foodies: Your Friday Roundtable

Kerri Miller talked with three regional chefs about the people who inspired their love of food, the ingredients that excite them and the dishes that still elude them.

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