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.

September 2, 2015 1:00 PM

Appetites: Sampling Minnesota wines at the State Fair

Fried food and cold beer is a classic State Fair combo. But the Minnesota Wine Country booth is there to let fairgoers know that the state makes some good wines too.

by Krystyna Pease

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September 2, 2015 11:07 AM

State Fair booth a sounding board, lightning rod on race

A Minnesota State Fair booth is sparking some provocative conversations about race. Much of the discussion revolves around whose lives matter.

by Doualy Xaykaothao

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September 1, 2015 4:01 PM

Faces of the Fair: Blue Barn

The 1,800-square-foot, two-story, big blue barn is a 24/7 operation for the 12 days of the fair. When the employees aren't making food and serving customers, they're taking deliveries and prepping for the next day's customers.

by Tim Nelson

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September 1, 2015 3:07 PM

Photos: A rich stream of color and faces at State Fair

Photographer David Bowman is drawn to the celebration of the last week of summer in a state where it is cold much of the year.

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August 31, 2015 2:53 PM

Video: Making mini donuts in slow motion

Watching the mini donut machine at the Minnesota State Fair is strangely mesmerizing, as MPR reporter Tim Post found.

by Tim Post

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August 31, 2015 12:00 AM

Faces of the Fair: Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar

There are few State Fair foods more iconic than Sweet Martha's cookies. The fair staple started modestly in a 9-by-11 stand built in Martha Rossini Olson's backyard and filled with rented equipment.

by Tom Crann

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August 29, 2015 11:22 PM

Photos: Protesters peacefully march on the fair

About 325 marchers staged a a peaceful protest at the fairgrounds, escorted by St. Paul Police on bikes and horses.

by Courtney Perry

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August 28, 2015 4:53 PM

Police search for men who tried to grab girl near fair

Police are searching for four men who tried to grab a 17-year-old girl and force her into their car near the State Fairgrounds just before 9 p.m. Thursday.

by Peter Cox

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August 28, 2015 4:01 PM

How to become a food vendor at the Minnesota State Fair

There are 247 licensed food vendors at the Minnesota State Fair selling more than 500 food items. And the thought has occurred to many fairgoers with an idea for a bite to sell: How do I get one of those coveted spots?

by Tim Nelson