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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.

Faces of the Fair: Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar

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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Photos: Protesters peacefully march on the fair

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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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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How to become a food vendor at the Minnesota State Fair

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

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Video: Get up close and personal with Minnesota's native fish

An underwater and oh-so-delightful glimpse at the muskie, the sheepshead, the long-nose gar and six other species.
by Tim Post

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Messersmith crop art at the State Fair

The portrait is on display in the Minnesota State Fair's Agriculture Building, right next to a seed depiction of Jesus.

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Faces of the Fair: Hot Indian Foods

Faces of the Fair: Hot Indian Foods

Hot Indian, which started as a food truck, then added a restaurant and later a stall at Target Field, started after founder Amol Dixit lost his job after 15 years at General Mills.
by Tom Crann

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Photos: No chickens, but plenty of fair critters

Photos: No chickens, but plenty of fair critters

The crowds are heading in, the 4Hers are showing animals (except chickens), a new lineup fair foods are cooking and the weather is perfect. The State Fair has begun.
by Courtney Perry

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