Said Farah 2021-12-15 10:50:08
AN INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO THE BIGGEST STATE FAIR IN AMERICA "As an introvert, it’s hard to go to the Minnesota State Fair and not feel overwhelmed by the large crowds." Held annually over the 12 days leading up to Labor Day, the Minnesota State Fair covers 322 acres with rides, attractions and food (so much food). Typical daily attendance is 100,000 to 200,000 people, with a record 270,426 single-day visitors in 2018. That makes it the largest state fair in America— and a tall order for someone like me, who has a hard time teaching a class of 26 students. But, in addition to being an introvert, I’m also a foodie. So every year, for the greater good of my belly, I push my introversion aside to attend the fair, the most absurd, over-the-top and delicious food experience in the country. You will find no shortage of foods-on-a-stick here, including alligator. A friend of mine recently joked that after so many years attending the fair he had earned the nickname yaxaas cune, which is Somali for alligator eater. My personal policy is: “Don’t eat anything that could eat you if it had the chance.” But being Somali means, amongst other things, that you appreciate ironic nicknames. As a Muslim, pork is one of the Big Absolutely Must Not Dos in our faith, so I’ll leave the great Pronto Pup vs. Corn Dog debate to someone else. Fortunately, with nearly 500 foods every year, it’s never a problem finding delicious things to eat. Some of my favorite fair foods are cookies from Sweet Martha’s, a brisket grilled cheese sandwich from RC’s BBQ, chocolate-dipped frozen bananas from Go Bananas and cheese curds. Lots and lots of cheese curds. Ordering food at the fair requires patience. You will be shoulder to shoulder with hordes of people just as hungry as you are, many of whom are rushing off to try this year’s Next Big Food. I think that’s one of the reasons so many foods are offered on a stick—who has time to sit down when there’s so much to explore, see and consume? A trip to the State Fair isn’t complete without jumping on a few rides. The Big Giant Ferris Wheel is a good option, as is the Very Large Slide. Obviously, these aren’t the actual names of those attractions, but I’m a whimsical guy. Just go with it. If you’re the family type (or just a kid at heart), there are a ton of kid-friendly activities at the fair, too. Don’t miss the petting zoo (my favorite), or the snake zoo and reptile show (not my favorite, but maybe yours?). I especially recommend you spend time in the butterfly house—it’s like being in a Disney movie. I find spending a full day at the fair a bit taxing, but the incredible foods, attractions and people-watching are well worth the challenge. Just remember to come prepared with a good pair of walking shoes, an empty belly and some noise-cancelling earbuds if you’re the crowd-averse type like me. YEAR-ROUND EVENTS In addition to the state fair, which bills itself as “the Great Minnesota Get-Together,” there are many other great get-togethers throughout the year. WINTER In 2022, the fun starts with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, featuring snow sculptures, a snow maze and more, Jan. 28 to Feb. 6. Other #OnlyinMN winter fun includes the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza (Jan. 29) and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon from Two Harbors to the Canadian border and back (Jan. 30 to Feb. 2). SPRING A large and vibrant celebration of Cinco de Mayo with Mexican performers, food and music will take place along Cesar Chavez Street in West Saint Paul on May 2. Later in the month, you can see as many as 165 bird species during the Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes (May 19 to 21). SUMMER The centerpiece of summer is always the Minneapolis Aquatennial, which starts with a torchlight parade, ends with fireworks and includes lots of family-oriented “aquativities” in between (July 20 to 23). Another popular tradition is the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, where this summer’s lineup includes “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Twelfth Night” and “The African Company Presents Richard III” (June 18 to July 31). FALL Pottery, quilts and jewelry will be among the many handmade items displayed and sold by hundreds of artisans from around the country at the Little Falls Arts & Crafts Fair, Sept. 10 and 11. Whether you’re German or Hmong or not, come enjoy the music, dancing and other festivities at Oktoberfest in New Ulm, celebrated first two weekends in October, and Hmong New Year, celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving at Saint Paul RiverCentre. Round out the year with some holiday events (such as Bentleyville in Duluth) then start planning for 2023! FESTIVAL AND EVENT FINDER See what’s going on throughout the state. Just plug in the dates when you plan to visit. ExploreMinnesota.com/Events
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