ICONIC EVENT AN INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO THE BIGGEST STATE FAIR IN AMERICA By Said Farah 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 between 100,000-200,000 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. 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. 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 WITH NEARLY attend the fair, the most absurd, over-the-top and 500 FOODS delicious food experience EVERY YEAR, in the country. State Fair steak sandwich Photo by Barbara Kopietz You will find no shortage of IT’S NEVER foods-on-a-stick here, up A PROBLEM to and including alligator. FINDING A friend of mine recently joked that after so many DELICIOUS If you’re the family type years attending the fair he (or just a kid at heart), THINGS had earned the nickname there are a ton of kid-yaxaas cune , which is TO EAT. friendly activities at the Somali for alligator eater. fair, too. Don’t miss out My personal policy is: on the petting zoo (my favorite), or the “Don’t eat anything that could eat you if it snake zoo and reptile show (not my favorite, had the chance.” But being Somali means, but maybe yours?). I especially recommend amongst other things, that you appreciate you spend time in the butterfly house—it’s ironic nicknames. like being in a Disney movie. As a Muslim, pork is one of the Big I find spending a full day at the fair a bit Absolutely Must Not Dos in our faith, so I’ll taxing, but the incredible foods, attractions leave the great Pronto Pup vs. Corn Dog and people-watching are well worth the debate to someone else. Fortunately, with challenge. Just remember to come prepared nearly 500 foods every year, it’s never a with a good pair of walking shoes, an empty problem finding delicious things to eat. Some belly and some noise-cancelling earbuds if of my favorite fair foods are cookies from you’re the crowd-averse type like me. Sweet Martha’s, a brisket grilled cheese Photo by Robert Ferdinandt 20 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2021 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 20
