ICONIC EVENTS 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 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. 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 o to try this year’s Next Big Food. I think that’s one of the reasons so many foods are o ered on a stick—who has time to sit down when there’s so much to explore, see and consume? But, in addition to being an introvert, I’m also a foodie. So every year, for the greater good A trip to the State Fair isn’t complete of my belly, I push my introversion aside to without jumping on a few attend the fair, the most rides. The Big Giant Ferris absurd, over-the-top and Wheel is a good option, WITH NEARLY delicious food experience as is the Very Large Slide. in the country. 500 FOODS Obviously, these aren’t You will fi nd no shortage the actual names of those EVERY YEAR, of foods-on-a-stick attractions, but I’m a IT’S NEVER here, including alligator. whimsical guy. Just A friend of mine recently go with it. A PROBLEM joked that after so many If you’re the family type years attending the fair he FINDING (or just a kid at heart), had earned the nickname DELICIOUS there are a ton of kid-yaxaas cune , which is friendly activities at the THINGS Somali for alligator eater. fair, too. Don’t miss the My personal policy is: TO EAT. petting zoo (my favorite), “Don’t eat anything that or the snake zoo and could eat you if it had the reptile show (not my favorite, but maybe chance.” But being Somali means, yours?). I especially recommend you spend amongst other things, that you appreciate time in the butterfl y house—it’s like being in ironic nicknames. a Disney movie. As a Muslim, pork is one of the Big I fi nd 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 fi nding 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 sandwich from RC’s BBQ, chocolate-dipped State Fair steak sandwich, photo by Barbara Kopietz Minnesota State Fair, photo by Robert Ferdinandt 20 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2022 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 20
