State Fair

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 2. For all of the events at the MPR booth and Dan Patch Park, go to mpr.org/statefair.

September 2, 2016 11:02 AM

The definitive history of the corn dog (er, Pronto Pup)

It's been a Minnesota State Fair staple since 1947, and it's about to be sold there for the 25 millionth time. It's quintessentially Minnesotan. But the Pronto Pup isn't from here — and its origin story is batter-dipped in mystery.

by Tracy Mumford

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September 2, 2016 4:00 AM

Another big day at the fair for Minnesota's Hmong

The Labor Day event was among the State Fair's best draws last year, and it's back.

by Doualy Xaykaothao

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September 2, 2016 4:00 AM

A sketchier look at the Minnesota State Fair

Here's a second round-up of artists' renditions of the Minnesota State Fair, from Pronto Pups to shearing sheep.

by Tracy Mumford

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September 1, 2016 3:30 PM

It starts out cold and uses plastic silverware: What are they judging?

The Great-Minnesota-Get-Together offers hundreds of competitions. Can you guess what they're judging, with just a few hints?

by Nikki Tundel

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August 31, 2016 3:30 PM

Lots of muscle and wedge shapes: What are they judging?

In addition to Midway rides and food on a stick, the Great-Minnesota-Get-Together offers hundreds of competitions. Can you guess what they're judging, with just a few hints?

by Nikki Tundel

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August 31, 2016 2:18 PM

Appetites: Look inside the State Fair's roasted sweet corn operation

Everybody loves a sweet ear of corn, especially when it's roasted at the fair.

by MPR News Staff

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August 31, 2016 8:14 AM

Ex-inmate finds work, possible new beginning, at State Fair

A team of sanitation workers clean the fair through the night. For one of them, the job is a welcome opportunity.

by Max Nesterak

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August 30, 2016 7:14 PM

Missing parts, broken and dislocated bones: What are they judging?

For some, the Minnesota State Fair is all about competition. There are ribbons given out for everything from barrel racing to beeswax carving. Every day this week, All Things Considered is asking: "What's being judged?" With a few hints, can you figure it out?

by Nikki Tundel

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August 30, 2016 3:05 PM

A sketchy look at the Minnesota State Fair

More than 50 artists gathered to draw the sights and spectacles of the fairgrounds.

by Tracy Mumford

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August 30, 2016 8:36 AM

This family has been selling you hot dogs at the fair for 70+ years

If you're going to the State Fair, you'll probably eat at least one hot dog. One family has been making sure you get that hot dog for over 70 years.

by Max Nesterak

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