The Great Minnesota Get-Together

The days are winding down before the 2024 Minnesota State Fair – a place I hold near and dear to my heart as a long-standing tradition for me and my family. I haven’t missed a Minnesota State Fair since I was in the 6th grade. I grew up showing market lambs and beef cattle in the 4-H program, and was grateful to have the opportunity to show a lamb during 4-H weekend every year I was eligible. It was our “summer vacation” if you will: getting away from home and up to the fairgrounds with my livestock. From there, I got to experience the Great Minnesota Get-Together in a variety of different capacities. I started with showing livestock, then in college I was a co-manager of the Gopher Dairy Bar for two years, worked on 4-H Building exhibit staff, and was the FFA Beef Co-Superintendent for two years. Fast forward to today, I currently serve as the Annual Giving and Communications Coordinator for the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, I’m a committee member of the MLBA 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction, and my husband and our family bring cattle for the last 4 days of the fair for Open Class.

 With many years experience on the fairgrounds, I thought I would share a little bit about my must-do’s, tips and tricks, and even some fun new things you’ll be able to see at the fair this year!
 
State Fair Must-Do Stops
Obviously having shown livestock here for many years, the top of my must-do list is catching a few of the shows during the fair and walking through the barns! The Minnesota State Fair is split into three separate livestock encampments: the first 4 days the barns are filled with Minnesota 4-H animals, the middle 4 days are open class animals, and the final 4 are a combo of Minnesota FFA and open class livestock. Over the course of the 12 days you can find much to see and learn about in the livestock barns, catch many shows – including the very popular horse Hitch Teams or llama costume contest – in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum or Compeer Arena, and even see some babies being born in the CHS Miracle of Birth Center! Open Class beef cattle come in the last 4 days of the fair, and our family is excited to be bringing a couple animals again this year. Recognizing that there are many people who may not have the opportunity to see livestock this closely, I encourage you to stop as you’re walking through the barns and ask questions! The 4-H, FFA and Open Class exhibitors are happy to chat and share more about what we’re doing!
 
Outside of the livestock area though, the fairgrounds are FULL of things to see, learn, and discover for people of all ages. Free entertainment is everywhere – so that’s the next thing on my must-do list! We usually take a lap around the fairgrounds and stop at the free entertainment stages. There is such great talent to watch all fair long!
 
Of course an obvious and final must-do item for myself and my family is to try some of the new foods! Dill pickle pizza from Rick’s Pizza and Peachey’s Donuts were two new items in the last few years that we still love – and we’re looking forward to trying some of the new ones this year as well!
 
Tips and Tricks
Over the years, I’ve come to find a handful of tips and tricks to plan your visit – regardless if you try to cram in everything to one day or multiple! Here are a couple things I would recommend as you’re gearing up for the fair:
– Buy your tickets in advance! As soon as you arrive, you’re ready to go and get your ticket scanned once you get to the gates! Plus tickets are sold at a discounted price prior to opening day!
– Take public transportation. Why worry about parking if you don’t have to? There are many Park & Ride locations around for you to utilize! 
– Buy a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book! There are hundreds of coupons in there for great deals from vendors of all kinds. For $5, you’re saving money on your purchases with coupons in the book, plus, that $5 also supports the Minnesota State Fair Foundation – whose mission is to preserve and improve the buildings, fairgrounds and programs of the Minnesota State Fair. Saving money while investing in the Great Minnesota Get-Together – a win-win in my book.
– Plan ahead! Take a look at the Minnesota State Fair website and maps and list out your own must-do items! Or if you’re not a planner – just let your senses carry you around the grounds. There is so much to take in, with exciting things happening at every corner, so wander and find a new piece of the grounds! If you’re looking for less crowds, try coming on a weekday, or early in the morning!
 
With so many new things to see, it’s hard to outline them all. If you’re curious what new things there are to do at the fair this year, check out this page on the Minnesota State Fair’s website! From the Welcome Wall at Gate 9 and accessibility and guest services additions to two new Midway rides and new competitions – there is so much new to explore!
 
My appreciation for the fair really boils down to one thing: the memories that I get to make with family and friends. Those are memories that I do and will cherish for many years to come. Moments that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m looking forward to experiencing the fair from a new perspective this year with my husband and I having our own little one. Hopefully we’ll see you at the fair!