Today begins the Minnesota get together of 2017, yes I’m talking about the Minnesota State Fair. How many times will you go? What will you do first? We go each year, sometimes two or three times. Believe it or not, I had our tickets purchased last winter already, love the online option! We bring our kids every year, this year is their 13th year. We have some traditions, but we also do different things each year. We don’t have a traditional day, but we spend the entire day there.
Although the State Fair has been through a lot of changes, it still has a lot of Dairy. Sure there’s the Dairy Barn, but there’s so much more than that. Last year we all got up early and watched friends in the Milk Run, it takes place the first Sunday of the fair. Registration is closed to runners, however watching the race is fun too, just be aware it’s an early morning event.
Then there’s the “All you can drink Milk Booth”. This year is the 63rd year for the booth. For $2 you can stand near it and drink all the white or chocolate milk you can handle. It’s the only food or drink item offered at the fair as an unlimited item. The perfect spot to stop by after you get your dessert.
My Dad and Grandpa were both Dairy Farmers. When my Dad goes to the fair he always has to get a malt in the Dairy Building. There’s a new flavor this year, Pie ‘n the Sky. Pie ‘n the Sky malts and sundaes – made with Minnesota dairy farmers’ secret, State
Fair-recipe vanilla ice cream or malt, topped with crunchy spiced cookies, lemon curd and dark chocolate syrup – will join the traditional ice cream flavors at Midwest Dairy Association’s Dairy Goodness Bar at the Minnesota State Fair this year. Some of the other flavors include: chocolate, vanilla, apple-caramel, rhubarb-strawberry and more.
Of course we can’t forget another favorite thing to visit at the fair. The “Butterheads”, that is just what we call them but they are actually amazing butter sculptures of each of the 11 Princess Kay finalists. They are on display during the Fair, however part of the fun is to watch them being made. Princess Kay of the Milky Way and each of the 11 Princess Kay finalists are sculpted in butter, one each day beginning with Princess Kay, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dairy Building (1694 Judson Avenue). Princess Kay and the finalists will share their stories and answer questions from the crowd as they sit for artist Linda Christensen inside the 40-degree, rotating sculpting booth. They will also appear in Midwest Dairy’s booth across from the butter sculptures, visiting with
fair-goers about dairy farmers’ commitment to health, animal care and the environment.
We of course have to share some dairy deals that can be found at the fair. At the Dairy Goodness Bar, on Thrifty Thursday (Opening Day, Aug. 24), cheese sticks are two for $1. On Senior Days (Monday, Aug. 28, and Thursday, Aug. 31), ice cream cones are two for $5. On Kids Days (Monday, Aug. 28, and Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 4), all yogurt is two for $1. And on Military Appreciation Day (Tuesday, Aug. 29), $1 off sundaes.
I hope you’ll enjoy the fair, and remember to find some Dairy in your day. There’s lot’s of it to be found, not just in the food but activities and sounds as well.
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Kristi is married with twin daughters. She grew up on a small dairy farm, but now lives in the south metro area. She enjoys finding free or thrifty things to do whether they are outings close to home or last minute adventures to far-away places.
Kristi can also be found enjoying estate sales, attempting to garden, volunteering in the wetlands or a favorite thrift store, or maybe just enjoying a good play in one of the many theatre venues in the area.
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