Others’ Opinion: 6 days left of summer on a stick
Published 8:55 am Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Technically, there are 26 days left of summer. However, there are only six days left if you want summer served on a stick.
That’s right, Wednesday marks the halfway point of the 2014 Minnesota State Fair. You have until Monday to take in the food sights, (food) sounds and (food) smells of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Did we mention there’s food there? And much of it comes served on a stick? Honestly, though, you likely already know about all the fair food options. Here are some too-easily-overlooked reasons to make a trip to the State Fair.
With help from his mother, Elliott Cich, 4, of Austin, Minnestoa, washes his hands after visiting the sheep barn at the Minnesota State Fair last Thursday. — Jeffrey Thompson/MPR News
Competitions
At its core, the fair is about competitions. Livestock, creative arts, farm products and school projects are among the areas in which hundreds of Minnesota youths are participating. Their hard work is on display through Monday, and judges each day are picking winners in many categories.
For example, the last four days of the fair consist of judging of the National FFA Organization livestock (cattle, sheep, swine) and open class goats, beef cattle and some poultry. Friday is the end of the Signature horse show. Supreme Champions will be crowned Saturday. For real-time results, visit www.mnstatefair.org/competition/results.html.
Another big aspect of competitions involves the annual exhibition of winners in the creative activities department. Think needlework, handcrafts, baking and canning. These winners put close to 7,000 items on display. Of course, the worst part is you can’t taste them.
Entertainment
Much like food on sticks, big-name stars at the Grandstand tend to dominate fair headlines and promotions. The truth is, though, every day there are many stellar (and free) performances and entertainment fair-goers can enjoy.
The best resource is www.mnstatefair.org/general_info/daily_schedules.html, which gives access to daily listings of live entertainment and performances spread across more than a half-dozen stages and other venues.
Finally, even Central Minnesotans who go annually to the fair should check their transportation plans. Visit the main fair website — www.mnstatefair.org — and look under “General Information” for “Get To The Fair.” It has several links detailing everything from parking to construction. Remember, only six days left until summer-on-a-stick comes to an end. Enjoy!
—St. Cloud Times
