State fair brings in new attractions
Published 7:01 am Sunday, August 2, 2015
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota State Fair has announced dozens of new attractions for the 2015 Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of the fair experiences debuting this year:
•Math On-A-Stick — The brand-new Math On-A-Stick experience is a welcoming space where kids and grown-ups can explore fun math concepts at the fair.
•Hmong Minnesota Day at Carousel Park — Festivities celebrate the culture, history and arts of Hmong Americans and highlight their many contributions since first arriving in Minnesota 40 years ago.
•History On-A-Schtick — Minnesota history comes alive in this brand-new, original show written and directed by local actor and playwright Beth Gilleland with music direction by Kevin Dutcher.
Two new midway rides:
• New York New York Fun House: With wacky walkways, mirrors, obstacles and slides, this is a four-story bonanza of Big Apple fun.
• Super Nova Roller Coaster: This brand-new ride makes its Minnesota debut. Agile cars fly up, down and all around the track.
•Poultry Barn Activities — Despite the absence of birds, the Poultry Barn will be filled with activities and exhibits related to the poultry industry. This opportunity emerged after the cancellation of the poultry competitions due to H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI), which spread through the state earlier this year. Fair visitors can browse interactive displays and see presentations on topics ranging from biosecurity and nutrition to animal health and poultry careers; listen to talks by poultry producers, veterinarians and educators about the influence of avian flu and food production challenges; sign and send well wishes and thank-you messages to those whose livelihood depends on the poultry industry; and meet poultry farmers and members of the Minnesota Turkey Growers and Chicken and Egg associations. Located in the Poultry Barn
•The Willis Clan — For the first time in nearly two decades, the State Fair is showcasing a musical act on the Bandshell stage for the fair’s full 12-day run. The Willis Clan, a 14-member band featuring siblings ranging in age from four years to 23, are accomplished singers, songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and in the case of the older kids, internationally ranked competitive dancers.
•Eco Experience: New Highlights — An array of new exhibits highlight the latest in easy, everyday reduce-reuse-recycle how-tos, healthy cooking, innovations in green technology and transportation, and other compelling topics on environmentally focused living. A sampling:
•Figure Skating Day at Carousel Park — The artistry and athleticism of wintertime’s most glamorous sport come to the fair on Aug. 31 to celebrate Saint Paul’s hosting of the 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
New Competitions:
• Non-Traditional Materials Contest in Creative Activities: Using recycled or upcycled materials, competitors make an outfit for an adult to wear for a “Day at the Minnesota State Fair.”
• Decorated Cookie On-A-Stick in Creative Activities.
• Honey Beverages in Ag-Hort-Bee: Competitors concoct a lemonade sweetened with 100 percent honey.
• Supreme Champion Ram & Ewe in Livestock: The grand champions from each of the sheep breed shows compete for Supreme Champion titles.
•Special Exhibits — Nearly 20 traveling exhibits make a stop at the fair this year.
New History Highlights:
• The State Fair History and Heritage Center features two new display cases — one highlighting the long and colorful tradition of fireworks shows at the fair, and the other celebrating 100 years of the fair’s oldest attraction, Ye Old Mill. Located at the History & Heritage Center, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
For more on the Minnesota State Fair, visit www.mnstatefair.org