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Minnesota State Fair

August 27

What more can be said about the Minnesota State Fair time than it is a nice way to spend a day. We had decided to visit the fair to see what other areas of Minnesota we could explore and share.

We did our research on how to get to the fair without all the parking hassles and headaches. We found a park and ride location. The location was convenient and not over flowing with cars. It was very well managed. Getting into the lot was fast and easy and getting out was just as fast. Most of the park and ride locations were within walking distance just in case you want to leave and your shuttle bus is not available. The buses did run about every 15mins so that is a nice convenience. The buses do get crowded fast so be prepared to stand or if your lucky enough to get a seat be prepared to have people standing by your side for the entire ride.

Once at the front gates of the fair, you can see all the people that have already started to migrate. We had gotten there by midmorning and it was already crowded. Navigation was still easy to do and we were on our way to see what we could find.

We stopped at the International Market Place; which is my favorite place to go. There you can purchase just about anything you could imagine and more. Of course there is authentic food from different parts of the world along with merchandise. There is normally some type of free entertainment going on in the bandstand. This morning the International Reggae All-Stars were performing. What a treat this was. The music flowing putting the crowd into a festive mood. We sat and enjoyed the beat and the tunes. The singer had a nice voice that made it easy to listen to for a long time maybe that is why he is named Lynval "Mr. Golden Voice" Jackson. Also watching the band perform one could tell that they really enjoyed the music and the show that they were putting on for the crowd.

Once we decided to move on we went to the display that the Minnesota DNR has in the center of the fair. Even though I don't get overly excited by viewing fish they did have an interesting exhibit with varying fish from this region. It really was amazing to see the different types of fish that are available. Once inside the main DNR Headquarters I noticed literature on many of the parks that we have gone to already. What was interesting was to find out about the history of Minnesota and where all the unusual rock formations had come from. I never did know before that most of the northern rock formations were made from lava rock. Yes you read that right. I gave you a link to read all about it.

We went into the Horticulture building to see the various species of plants and flowers that are grown here in Minnesota. I have provided a link for you to go to and see what Minnesota has to offer as far as wild flowers and plants and how to grow them. There are so many hybrids and different varieties of most anything one could grow its hard to keep them all straight.

 From there we went to the animal barns. One can tell that I am a true Minnesotans to go look at the animal barns. I for one not only love hiking and rock climbing but have a soft heart for animals of all kinds. We headed off to the sheep barn and saw a demonstration for wool shearing . Next were the goats. Didn't know they can jump as far as they do lets see if I remember right I think they said 4-5ft. Didn't know that  they milk goats the same as cows. We walked past a cow milking demonstration. Those farmers do a lot to bring us that creamy drink and fine dairy food with all the washing and time involved. Next we past the pigs and went straight into the poultry barn. There we saw different types of rabbits and water fowl. I never realized how many different chickens, ducks and geese there were.

Since this is the state fair we moved forward to the eating booths. I am not sure that all state fairs have this large of a variety of food but at the Minnesota State Fair you can just about get anything your heart desires. If you thought that food was made up or imaginary I am sure it could be found here. We tried many things here; Teriyaki Ostrich on a stick,  which we both decided that we would not want to try again. We both found it gritty or grainy or both and chunky and rubbery. Not really sure what you could say about the flavor but it didn't taste like chicken. We tried the buckets of chocolate chip cookies. Wow they were great. Served them up right out of the oven nice and warm. We had egg rolls, AAALynx bought a pound of fudge that was to die for and darn if he didn't eat half of that fudge while we walked around. That's a lot of fudge. Had an Apple Juice Float which was found to be refreshing. We also had some of the normal things like cotton candy and Mexican food delights. We ate some of the free samples that were around the fair grounds at various places like the Bush's pork and beans chili.

Next came the Midway. If your looking for fun and mellow rides here you can find them along with the more thrilling rides. There you will find old favorites like the Ferris Wheel. Didn't know the origination of the Ferris Wheel until lately. I have provided a link if you would care to find out more on that subject. Of course the new rides are always wonderful. Like The Neptune or Octopus or Frying Pan and the Viking. Most of these rides will take a strong stomach and heart. The operators turn you side ways, upside down and suspend you in mid air. What a real rush these were. If you can't handle these then there is still the Tilt O Whirl or the Bucket ride where you can spin yourself around till you can't see straight nor will you be able to walk straight. There are the log water rides which are great if your at the fair on a hot day. Now I will talk about the real old timers of the Midway. Like the Haunted House ride. Might be great for young children like 2 or 3 years of age but really I believe this ride needs to be put in a museum.  If that particular rides owner would invest some money and make it a bit more up to date it might have a chance but otherwise dump it. Just my opinion. The fair has the sky ride that gives you an over view of the grounds which isn't too bad and also the space needle.

Whoever misses going to the Grand Stand isn't really going to the fair. The Grand Stand is jammed packed full of retailers from all over the world to sell you their best deals of the year. Here you can see things demonstrated, decide it might be worth it to buy it and when you get it home you find that item is priceless to you or tossed in a closet or cupboard never to seen again. Funny how when those knives are demonstrated at the fair they slice through most anything but when I get them home can't even slice through butter if the knife was hot. Maybe I am using the wrong edge or something. Good thing fast food is right around the corner or I might starve to death. Its always worth a trip through the Grand Stand. Just never know what you might find there that you just can't live without.

By this time it was late afternoon early evening and time to go home. The one nice thing was it didn't rain while we were there and the bus was already loading people to go to our parking area when we got out there. Nice treat to be able to sit for a bit then head off for home.

Hope you enjoyed this experience with us and will come back for more later. Next on our addenda next weekend is but what else the north shore. Take care till we see you there. Make sure you bring your roller skates cause this is where we pick up the pace drastically.

Sincerely

Redfox 

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