Hold onto your hats, fair fans! The sweet smell of fried food and the echoes of carnival music are coming back sooner than you think. That’s right, the Minnesota State Fair is kicking off its summer celebration in May, and you won’t want to miss a single butter-sculpted second. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with exciting new attractions, classic favorites, and enough delicious treats to satisfy even the most dedicated carnivore. But hold on, because tickets go on sale THIS WEEK! Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting your hands on the golden ticket to summer fun.
Get a Head Start on Summer Fun: Minnesota State Fair’s Kickoff Event
The Minnesota State Fair’s Kickoff to Summer at the Fair event is returning in May, offering attendees a sneak peek into the classic summer festivities. Taking place from May 22-25, this event will feature a variety of activities, including food, drinks, music, and shopping.
Taste of the Fair: A Feast for Your Senses
One of the highlights of the Kickoff event is the Taste of the Fair, which showcases a wide range of classic State Fair treats and novelties. Some of the popular options include Sweet Martha’s cookies, mini donut beer, and key lime pie beer, alongside more adventurous offerings like pickle pizza and Minneapple Pie.
- State Fair Favorites: Indulge in classic State Fair treats like Sweet Martha’s cookies, mini donut beer, and key lime pie beer.
- New Bites on the Block: Explore the tastes of emerging vendors like Jersey Jo’s and LuLu’s Public House, bringing fresh flavors to the event.
- Drink Up: Quench your thirst with a wide selection of State Fair specialty beers, refreshing sodas, and other beverages.
Shop ‘Til You Drop: Unique Treasures Await
The Kickoff event also offers a unique shopping experience, with a variety of vendors selling handmade goods, artwork, and other unique treasures. From handcrafted jewelry to delectable macarons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Handmade Haven
One of the standout features of the shopping experience is the Handmade Haven, which showcases the work of independent vendors like Kelly’s Candles, Linh T Vo Art and Illustration, and Set Adrift Art. This section of the event offers a wide range of handmade goods, from jewelry to artwork to candles.
- Handcrafted Jewelry: Discover unique pieces from independent vendors like Kelly’s Candles and Linh T Vo Art and Illustration.
- Artwork: Explore the work of emerging artists like Set Adrift Art, offering a wide range of styles and mediums.
- Candles: Savor the scents of handmade candles from Kelly’s Candles and other vendors.
Additional Entertainment and Activities
In addition to the food, drinks, and shopping, the Kickoff event also offers a range of entertainment and activities to enjoy. From skateboard lessons to trivia contests, there’s something for everyone to participate in.
- Skateboard Lessons: Learn the basics of skateboarding with expert instruction and practice.
- Trivia Contests: Challenge your knowledge with a range of trivia contests, from music to history.
- Walking Tours: Explore the fairgrounds with a guided walking tour, offering insights into the history and culture of the State Fair.
New Additions to the Event
This year’s Kickoff event includes several new additions, including the Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt, a brand-new puzzle hunt adventure on the fairgrounds. Additionally, tribute band ABBASolutely Fab will perform on Thursday night, and rock band GB Leighton will take the stage on Friday night.
- Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt: Experience a brand-new puzzle hunt adventure on the fairgrounds, designed by two Twin Cities escape rooms.
- Tribute Band Performances: Enjoy live music from tribute bands ABBASolutely Fab and GB Leighton.
- Spin-to-Win Prizes: Participate in spin-to-win prizes, with a chance to win fair admission tickets and entries into grand prize drawings for tickets to a 2025 Grandstand concert and other prizes.
Additional Resources
The State Fair is also adding several additional resources to the event, including a sensory experience, ASL services, and phone charging stations. These additions aim to ensure that all attendees have a positive and enjoyable experience.
- Sensory Experience: Enjoy a sensory experience, designed to provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
- ASL Services: Access American Sign Language interpretation services for a more inclusive experience.
- Phone Charging Stations: Stay connected with family and friends with phone charging stations available throughout the event.
Fair Finds: Stock Up on State Fair Souvenirs, Apparel, and Unique Gifts
The Minnesota State Fair is renowned for its delightful offerings, and the “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” event is no exception. Visitors can stock up on State Fair souvenirs, apparel, and unique gifts to commemorate their visit. From classic State Fair t-shirts to handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone to take home.
New shopping booths will be available at the event, featuring local artisans and vendors selling a wide range of products. These include Kelly’s Candles, Linh T Vo Art and Illustration, Nikkolette’s Macarons, and Set Adrift Art, among others.
Whether you’re looking for a memento or a unique gift, the “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” event has got you covered. So, be sure to check out the various shopping booths and take home a piece of the State Fair magic.
Entertainment Extravaganza: Fun for Everyone
Live Music: Groove to the Tunes of Tribute Bands and Rock Bands
The “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” event features an exciting lineup of live music performances. Tribute band ABBASolutely Fab will take the stage on Thursday night, paying homage to the iconic music of the Beatles. Rock band GB Leighton will perform on Friday night, getting the crowd pumped up with their energetic beats.
These live music performances are a highlight of the event, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or Beatles music, you won’t want to miss out on the fun.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy spin-to-win games on both nights, with prizes including fair admission tickets and entries into grand prize drawings for tickets to a 2025 Grandstand concert.
Interactive Activities: Challenge Yourself and Have Fun
Visitors can participate in a variety of interactive activities at the “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” event. These include the Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt, which is a brand-new puzzle hunt adventure on the fairgrounds.
Other activities include skateboard lessons, trivia, and walking tours of the fairgrounds. These interactive experiences offer something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply have fun.
- Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt: A brand-new puzzle hunt adventure on the fairgrounds
- Skateboard lessons: Learn some tricks and get your adrenaline pumping
- Trivia: Test your knowledge and compete with others
- Walking tours of the fairgrounds: Explore the fairgrounds and learn about its history and attractions
Accessibility & Inclusivity: A Fair for All
Sensory Experience: A Dedicated Area for Guests with Sensory Sensitivities
The Minnesota State Fair is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. This year, they’re introducing a dedicated sensory experience area to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for guests with sensory sensitivities.
This area will provide a calm and peaceful environment, offering a range of sensory-friendly activities and amenities. Visitors can enjoy the sensory experience area without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
ASL Services: Interpreters Available for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Attendees
The State Fair is also committed to providing accessible services for deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. Interpreters will be available throughout the event to facilitate communication and accessibility.
Visitors can take advantage of these ASL services to ensure they can fully participate in the event and enjoy all the activities and attractions.
Charging Stations: Stay Connected and Powered Up
The State Fair understands that visitors often need to stay connected and powered up throughout the event. Conveniently located phone charging stations will be available throughout the fairgrounds, providing a place to recharge and refuel.
Visitors can take advantage of these charging stations to stay connected and powered up, ensuring they can fully enjoy the event without worrying about their devices running out of battery.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the Minnesota State Fair is making a triumphant return, kicking off the summer festivities in May. With tickets going on sale this week, fairgoers can already start planning their day trips to indulge in the iconic butter sculptures, savor the sweet aroma of funnel cakes, and experience the thrill of the midway rides. This early start not only gives Minnesotans an extended taste of summer but also signifies a renewed focus on bringing joy and community together after a period of uncertainty. The significance of the State Fair extends far beyond amusement rides and deep-fried treats. It’s a celebration of Minnesota’s agricultural heritage, a showcase for local talent and innovation, and a beloved tradition that binds generations together. The decision to move the kickoff to May signals a bold step towards embracing the changing seasons and finding new ways to connect with the spirit of the fair. As the aroma of sizzling cheese curds and the sounds of live music fill the air, we can anticipate a summer filled with laughter, memories, and the unwavering spirit of the Minnesota State Fair.
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