Yesterday I did a post about 7 of the 28 new foods at the 2014 Minnesota State Fair. Today I’m going to to talk about the new fun stuff you’ll see this year.
It starts with a new entrance. See that State Fair Streetcar Arch above? That’s what will greet you just inside the brand new West End Gate, otherwise known as the Transit Hub.
Nearly half of the fair’s more than 1.7 million guests travel to the fair via mass transit. This new gate provides easy, safe access to Park & Ride and Express Service buses. The Streetcar Arch has been found and restored to its original 1934 state where it greeted visitors at the Como entrance.
The old Heritage Square is no more. It has been leveled off and replaced by the West End Market. Featuring dozens of artisans, craftspeople and specialty merchants (many who have never exhibited at the MN State Fair), as well as The Schells Stage at the Hugh & Margaret Shilling Amphitheater, and stellar food and beverage options, this is a one-of-a-kind destination at the fair.
The Blue Barn, located at the West End Market, is a farm-to-table eatery and serves new foods such as the Iron Range Pierogies.
Lulu’s Public House, also at the West End Market, is home to the Minnesota State Fair’s first roof-top patio where fair guests will enjoy views of the Mighty Midway, West End Market, and entertainment at Shilling Amphitheater. It’s a beautiful building and I can’t wait to hang out there!
If you’re looking for new exhibits, Check out the Minnesota State Fair History & Heritage Center. A center piece of the West End Market, it showcases the competition, entertainment, agriculture, food, merchandise, rides & games and Minnesota industry that have been the heart of the fair for a century and a half. All those little tiles turn so you can spend hours going through the fair’s history. Some of it is really funny!
You’ll also want to check out the Common Table exhibit in the Agriculture Horticulture Building. It showcases an 80-foot Season Wall featuring a collage of Minnesota’s year-round bounty. The exhibit is meant to spark conversations about the ecological, social and economic effects of food choices as well as teach about a sustainable, community-based food system and how to create it. Perfect for those looking to be more healthy in choosing what they eat.
Looking for even more new foods, exhibits, and attractions? Check them out HERE at the State Fair website. The ones I’m looking forward to? The Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show, The New Minnesota State Fair Horse Show, and the Bonanza Shooting Gallery!
Confused with all the State Fair info out there about what do do and see? Check out the Minnesota State Fair website and click on “fair finders” on the right side of the navigation bar. It’s a great tool for planning your trip to the fair based on your interests! It also feeds into the State Fair app so you can take it with you on the go!
I hope to run into you at the fair!!
