Minnesota Public Radio, which started reporting from the Minnesota State Fair as far back as 1972, began a yearly tradition of live broadcasting from its booth at the corner of Judson and Nelson in 1991 (taking over the old WLOL-FM spot). The location has since become an important community spot for sharing ideas, intercultural representation, and topics unique to the Fair itself. MPR was the first media organization to have an entire day dedicated to them in the form of MPR Day, held the Friday before Labor Day in Dan Patch Park (formerly known as Carousel Park). The MPR booth has featured Gubernatorial debates, appearances by senators and important public figures, and live performances by a wide range of local musicians and writers. MPR hosts Gary Eichten, Cathy Wurzer, Kerri Miller, Bob Potter, Beth Friend, and numerous others, have filled the air over the past three decades with live Fair broadcasts that both informed and entertained. There was also the longtime broadcast of the Morning Show hosted by Jim Ed Poole and Dale Connelly, bringing their distinctive humor to the street intersection.
The Minnesota State Fair’s permanent 320-acre home along Snelling Avenue in St. Paul contains historical buildings which host a slew of exhibitors, plants, animals, arts, and plenty of jam. Big outdoor attractions include a multitude of food, Midway carnival rides, livestock (with smells), and daily shows and grandstand performances. It’s a busy, busy 12 days that MPR Archive has attempted to capture in this audio collection as varied as food on a stick. A report on Little Irvy, the freeze-dried whale…check! Andean folk band…indeed! Differences of the Pronto pup and the Poncho Dog…got it! Former U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz pitching his milk…yep! Here is your audio ticket to those stories…and so much more.
August 28, 1990 - MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on the multiple incidents besetting the State Fair this year, including serous ride malfunctions and a fire at Epiphany Diner.
September 3, 1990 - MPR’s Kitty Eisele reports on the eventful moments of 1990 Minnesota State Fair, including three broken ride mishaps on Midway. Segment includes interviews of members at Fair.
August 14, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the work within the Creative Activities Building at the Minnesota State Fair…both in the submissions and the judging.
August 22, 1991 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on the varied State Fair preparations of Minnesotans outside the metro. Wilcoxen interviews 4Hers and a potter about the experience of being in cities for the event.
August 23, 1991 - Susan Berkson provides commentary for those in fear of a day at the Minnesota State Fair when it’s pouring rain outside.
August 23, 1991 - On this special ‘Live at the State Fair’ of The Morning Program, hosts Jim Ed Poole and Dale Connelly discuss suggestions for a Minnesota State Fair song with local singer-songwriter Ann Reed and callers. Food and animals are the most popular pitches amongst listeners.
August 24, 1991 - A group interview with three young people who share their thoughts and experiences of the Minnesota State Fair.
August 24, 1991 - On this special State Fair Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Karal Ann Marling and Jeff Johnson about Minnesota State Fair history and attractions. The two also answer fair audience and listener questions.
August 26, 1991 - MPR’s John Biewen looks beyond the barns, Heritage Square motif, and greasy food to find the cultural diversity of Minnesota State Fair. Segment includes numerous interviews.
August 26, 1991 - During the hour you'll hear a documentary about the 19th Amendment, entitled "A Woman's Place," followed by MPR’s Dan Olson conversation about women's rights on this Women's Suffrage Day with Gloria Griffin, of the Minnesota Women's Consortium; and Phyllis Kahn, a state representative. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson hosted the program from the State Fair.