September 2, 2016 - MPR’s Doualy Xaykaothao reports on Hmong Day at the Minnesota State Fair. The schedule offers a kaleidoscope of events, from honoring military veterans and registering voters in the morning to Hmong dancers and rappers in the afternoon.
August 21, 2003 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the first day of the Minnesota State Fair, which opened for business with none other than Governor Tim Pawlenty greeting some of the first visitors early in the morning. As always, there's a mixture of new attractions and old standbys at the fair, which officials hope will draw more than 1 and 3/4 million people over the week and a half of State Fair.
August 20, 2003 - While the old stand-bys like pork chops on a stick, carnival games, and big concerts draw more than a million people, all of those oldies but goodies had to get their start somewhere along the 144 year history of the fair. Jerry Hammer, executive vice president of the Minnesota State Fair talks about what's new for 2003.
August 20, 2003 - When the Minnesota State Fair opens tomorrow visitors will see signs at entrances banning guns from the fairgrounds. Fair officials say their ban is nothing new and makes pratical sense. Gun rights advocates say the fair has no legal authority under Minnesota's new concealed carry law to prohibit permit holders from bringing handguns to the fair. They say if the fair goes ahead with its ban, it'll likely face a lawsuit.
September 3, 2001 - For the final day of the 2001 Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Jerry Hammer, executive vice president of the State Fair, about the attendance and overview of how this year’s State Fair has gone.
August 22, 1996 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the changing dynamics of the Minnesota State Fair, with more metro-centric visitors. The State Fair dates back to 1855, before Minnesota was a state, when organizers wanted to promote agriculture to entice people to settle in the area. Fair officials insist the focus on agriculture hasn't changed, although the presentation has.
September 5, 1994 - MPR’s Bob Potter walks the Minnesota State Fair in search of free stuff. He succeeds in grand fashion with a full stomach.
August 25, 1994 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the changes and new items at the 1994 Minnesota State Fair…as well as the return of the familiar, like the Salem Lutheran Food Hall.
August 23, 1993 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the various preparations before the start of 1993 Minnesota State Fair. New items include guided tours of animal barns and train circus display.
August 26, 1992 - MPR’s Tom Fudge reports on the surprising success and challenges of the cup recyling program at the Minnesota State Fair.