FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - Bigger and better seems to be the way of the world, and the Great Minnesota Get-Together is embracing that philosophy with a list of new attractions for 2018.
The Minnesota State Fair unveiled those additions on Wednesday, designed to enhance what is already the state's defining summer experience. Among them:
Cambria Kitchen
The former Creative Activities Demonstration Kitchen has been totally transformed into a state-of-the-art facility to showcase presentations that cultivate interest in creating delicious and attractive food.
With a beautiful frame and a curved-front island focal point for optimal audience viewing, the new Cambria Kitchen will feature a full schedule of premier local chefs and demonstrators, including Andrew Zimmern (Aug. 24), Scott McGillivray (Aug. 24), Sean Sherman & The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Food Lab (Aug. 31), and many more. Free with fair admission. Refer to daily schedules at mnstatefair.org in August for a complete list of demonstrations in the Cambria Kitchen.
Located in the Creative Activities Building (open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), on the northeast corner of Dan Patch Avenue & Cosgrove Street.
Thrilling New Rides
New at Mighty Midway
Seven new rides – including three that are the only rides of their kind in North America – debut at the fair this year.
- Downdraft: Get in, buckle up, and get ready to ride the airwaves in a supersonic spin.
- Haunted Castle Dark Ride: Brave souls who embark on this darkest of dark rides will encounter two levels of animated spooks, sounds and lights. Constructed in Italy, this will be the largest traveling haunted attraction in North America when it makes its debut at the Minnesota State Fair.
- Rock Star: Hop on board for a rock and rollicking good time on this exhilarating 360-degree thrill ride that spins to 60 feet high.
- Super Frisbee: Nothing short of spectacular, this is the only traveling ride of its kind in North and South America. At 52 feet high, the gondola rotates at 20 revolutions per minute and free falls at 3.5 times the force of gravity.
- Twin Flip: Monumental, high-flying spins within spins – and in all directions – make this a unique ride in North America and a thrill-seeker’s dream.
New at the Kidway
- Combination Carousel: This colorful ride takes tots on a spin merry-go-round style.
- Teacups: A calm rotating teacup ride amidst bright scenery and sparkling lights.
The Hangar
The Hangar is a brand-new destination for food, craft beer and entertainment on the north end of the fairgrounds. Once home to the State Fair aircraft show in the early 1900s, the former Pet Center building is being re-purposed into this new food and drink establishment, complete with aircraft-themed décor and other memorabilia paying homage to the building’s history.
The menu will feature Slider Flights, breakfast items, smoked turkey legs, smoked brisket sandwiches, burgers, bacon-wrapped pork belly, kid meals, chicken-and-waffle ice cream splits topped with candied bacon, and a selection of local beers curated by members of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. Plus, there will be live entertainment. Refer to daily schedules at mnstatefair.org in August for the live entertainment lineup.
Located on the northeast corner of Murphy Avenue & Underwood Street. Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.
Food Vendors Provide a Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse
The following three food vendors built new facilities or remodeled their existing space and will now provide fair guests with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how their fair food is prepared and where it comes from.
- Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU): The renovation of MFU’s original 1950s building will give fairgoers the opportunity to view videos about Minnesota family farmers, the state of agriculture, the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, the value of locally grown food and the educational and legislative work of MFU. See a map showing the farms where the ingredients used in MFU’s State Fair foods were grown. Located on Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper & Cosgrove streets.
- Pronto Pups: At Pronto Pup headquarters, peek through the window on the south side of the building to see how this iconic food is speared, battered and fried. In a new building located on the west side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch & Carnes avenues.
- Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar: Sneak a peek through the kitchen window on the south side of the building to see cookies by the thousands. There’s also a video outside the booth showing the full production process. In a new building located on the west side of Underwood Street between Murphy & Lee avenues.
New Park and Rides
There will be two new lots added – in Arden Hills and White Bear Township – to the already-expansive Park & Ride service.
- Calvary Church, 4604 Greenhaven Dr., White Bear Township, 55127
- North Heights Lutheran Church, 1700 Highway 96 West, Arden Hills, 55112 Both of these locations are open 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to midnight Sunday, and drop-off and pick-up at the Transit Hub on the west end of the fairgrounds.
New Construction on the State Fairgrounds
Highlights of this year’s fairgrounds improvement projects include:
- New Pet Pavilions and Outdoor Demonstration Area: A 6,600-square-foot open-air pavilion located just west of the former Pet Center will house purebred dog breed booths and the Pet Surgery Suite, where Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association members perform spay and neuter surgeries. A neighboring structure will feature merchants selling pet-centric treats and accessories. Agility, obedience and police K-9 demonstrations will be showcased in a new grassy outdoor demonstration area. Pet Pavilions are open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Refer to daily schedules at mnstatefair.org in August for a complete list of activities at the Pet Pavilions and Outdoor Demonstration Area.
- New Restroom Building: With 54 toilets, 32 sinks, 22 urinals, 18 family restrooms, eight drinking fountains and four water bottle refill stations, a new restroom building is being constructed on the south side of Murphy Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets. This structure is the sixth major restroom facility built on the fairgrounds in the last 10 years. Located on Murphy Avenue at the north end of the fairgrounds.
Eco Experience – New Highlights
At this award-winning exhibit, an array of new highlights features the latest in easy, everyday reduce-reuse-recycle how-tos that impact our air and water; healthy cooking tips to reduce food waste; innovations in green technology; and other compelling topics on environmentally focused living. At this year’s Eco Experience, here’s a sampling of the questions fair guests will find answers to.
- What are the challenges facing our beloved and unique Lake Superior, one of the fastest-warming ecosystems in the world?
- Can I taste the difference between Duluth water sourced from Lake Superior, St. Paul water sourced from the Mississippi River, and a third Minnesota community? (Daily rotation varies)
- What chefs and foodmakers are sharing tips and demonstrating recipes that minimize food waste, part of the exhibit that calls attention to the fact that 40 percent of food is wasted in the United States while one in eight Americans struggle with food insecurity?
- What are the myths and facts of tampering with the pollution control equipment in vehicles?
- What fun facts will I learn playing Climate Connections Bingo while exploring the Eco Experience exhibit – and what do I win?
- How can I adjust my home water softening system to work properly and efficiently to lessen the effect on Minnesota’s growing salty water problem and increasing chloride pollution?
- What are some Minnesota-made products that come from raw material made of items we donate or put out for curbside recycling?
- Where’s the box to drop off my old phones, tablets, cords and cables?
- Where do I sign up to “adopt a drain” and pledge to keep it clear of debris?
- Is this where I pick up my free sheet of poop emoji toilet paper printed with practical water protection tips for folks with septic systems?
Eco Experience is a partnership of the State Fair, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and more than 150 organizations and businesses across the state. It is the largest environmental education event of its kind in the country. Visit ecoexperience.org for more information. Free with fair admission. Refer to daily schedules at mnstatefair.org in August for a complete list of activities at Eco Experience.
Located in the Progress Center. Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.