Minnesota State Fair Date Night

It's State Fair time!  I have fond memories of the Minnesota State Fair dating back to when I was in 4-H and our group's skit won an award that put us on the stage in the 4-H building.  Chris and I used to go on an evening when we were dating.  When my boys were little, my parents would come and stay with us.  We would get up really early, pack up the boys and drive to the fair.  Our first stop, breakfast.  Second stop, the animals.

Now we go about every other year and most times it is without Chris.  This year though, Chris decided he wanted to go too.  So tonight, he and I went to the fair.  Our boys went with their friends and our daughter went with her friend.  It was date night for us!  We were one of a few THOUSAND who had the same idea.

We entered the fair by my favorite building....The Creative Activities Building.  This is where all of the handcrafts are showcased - including baked and canned goods.  Two of my favorites were the bottled vinegars and the jams/jellies.  (I noticed that no one entered pickled asparagus.  I may have to enter some of mine next year.  I also have a few handcrafts I may finish and enter next year.  I'll keep you posted!)

Chris likes to visit the ECO Environment Building.  We use solar power on our property up north so he was really interested in any new solar technology.  The windmills and wind direction website were pretty cool too.

A trip through Heritage Square and we saw a taxidermist with a sense of humor.  There really is something for everyone at the fair!

Of course we also had to eat.  It wouldn't be a trip to the fair without eating something.  We started out with Crab Cakes.

Then moved on to cheese curds.

Chris had a pronto pup and then some french fries.

For dessert, I had a chocolate dipped nut roll while he had a vanilla ice cream cone.  I definitely had the more creative choice!

We never did see any of our children while we were there.  I've spoken to all of them - none of them are home yet and it's 11:30pm - and they all had a blast!  My daughter's favorite part was the fireworks at the end of the night.  My boys loved the food.  Especially the Nitro Ice Cream & Roasted Corn (my middle son had 2 ears and had to borrow money from his brother).

If you get the chance, please visit the "Great Minnesota Get Together - The Minnesota State Fair".  Here is a link to the fair's website   www.mnstatefair.org  You can find out all of the daily deals, where to park and ride for $5 or for free, get maps of the fair, get a list of the free concerts (we listened to Rock, Country, and Jazz all within a few blocks) and a host of other fair-worthy information.  If you plan ahead for next year and Creative Activities is your "thing" we may have some space available in our home for some fair guests!!

"I won all of the blue ribbons for canning at the state fair."  -Loretta Lynn