The Great Minnesota Get Together is here

Every August, Minnesotans from across the state travel to the Minnesota State Fair. People come from all 87 counties of the state to participate in this wonderful event. It brings Minnesotans together like no other activity. 

This annual event has been going on for more than 150 years. It was first held in 1859, and since then there have only been five years without the annual get together. The fair was not held in 1861 and 1862 due to the Civil War and Dakota Indian Conflict, in 1893 because of scheduling conflicts with the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, in 1945 due to war-time fuel shortages, and in 1946 due to a polio epidemic. The fair has been in the same location since 1885.    

When the Fair began, it was largely focused on the agricultural community. And while that tradition remains strong, the Fair has expanded and taken on new aspects with something to offer for everybody. Musical acts of all types come to the fair. For a list of the Grandstand acts, visit here: http://www.mnstatefair.org/entertainment/stages/?stage=grandstand. Of course, many other stages are around the grounds, providing free entertainment for fair goers. Besides the agricultural expos and music, the Fair offers looks at the latest technology as well as many different shopping opportunities. Games and rides are available for children of all ages (and those of us who are still young at heart). 

But no discussion of the Minnesota State Fair would be complete without the two things it is probably best known for: food on a stick and politics. Every year brings new food to the Fair. This year is no different. You can find the updated food list here: http://www.mnstatefair.org/fun/new_food/. 

Elected officials and candidates for office will be manning booths and talking to constituents. The Minnesota Senate will once again sponsor a booth, with Senators taking turns talking to voters. I am happy to have my turn on August 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to meet legislators and talk about the issues that concern them. In addition to working the Senate booth, I will also be taking a shift selling mini donuts on August 22 from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. 

Other states across the country have state fairs, but Minnesota’s Annual Get Together is unique. It is a one of a kind experience. If you have never been to the Fair, I recommend going. And if you have gone every single year of your life, I know there will be something new for you to see this year. 

Here are a few options to help you get to the fair. You can park and ride http://www.mnstatefair.org/pdf/2013_park_ride.pdf, take an express bus service http://www.mnstatefair.org/pdf/2013_express_bus_service.pdf or ride on regular bus routes

http://www.mnstatefair.org/pdf/2013_regular_bus_route.pdf. 

I hope to see you at the Fair! If not, make sure to stop in and visit me at the Capitol. I’m in office 205. You can always reach me by phone at 651-296-6820 or by email at sen.chuck.wiger@senate.mn.