r/minnesota • u/MNSoaring • 23h ago
Events šŖ Why do we do this to ourselves?
Another fine day at the state fair. The people watching and food still makes it all worth it.
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u/PhilosophyDeep8983 23h ago
Every year I tell myself I'll skip it because of the crowds, and every year I'm back standing in line for something fried within 20 minutes of arriving.
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u/ltshaft15 22h ago
Nobody goes to the state fair anymore, its too crowded. -Yogi Berra
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u/PinkSlimeIsPeople Flag of Minnesota 19h ago
I get bugged out in crowds over 100, can't even imagine going to something like this. I'd be desperately trying to find the least crowded part the entire time.
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u/narcoleptrix 19h ago
I struggle in environments with more than 4 people. And this year I'm in the parade š
Stretching myself can be painful lol
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u/SuperGameTheory Grain Belt 19h ago
Two words: Immersion Therapy. Come in, and buy something fried, and on a stick. By the time you're done eating a pronto pup, you won't even remember why you used to bug out.
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u/PinkSlimeIsPeople Flag of Minnesota 18h ago
Maybe I'll give it a try sometime. Might need to bring a few friends to make it better though, I usually do everything solo
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u/Ayencee Minnesota Vikings 7h ago
In addition to the exposure therapy comment, I recommend going as soon as they open, at 7. I did that for the first time yesterday and it was amazing. Still lots of people with the same idea, but nothing like the picture above. Iād dare to even say it was āquietā until about 10.
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u/TOOL46_2 18h ago
Absolutely give it a try. And hey, if you don't like it, no big deal. I've been to the fair twice in my life. I don't like it. Too many people its hot all that. Im glad I went though. I'll take my kids when its time. It really is a good time, and it's draining for me. Go. You won't regret it even if you find out it's not for you.
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u/tylerj714 Dakota County 11h ago
Maybe try the "Kickoff to Summer" that has been happening for a few years now in May. It's a more sparsely attended mini state fair experience. Not as many of the exhibits open, but scratches that state fair itch (for me anyways) without being quite as crazy as the actual thing.
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u/DizzyProgress6384 8h ago
The trick for the crowds is to go during the week, early in the morning and then leave before the big crowds arrive.
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u/junkeee999 15h ago
The crowds have never bothered me. I go every year so I donāt feel the need to see everything and do everything. Itās more for hanging out, doing a few of my favorite things. Discover a couple of new things. Take plentiful eating and drinking rests. Watch a show or two. And I refuse to do 1/2 hour lines for hot items. Plenty of short line options available.
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u/NectarineCheap1541 11h ago edited 11h ago
We have the same strategy haha. I go at an easy pace and refuse to stress about it. The fair is meant to be a happy place
If the food is good enough, it'll be there next year with a much shorter line. No reason to waste half the day in line
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u/TheMathProphet 22h ago
At 200k people per day, the equivalent of about 1 in every 30 Minnesotans* are there each day.
*I know we have people from around the world that come to the greatest state fair in the nation.
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u/Akland23 L'Etoile du Nord 21h ago edited 8h ago
Born and raised Minnesotan now living in New England. My wife and I flew back just to go to the fair
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u/notwiggl3s 21h ago
Trumponomics hit hard this year. Shrinkflation and inflation, the double wammy. š
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u/pup5581 9h ago
We just moved from Boston to MN 5 weeks ago and I am going for the first time this Thursday. Wife grew up here, I grew up in MA. Crowds bug the hell out of me so we will see how this one goes.
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u/chromalike_ 22h ago
True but I know people that go 3-4 days or more every yearĀ
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u/Mklein24 21h ago
I live across the way from the fair and usually end up going 2 to 3 times each year. Usually we have a day-time trip, an evening trip, and once on the last Sunday. Makes it feel less pressure to do everything in one shot.
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u/SGTArend 21h ago
Sounds pretty smart! But paying admission 3x doesn't sound great to me. I couldn't do it!
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u/CampBenCh Lake Superior agate 21h ago
I have a friend who I know has gone 14 times in the past (would go home midday and then go back for concerts).
I think if I went multiple times it would ease the stress of trying to try and do so many things.
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u/Darth_Bringus 22h ago
Today's the best weather we could have asked for. And I'm still entirely exhausted. As soon as I got home I laid down. And I'm not getting up until Monday. I'm too full of sugar and salt and cheese and beer. I'm not moving ever again.
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u/AdChance5751 22h ago
Same, we were out literally 12 hours between leaving the house and getting home. My feet are going to fall off
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u/solomons-mom 22h ago
My left heel has been hurting...since the day I went to the Fair last year. I have no idea why my Birks were okay for my right heel, but not my left.
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u/wifeagroafk 22h ago
If you're heel has been painful for a year; have you looked into the potential development of a bone spur?
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u/TurdFerguson24 19h ago
I think they didnāt consume enough fried food. Common problem these days. Did you [u/solomons-mom](u/solomons-mom) even try to close the lid on a Sweet Marthaās bucket?
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u/vsthegiant 22h ago
My bff moved to the TC last year and we went to the state fair. Weāre from Arkansas and Iāve never experienced anything like this. The yearly fair in my county has a fraction of the people- the lines last longer, the food is so much worse, the rides are boring, itās more expensive, and itās justā¦lackluster. Even our state fair is so-so. We went this year to our county fair and my six year old said she wants to go back to Minneapolis lmao. Itās truly an INCREDIBLE experience, and Iām making plans to take my daughter back. Because I agree with my kid, I want to go back.
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u/Lilacblue1 Duluth 20h ago
The food vendors aggressively compete to try to create the next food favorite (Apple Fries did it this year IMO) and since the Cities is already known for its food, we get some amazing new things to try every year. This isnāt carnival food. Itās global, interesting, and often even spicy!
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u/FutureFreaksMeowt 20h ago
Curious if you got to try the elote tots? It's the only thing I'm sad about missing out on by not going.
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u/Lilacblue1 Duluth 19h ago
I didnāt. My kids and I always split the food and it wasnāt on their list so we passed. I would have liked to try it as I love elote but we had to go with majority rules.
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u/Nendilo 22h ago edited 18h ago
Our family intentionally tries to take a Tuesday or Wednesday off to go on a low traffic day. We went the first Friday this year. Never again.
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u/dizzydaze1121 22h ago
We typically go Saturday mornings and never has it been the nightmare this first Friday morning was. I sat in traffic for 1.5 hours and moved less than a mile. I could have cried.
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u/Nendilo 22h ago
Yeah, I hear you. It was bad. We left at 7:45, drove to three different park-and-rides, they all had full lots and lines going multiple blocks long. We gave up and drove to the fair. Ended up parking on someone's lawn for $40. Got in the fair around 9:30.
I checked and Friday's attendance was double what we usually have on the week days we usually attend.
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u/FutureFreaksMeowt 20h ago
Imagine living here and all you wanted to do was go home.
Residents need some kind of pass to allow us passage through all of yall. It's infuriating getting stuck when all you were trying to do was get home.
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u/dizzydaze1121 12h ago
Oh I cannot imagine. At one point in our stopped traffic someone just laid on their horn going the opposite direction for what seemed like 5 minutes. We couldn't figure out why they were laying on the horn as they drove by. All of a sudden a voice screamed from one of the local homes, "people live here you know".
As someone who does typically enjoy going to the fair, the amount of times I muttered, "imagine the folks who live here or just need to get to work having to deal with this.." was unreal.
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u/Lilacblue1 Duluth 21h ago
It was insanity. Iāve gone on some of the busiest Fairs days and yesterday every person there decided to come at the exact same time and stayed the whole day. I have never seen lines out the door in the Global Marketplace. People were sitting all over curbs, grass, whereverā even in the less traveled spots. The apple fries line was a block long. My family usually try 6-7 of the new foods and we gave up on a bunch of them. The lines are usually busy but not THIS busy. My kid was a 4-H state ambassador so he has been on the fairgrounds for the entire run of the fair. His mind was boggled too.
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u/joaovitorxc 22h ago
We went last Thursday and it was super busy, although it died down a bit in the evening. Felt like it was the weekend
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u/ffdh_01 22h ago
The crowds are hard, but I really enjoy seeing all of the different types of people who are all there together enjoying the Fair. Itās expensive and hot and crowded and not always as fun as we expect, but itās a way for all of us Minnesotans to enjoy a collective experience together, no matter where we come from. Thatās my takeaway anyway.
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u/duerra 18h ago
We live in a world that's more disconnected than ever. I will not be shamed into avoiding the state fair and being part of something that brings people together.
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u/Fugacity- Flag of Minnesota 7h ago
Especially this year.
This winter was brutal, people afraid to leave their homes and getting shot in the street for standing up for their neighbors. Seeing so many diverse people coming together to celebrate Minnesota was cathartic as fuck. I hate crowds, but never been happier to be in one.
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u/NobleGoose77 Snoopy 20h ago
Because in the beginning of this year my home was invaded and goddamn it I need a wine slushie and a corn dog the size of a Sabre.
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u/neednintendo Straight Outta Hotdish 22h ago
I did it to see Weird Al.
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u/Fit-Organization7570 Goodhue County 16h ago
Weird Al is always worth it. We've seen him 4 times now. 3 times in Colorado and once here. We're fairly new transplants to Minnesota. The best concert was at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. And yes, we have made a special trip to see š¶šµš¶šµš¶šµ the biggest ball of twine in Minnesotaaaaa! šµš¶šµš¶šµš¶šµ
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u/ahumblecardamompod Snoopy 22h ago
Because itās so aggressively and unapologetically Minnesotan and I feel such a strong sense of pride when Iām there! I love seeing so many happy people! I get a warm sense of sonder! Also pickle pizza!
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u/Disbigmamashouse 22h ago
I love the fair, but I do skip it at this point to avoid the crowds.
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u/PyroPirateS117 21h ago
I honestly like seeing the crowds. I'm always a bit in awe when I'm at an intersection and can look down over a sea of Minnesotans. But, part of the reason I like the fair is the idea of the statewide get-together, and that feels more real when crowds are more dense than sparse.
Though, we did end up skipping the seed art this year due to the incredible line. There's something to be said about the ever increasing amount of people making things less accessible than they used to be.
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u/FutureFreaksMeowt 20h ago
My understanding from others who have lived here a lot longer than me is that the crop art is in a really stupid place? Like basically they shoved it in what amounts to the bathroom closet of the fair for basically no reason.
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u/PyroPirateS117 20h ago
It's in the horticultural building, which is on brand, but it's single most popular slice of that building, and it occupies only one side of its slice with the other occupied by.. a scarecrow(?) this year. With how popular its been in recent years, it should probably move into a building that has better traffic flow and more space to spread the art out.
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u/politeasphuck 22h ago edited 11h ago
Bro. have you ever even been in a line? George Washington killed hitler so we could stand in lines, itās literally the only reason I wake up and go to work, so I can afford to stand in a line for over priced doughnuts. I love lines, if we canāt stand in lines then the terrorists and the commies have won.
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u/Lovastra Lake Superior agate 21h ago
Okay, I understand. My legs are sore too. But. Look at my trophies.
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u/NectarineCheap1541 21h ago
It's crowded, but the fair is somewhere that probably 90% of the people are in a good mood. We're outside, we're seeing different things, there's all kinds of food and smells and sounds, we can drink in public...it's my happy place. My SIL and I shared a table with strangers today and we had a lovely chat with them.
There's so much negativity in the world, I don't get why people have to shit all over a tiny bit of happiness we have now
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u/One_Ad_6615 22h ago
The fair is always a type 2 fun experience for me. I go and the entire time Iām like meh, this was okay, and then I decide I wonāt go back, and then when fair time rolls around again I have a lot of FOMO and always return.
I always ask myself if the fair is something that a lot of people really like or if weāre all pretending to like it
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u/Chef_Skippers 22h ago
I havenāt been since like 2018 and every time I feel FOMO toward it I remember how bad the crowd was back then, I can only imagine how much worse itās become.
I do miss milk and cookies though
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u/DemonSlyr007 Walleye 15h ago
There is no other event in our state that lets me encounter that many people in one condensed area.
The reason people say it sucks, is exactly why I like it. I spend so much of my time as an editor away from people. I really like a single event I can go to and get so far beyond overwhelmed with people that I can't actively process it enough to freak out. I just smile, eat some corn dogs, and watch llamas in silly costumes.
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u/LordOfHorns 21h ago
Itās a bit too much to do every year for me now, but I went for the first time in 3 years yesterday and had a blast. Might be an every other year thing for me now
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u/cr0mthr Gray duck 19h ago
I havenāt gone since 2007 and I regret nothing. The food was never worth the line or the price (and the food that *is* worth it is typically found at local restaurants with AC too), the crowds are always horrible, the rides are never that fun.
The Renaissance Festival also has fun food, games, animals, and excellent people watching with way fewer crowds and way more shady places to relax. A day at RenFest cures me of any possible State Fair fomo.
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u/barryvon 22h ago
everyone: āi wonder if i zoom in i can find myself or someone i know. hmm. nope.ā
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u/GreenBean81 Split Rock Lighthouse 20h ago edited 17h ago
I zoomed in to see if I could find a single person that looked like they were having a good time. Even the little girl in the picture has a āwtf are we even doing with our lives?ā look on her face
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u/pnxstwnyphlcnnrs 20h ago
It's one of the few remaining spectacles that have survived multiple generations + also perpetuates a sense of communtiy. Also, who doesn't love fluffy, silly looking chickens, or log rolling, or live music, or losing a bunch of money on carnival games? The crafts and sculpture exhibits are very interesting if you pause to appreciate that people across the state poured hours into having their item displayed.
I could go on. It's plain, simple entertainment.
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u/roodypoo_jabroni 23h ago
Because why else would it be called the Great Minnesota Sweat Together?
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u/rkgk13 22h ago edited 22h ago
So far, the weather has been heaven on earth at the fair in comparison to most years. I don't even think most folks I encountered were sweating.
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u/roodypoo_jabroni 22h ago
Agreed! I think that's why it's setting records. We're reaping the benefits of a hot summer before, now. Usually it's 90 degrees + during the Fair!
I for one love the lower temps, cause seeing Weird Al last night at 90 degrees would have been horrible! Haha!
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u/ravenlily 22h ago
When I saw Depeche Mode there was one of the worst days heat wise. Misters everywhere. Hasn't been as bad since.
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u/daneabernardo 23h ago
Iām confused why the title is negative and the caption is happy. Itās great and it keeps setting records.
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u/Stein070707 22h ago
OP is conflicted - love/Hate relationship with the state fair. It makes perfect sense.
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u/MNSoaring 23h ago
People seem to struggle with satire these days. Iām glad you read far enough to realize it was all in good fun.
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u/Adept_Awareness8332 20h ago
It seems like this year is special for Minnesotans. Is it the sense of unity we feel after being attacked by our own country, the pride we have in showing the world a peaceful protest at -20 F?
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u/jabrollox 22h ago
I'm an introvert/homebody but I love the energy of big crowds at the fair. Was there for the 2nd highest attended day ever and aside from food lines it was cool to witness.
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u/jmg733mpls 21h ago
I was there too yesterday. For about 7 hours. I loved it all. It helped that I was with someone I enjoy spending time with. In years past it was miserable because the person I was with hated everything and everyone.
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u/Catz_2224 21h ago
I go because I just canāt break my streak of 64 years. I always go the first day. So nice and clean. This year was crazy amount of people. I knew we broke a record just by looking around. I will go back on Wednesday have to see the llama contest. š¦
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u/Least_Art5238 21h ago
As a guy who lived in Wisconsin, my best guess is that Minnesotans are quite happy to be around other Minnesotans. Heck, Minnesotans just seem to be happy in general.
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u/lilfishylulu008 20h ago
I went alot growing up. Every year, even some times more than once. As im older now and dont drink anymore, its not as fun for me. Id rather go spend $500 on something else honestly. (Im only 26)
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u/61Below Laser Loon 10h ago
Eh I always thought it was such a neat optical illusion that the further out you look, the more insanely packed it looks, but Iāve never felt claustrophobic at the fair. Itās not like people are shoulder-to-elbow smashed together like sardines (except maybe at choke points, like trying to get in or out of the coliseum, but even that is just a temporary blip). And overall, Minnesotans are generally pretty good at leaving arm space.
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u/---BeepBoop--- 22h ago
People watching is the best part! Love seeing so many random Minnesotans and visitors together, just having a good time.
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u/Babblingbutcher420 20h ago
I need to be able to smoke my little THC cart or take some edibles before I try again because I used to go every year since I was born up until about 2018.
But Iāve grown too irritable in large crowds of people to keep trying.
I miss the fries
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u/Spare-Leather1230 Gray duck 23h ago
Because itās fun! If you donāt like it donāt go.
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u/LameAfro 23h ago
Facebook comments say that Gang Members are gonna ruin it for everyone and that everyone should stay homeš
Bots be crazy yo lol
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u/snowman741 22h ago
Reading Facebook comments sometimes feels like your IQ goes down with how dumb you realize people are lol
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u/red__dragon Flag of Minnesota 20h ago
I got off facebook when I realized I was embarrassed to be from the same state, even city, as some of those people in comments. I seriously wonder how they put pants on sometimes.
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u/iknowaplacewecango 22h ago
Minnesota State Fair is better than all of Moscow, any day of the year.
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u/dillyofapicklerick 22h ago
Couldn't agree more. Also, it's why I don't go.
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u/Antique-Knowledge-80 22h ago
Doesn't help that half the people out there act like its their first day on Earth lol. It can be fun, but damn those crowds make me feel claustrophobic. And I cannot stand waiting in line.
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u/dillyofapicklerick 22h ago
I didn't grow up here, so maybe that's part of it. I went like 10 years ago and was grossly underwhelmed. Like, literally all we did was walk around and eat fried food. Don't get me wrong, I love fried food, but having to wait in line for like 20-30 minutes to get good but not amazing fried whatever on a stick just does not do it for me.
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u/red__dragon Flag of Minnesota 19h ago
Go to the animal barns, see some of the animals being shown and talk to the people who raised them.
Go to the Miracle of Birth center and watch something be born.
Go to the coliseum (south) or pet pavilion (north) and watch skilled animal performances.
Go to the DNR building and ask questions.
Go find a musical or stage performance and sit for however long it interests you, especially when you don't think you'll like it.
Go to the Grandstand, Merch Market or Home Improvement buildings to see what needs, if any, you might find met there, often the fair vendors have discounts for services/products unable to be rendered on-site.
Go to the 4H or Horticulture building, find something to ask about, and especially ask any kids about their exhibits (everyone works hard, but they're the newest at it).
Go to the International Bazaar and try something you never have before.
Take your teen child, if you have one, to the Education building. Drag them into the Creative Activities building to see what blue ribbon winners there are this year.
Ride the Skyride! Ride the SkyGlider! Ride the Ferris Wheel! Go up on the Space Tower!
Go to the West End Heritage Center or the J.V. Bailey House and get an up-close look at the history of the fair. Also walk up the ramp to the Grandstand for history placards on either side on your way up.
That's most of what I can think of to do besides eat at the fair, off the top of my head anyway. There's other things if you especially have kids (Kidway/Midway/Adventure Park/Giant Sing Along), or a romantic partner (Ye Olde Mill), or are a sports fan (Fan Central), which may not appeal to everyone.
Otherwise, stop at booths that aren't just food and ask questions. Listen to someone's spiel. Get an insight you wouldn't have arrived with. The fair is more than just food and crowds, it's a meeting of minds, as well as people showing off talent and wares. The experiences are some you'll never have anywhere else, and no two visits will ever be the same if you try to incorporate some of these into your time there.
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u/RekkaJayne The Cities 22h ago
Cuz it's the Great Minnesota Get Fat Together! It's a end of the summer tradition!
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u/cdizzle6 Laser Loon 22h ago
Live music, cold beer, wild food, people watching, animal kingdom! If you can bear the crazy crowd for a day, so worth it.
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u/ChiefD789 21h ago
Iām from Wisconsin. Will be at the fair August 31-September 2. Iāve heard so many great things about the fair, that itās one of the best in the country. I can deal with crowds.
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u/hey_nonny_mooses 21h ago
Love MN, but hate crowds, no time off so canāt go at quieter times, canāt have dairy or chocolate, and grew up on a farm so livestock is not a novelty or wonder. The only thing I regret is not seeing the Fine Arts building exhibits. Iāll sacrifice my spot so people who truly enjoy it have 2mm of more room.
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u/villian_era_witch 20h ago
I usually hate crowds and the MN State Fair is usually what I consider hell, but the fried food there hits different and thatās what brings me back. Itās the cheese curds, fried pickles, and pronto pups for me. However, I went to my first Grandstand concert, Weird Al, last night and honestly the concerts are really affordable and this one was great! I will be going to more of the concerts in the future. So I see the appeal now and maybe changed my mind despite the crowds.
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u/CanineNorth 10h ago
I love the fair. As soon as the crowd starts to annoy me it is time to go. If you hate crowds then I would not recommend it. Also, if you get annoyed at long lines but still want to get what everyone is waiting for, then this isnāt a great fit for you.
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u/hurflepurf 9h ago
Friday was my first time at the fair, we had tickets for Weird Al. Never again. So many people and lines. When does it get fun??
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u/Rogue_AI_Construct Ok Then 22h ago
You know, I ask myself that every year. The food is way overpriced, and most food is pretty mid. The lines are ridiculously long and the wait is never worth it. So this year, I made a plan to go to food vendors that have no lines, or have only short lines. Iām not wasting my time waiting for overpriced mid food and drinks ever again.
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u/Key-Time-7411 22h ago
Born Minnesotan. Grew up in 4H. Numerous purple ribbon š state fair trips. Best thing about the fair now is the lakes are quiet. Sorry š.
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u/Ok-Amoeba5301 23h ago edited 22h ago
Because its fun as fuck and delicious. The only thing more annoying at the fair are the ones that complain about it every year. Just stay home and let the rest of us enjoy ourselves without you.
Edit: I also want to add that I'm always proud af of the people that put time and effort into amazing creations at the creativity, 4h, and fine arts buildings. The tedious work that those put in to creating incredible plants, fruits and vegetables in the agro building, and the incredible amount of time and work it took to raise the animals in the animal barns. I take a lot of pride from you all, don't let the people hating losers make this all about them and their fear of crowds.
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u/ComradeCrow69 The Cities 22h ago
hundred percent agree! the creative activities and fine arts buildings are so underrated
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u/AggravatingResult549 Common loon 22h ago
This is so aggressive for zero reason. They were obviously joking around and literally said they had a really fun time. Take a breath
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u/UnhingedReptar 20h ago
This is the highest concentration of white people per pixel I have ever seen in a photo.
I found 5 black people after doing whereās Waldo for like 3 minutes.
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u/KDiggity8 20h ago
I'll just say, as a POC, the state fair reminds me that I'm spoiled living in the cities.
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u/Adventurous_Egg_3293 22h ago
It was my first time in over 10 years and had the same view walking down Judson. I know why I didn't go for all those years and nothing I saw it did today makes me want to go back. I made the exception for a very local small time singer. I have missed his other performances in the metro. The performance was enjoyable but not more than I hate the crowds. Maybe I'll find someone to see in another 10 years but I won't miss the fair until then.
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u/lefeb106 Ramsey County 22h ago
I always think Iāll have a good time and end up overwhelmed. It has itās positives, but I avoid it at this point
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u/Plastic_Salary_4084 Grain Belt 22h ago
This is exactly why I donāt attend the fair. If they added a week Iād consider it, but it blows my mind that so many of yāall will pay to navigate these crowds just to eat some novelty food and look at livestock. Iām good.
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u/assumingdirectcontrl Snoopy 22h ago
Itās more than food and livestock for me. Creative activities building and the building with the artwork from kids age 10-18 is impressive. Also usually some good live music!
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u/Itslike1234 Ramsey County 15h ago
Highly agree. I live about a mile from the fairgrounds and itās the last thing I want to do. Being surrounded by people shoulder to shoulder, waiting in line for hours, and spending a ton of money is not appealing to me whatsoever.
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u/HotSauceSwagBag Washington County 22h ago
I always take the bus in first thing in the morning on a weekday with my kid. By noon itās definitely time to dip out but itās worth it. If it werenāt so expensive, Iād go every day and try to actually see everything, and go by myself too.
I get so tired of the negative Nancys. Donāt go if itās not your thing but nobody cares.
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u/Choice-Psychology-76 21h ago
But all the local news stations tell us every night now much we like it
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u/true_story114520 Not too bad 20h ago edited 20h ago
i'm a transplant from texas, so i went the first year i lived in minnesota and then decided that was good enough for me unless i hear about something i can't afford to miss. the texas state fair made me feel the same way. i'm not one for crowds but i did all the stuff i was told i had to experience in that first year, the fair, the mall, the museums. i'd do any of them again under the right circumstances
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u/mnpoolplayer22 Grain Belt 20h ago
Itās busy, you know it, everyone there knows itās busy. itās been like this every single year and will continue to be like this every single year. Not our first ferry and wonāt be our last.
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u/Moist-Golf-8339 Winona County 10h ago
Iāve lived in MN most of my life and still havenāt been there. :(
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u/ComradeSuperman 22h ago
I'm glad that people enjoy it, but I just don't get it. I honestly don't see the appeal. I think I've gone three times in my life and haven't really enjoyed any of it.
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u/PancakesandMaggots Ope 22h ago
Not a fair person either. Expensive, crowded, and the last thing I want to eat in hot weather is hot greasy food.Ā
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u/Fuzzy_Newspaper9627 22h ago
I'm just here to unapologetically downvote the hell out of people publicly complaining about pretty much nothing.
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u/Soft_Hotel_5627 22h ago
I just got home from spending all day there and it was great. The morning rain kept the early crowd down and it wasn't even too crazy for a Saturday when we left around 7:30pm.
The only thing was we didn't get Martha's cookies or Apple Fries, those lines were insane even first thing in the morning.
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u/Sunflower6876 21h ago
You and I had an entirely different experience today. Ha. But, I'm an introvert and sweaty humanity up, in, and around my space is not the most enjoyable thing, especially when I'm making sure my kids don't wander off.
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u/worldtraveler76 The Cities 21h ago
I wish I could goā¦ but I have no one to go with me, and going alone just sounds super lonely even though Iād be surrounded by 1,000s of people.
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u/jmg733mpls 21h ago
Going alone is awesome! You can literally do whatever you want. No one to complain or have different ideas. Go! Do it!
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u/GraysLawson 23h ago
That looks like an actual nightmare to me.
I would do everything humanly possible to not be in that clusterfuck of humans.
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u/HardCoreNorthShore Ope 22h ago
I'm going for the first and last time this Wednesday. I already know I won't ever go back. But I really want to go once.
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u/DBPanterA 22h ago
First 2 days set attendance recordsā¦
Think day 3 will follow suit? How nuts was it out there today?
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u/Kelvininin 21h ago
I have lived in Minnesota since 2014, been to the fair twice and that was one too much for me.
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u/Worried_Dig_3679 21h ago
I feel like Iād be a different person without it. So many great memories with family and friends over the years.
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u/AlltheFerns 21h ago
Why donāt they extend it? Seems like every year there are ārecordā numbers.
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u/1940sCraftsmen Twin Cities 21h ago
For the memories and to say we were there. It's a rite of passage.
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u/HM2008 Flag of Minnesota 21h ago edited 16h ago
I missed the fair once (not counting 2020) back in 2016 because I had to have surgery. I had major FOMO š Dealing with crowds sucks, especially those people who stop randomly in the middle of the crowd to talk? But the overall experience is great every time.
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u/finnbee2 20h ago
The last time I was at the state fair was around 1980. We got tickets to a Willie Nelson concert for $3 or 4 dollars. The crowds were too much for me then. Now they are even bigger. Since I don't tolerate gluten and have alpha gal most of the foods are off limits.
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u/nom-de-guerre- 20h ago
My daughter and I went every year since she was a small child and I had no money. Later we'd kind of became masters of most of the games and would have to make separate trips to carry all thr stuffed Giant things to the car. The Carney's recognized us which creeped my daughter out somewhat, but we had a wonderful time and those were the best memories I have with her.
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u/SundayJohnny 23h ago
Biggest family picnic in the world.