State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Grandstand

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The Grandstand in 1909

The following is from the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"Grandstand"

"Built 1909"

"Then: The Grandstand boasts a grand history: it has hosted horse races, baseball games, airplane stunt shows and auto races. The first wooden Grandstand was built in 1885, and was replaced by another in 1892. In 1901, thousands of Minnesotans at the Grandstand heard Theodore Roosevelt utter the famous line, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick' in the presentation that became known as 'The Minnesota Speech.' In 1906, the legendary harness-racing horse Dan Patch set a world record: one mile in one minute, 55 seconds. Today's Grandstand opened in 1909, and in 1937 the ramp was added as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) building project."

"Now: The Grandstand remains a premier outdoor concert venue that attracts national performers from KISS to Alabama, a country music band that has performed a record 19 times. The Grandstand also is home to one of the fair's great shopping hubs, with vendors offering everything from eyebrow makeup to dicers, with plenty of peeling and chopping demonstrations to draw crowds of amazed onlookers each year."

2016

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Machinery Hill

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The following is from the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"Machinery Hill"

"Named in 1909"

"Then: Farm implements have been a part of the State Fair since its beginning. And for more than 100 years, Minnesota farmers have found the latest and greatest in agricultural equipment atop Machinery Hill. In its prime, nearly 80 acres displayed farm implements and vehicles that gave visitors a glimpse into the future of farming. Countless kids were in awe of the giant tractors and combines. In 1957, there was a surprise attraction - two young bison at the Deere and Webber Co. exhibit!"

"Now: New agricultural and industrial equipment still find a home on Machinery Hill, along with the Old Iron show that celebrates antique farm machinery - a nod to what once was. The hill also features the little Farm Hands exhibit, a fun place for kids to learn about agriculture from the field to the grocery store."