State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Progress Center

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The following is from the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"Progress Center"

"Built 1907"

"Then: Designed by St. Paul architects and built in just three months, this building originally was used to house poultry and was touted as 'the largest exhibition building for poultry in the world.' In 1928, poultry flew the coop and it became the State Exhibits Building. It housed an exhibit from each institution of the state, giving an opportunity for the department heads to explain the functions of their respective offices to citizens. In 1989, the building was renamed the Progress Center and held the Oriental Pavilion and later, the Wonders of Technology."

"Now: In 2006, Eco Experience exhibit opened in the building, focusing on renewable energy, organic food, and green technology. The Progress Center continues to feature presentations and hands-on exhibits along that theme."

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - CHS Miracle of Birth Center

Saturday, September 25, 2018

According to the according to the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"CHS Miracle of Birth Center"

"Opened 2001, moved to current location 2006"

"Then: Oohing and ahhing over baby animals has been a fair tradition since 1956, when the Future Farmers of America (now the National FFA Organization) created the Children's Barnyard. The Miracle of Birth Center exhibit joined the Children's Barnyard in 2001 and gave fairgoers a chance to reflect on the importance of four-legged creatures to Minnesota's well-being. Quickly outgrowing its space, it moved to its current location and was renamed CHS Miracle of Birth and FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center."

"Now: About a million visitors come to see 150 to 200 calves, goats, piglets, and lambs being born during the run of the fair. Animal species are chosen based on their tolerance for people watching their birthing process. The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association coordinates over 150 volunteer veterinarians to staff the center, as well as University of Minnesota interns and FFA members who feed and care for the animals."

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - J.V. Bailey House

Saturday, August 25, 2018

According to the walking tour brochure:

"Built in 1911, restored 2006"

"Then: The State Fair's green thumbs once 'planted themselves' at the J.V. Bailey House. From 1916 to 2004, greenhouse superintendents and groundskeepers resided year-round at the 1911 American foursquare-style home. They watched over the greenhouse and took care of the iconic canna, the beautiful red-and-yellow tropical flowers growing by the thousands throughout the fairgrounds. The house is named for J.V. Bailey, founder of Bailey Nurseries, Agricultural Society superintendent of horticulture (1912-1932) and board member (1924-1934)."

"Now: Since 2006, the Bailey House has been home to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Founded in 2002, the foundation preserves and improves the historic Minnesota State Fair's buildings, the fairgrounds, and educational programs Stop by to learn how you can become a Friend of the Fair."

Minnesota State Fair 2006 Part 3 - Deep Fried Candy Bars

Deep fried candy bars, to me, are like communism. In theory it all sounds great but in reality it just doesn't work. I'm not sure if they were brand new to the fair in 2006 but if not, they hadn't been around too much before that. I just remember having heard about them on TV that year and knowing that I really wanted to try one. Dale and I got to the booth and I ordered a deep fried Snickers. It was prepared just like a corn dog - dipped in batter and then deep fried. I'll never forget that first bite because it made the sides of my tongue curl. Them problem was that the batter was way too sweet and a candy bar is sweet enough as it is already. Sweet plus too sweet equals WAY too sweet, that is, unless you're into that kinda thing.

Minnesota State Fair 2006 Part 2 - The Midway

I don't have any photos of my own of the 2006 Fair but I did find this nighttime shot of the midway online. It was dated 2006.

Minnesota State Fair 2006 - Tickets

Dale and I went to the Fair in 2006 but the only memento I can find is my ticket.