State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Crowds

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Big crowds today. Sorry to say it was cloudy as my photos would have turned out a little better. Pretty humid though so maybe the lack of sun helped to make it feel a little bit cooler.

Big new thing for me this year was the Space Tower.

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Space Tower Part 2

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The Fair's website describes the Space Tower as such: "A State Fair staple since 1965, the Space Tower is your ticket to see breathtaking views of the fairgrounds and beyond! This slowly circulating ride provides a 360-degree look at the Twin Cities."

I'm curious to know exactly how many miles away one can see.

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Space Tower Part 1

Saturday, August 26, 2018

This was the year for a couple of firsts for me: one, going to the fair by myself, and two, riding the Space Tower. I've been meaning to do it for years and just never got around to it. Well, it finally happened and what a thrill. I felt like a kid again as it began its ascent to the top of the needle. The only thing that would have made it better would've been some sun. 

There wasn't much of a line which, in part, influenced my decision to give it a try. Slightly cooler temps and lack of having to wait in the beating sun didn't hurt either. 

Fair 2015 - Space Tower

Photo taken September 4, 2015

State Fair 2013 - Summing It Up

I love the Fair. It is a connection to my past and it allows me to draw upon many pleasant memories and warm feelings to go along with them. This was one of my favorite visits as I don't know that I remember a time that I felt so fully in the present and being conscious of what a great time I was having. Hopefully we'll be able to squeeze another visit in this season.

State Fair 2012 - Space Tower Part 2

Mike told me that one of his old neighbors in the neighborhood where he grew up was the owner of the Space Tower. Mike's friend Andy used to work at the attraction as a teen and said he got to ride it as much as he liked.

State Fair 2012 - Space Tower

I really wanted to try the Space Tower this year as I've never been on it before.  Mike, Charisse, Dale and I, sat under a giant umbrella near the base of the tower to eat some food. When we were finished I mentioned that I wanted to give it a go but changed my mind pretty quickly when Charisse mentioned that there is no air conditioning on it and that there really is no air flow. Being it was hot and humid I decided I'd wait until another visit. 

The Fair 2011 (First Visit) Part 10 - Space Tower

I made Dale stop (foot) traffic while I got this shot of the Space Tower. He's quite a guy.

The Fair 2011 (First Visit) Part 2 - Misc. Photos

Top photo: Snelling Avenue entrance

Middle photo: Fairborn

Bottom photo: Space Tower

Minnesota State Fair 2009 Part 3

Again, I find the fair at night to be exciting and beautiful. The lights are amazing. The moon was within a day or two of being full on the night we went in 2009. In the top photo you can see the full moon in the middle of the picture. The tall pole to the right is the Space Tower. The bottom photo shows a corn dog and french fry stand at night. Corn dogs with mustard are one of my State Fair favorites!