State Fair 2019 (First Visit) - Haunted House

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Dale and I had a chance to visit the History and Heritage Center at the West End Market and I took some pics of interesting things. I've only been through the Haunted House once way back in 1981. I didn't like it that much as the ghouls would come up and touch and brush up against you. I don't know if they allow them to do that any more. 

State Fair 2019 (First Visit) - The Giant Slide

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Dale and I had a chance to visit the History and Heritage Center at the West End Market and I took some pics of  interesting information. The Giant Slide is 50 years old this year. Didn't make it on this visit so I'll just have to get in another visit this year so I can do that. We may be going this coming Friday with Mike and Charisse.

Here's a picture of a couple that was married on the slide back in 1996. Now why didn't I think of that for my wedding!?

State Fair 2019 (First Visit) - Ye Old Mill

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Dale and I had a chance to visit the History and Heritage Center at the West End Market and I took some pics of some interesting information.

I went on it for the first time a few years ago in 2013 with Dale. He didn't get it. The ride dates to 1915 so it's now over 100 years old. 

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Streetcar Arch

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The following is from the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"Streetcar Arch"

"Installed 1934, reinstalled 2014"

"Then: It's hard to believe, but horses and mules were once used as a mode of transportation to the State Fair. By the 1890s, a different type of horsepower took over: trains and streetcars. The railway allowed companies such as Royal American Shows to unload a 90-car train filled with midway attractions at the fair. Streetcars brought visitors into the heart of the fairgrounds. In 1934, those tracks were shortened, introducing a new gate entrance and steel arch inscribed with 'State Fair' to welcome guests fresh off the streetcar rails. Streetcar transportation remained popular until the '50s when its usage declined with a new mode of public transportation: the bus."

"Now: Fair visitors arrive at the fair by bus, car, or bicycle. Although the Royal American Shows train doesn't chug into the State Fair station anymore, a red and yellow train car from a bygone era sits in the West End Market next to the Transit Hub. Another treasure from the old railroad days can be seen overhead by the History & Heritage Center: the restored Streetcar Arch.

Minnesota State Fair 1918

A photo of a poster of the 1918 Minnesota State Fair. You can see the reflection of me taking this picture in the glass. Photo taken Sunday, August 31, 2014 at the History and Heritage Center at the West End Market.

Fair Attendance

Found the above information at the History and Heritage Center. 

It turns out 2014 has been a record breaking year for attendance at the Fair. 1.8 million people attended The Fair this year. That's 34, 000 more people than the previous record. The surge was likely due to the new West End Market and also better overall weather than last year.

This was a record breaking year for me as well. I made it to The Fair three times this year. That's a first for me!

Third Visit 2014 - The Blue Barn

Sunday, August 31, 2014

The Blue Barn is another food option in the West End Market. We didn't make it there this year but will make a point of it next year.

Third Visit 2014 - Lulu's Public House

Sunday, August 31, 2014

While in the West End Market, Dale and I stopped for a bite to eat at Lulu's. We both got the walleye tacos. They were wonderful. Fried walleye and cole slaw in a soft shell taco. Mike got the same thing when I was here with him.

Third Visit 2014 - Christmas Ornament

Sunday, August 31, 2014
These are some metal Christmas ornaments we found being sold in the West End Market.

Third Visit 2014 - The Old Heritage Square

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Third Visit 2014 - The Old Heritage Square

Third Visit 2014 - The Old Heritage Square

Sunday, August 31, 2014
I had never been to Heritage Square when it existed as described above. I didn't even know it was there.

Third Visit 2014 - History and Heritage Center

Sunday, August 31, 2014
From another exhibit at The History and Heritage Center. Old photo is from 1928.

Third Visit 2014 - History and Heritage Center

Sunday, August 31, 2014
Photo from 1976

Third Visit 2014 - History and Heritage Center

Sunday, August 31, 2014
I was excited to spend a little more time in the West End Market than I had last time. Dale was really excited to see it. The History and Heritage Center had a lot of fun stuff to see and a lot of great information.

West End Market

I've heard that the new West End Market is the biggest expansion at the Fair since the 1930s.

First Visit 2014 - The Minnesota State Fair History and Heritage Center

I didn't get to spend as much time in the new West End Market as I would have liked. Maybe next week when we're there to see A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor...

First Visit 2014 - Lulu's at West End Market

I like this painting of the flag on the side of Lulu's Public House in the new West End Market area.