State Fair 2024 - Old Iron Show (Machinery Hill)

Friday, August 23, 2024

Our first stop was Machinery Hill, or, as it is now known, the Old Iron Show). 

From the State Fair website: "Reminiscent of the former Machinery Hill, the Old Iron Show gives fair guests an opportunity to get up-close for demonstrations and displays of beautifully restored, rare antique farm equipment. Learn about the history of the machines, their use in farm fields, the manufacturers of yesteryear, the dedicated, talented restorers in Minnesota, and best of all – marvel as the engines roar to life!"

The following appeared on the Minnesota Public Radio website (click on link below for the change of Machinery Hill to the Old Iron Show):

https://newscut.mprnews.org/2016/01/remembering-machinery-hill/index.html

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Kidway

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The following is from the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"Kidway"

"Created 1963, moved 1993, renamed 1995"

"Then: Adults have had a carnival area at the fair since 1904. It wasn't until 1963 when Kiddieland was added that children had a place to call their own. Outgrowing its space outside of the main carnival, Kiddieland moved to Machinery Hill in 1993. In 1995, both areas were revamped and renamed the Mighty Midway and Kidway, which showcased 67 independently  booked rides, plus games and concessions - a 'profound departure' from anything seen before at the fair."

"Now: Today the Kidway is a family-friendly area where children can experience smaller rides geared just for them and parents can enjoy watching the fun."

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."

Second Visit 2014 - Sparks Trailers

Friday, August 29, 2014

I had 3 tickets for Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair for tonight. Dale couldn't make it but Mom was able to go. There were torrential rains as we left the house but it all magically stopped when we made it to the north parking lots just of Larpenteur in Falcon Heighs.  The above photo is for Sparks Trailers on  Machinery Hill.

State Fair 2013 - Machinery Hill

On our way to meet Mike and Charisse, Dale and I walked through Machinery Hill and found some charming retro tractors.

Minnesota State Fair 2001 Part 2

I remember on our 2001 visit to the fair Dale and I saw Paul Wellstone, the U.S. senator from Minnesota, and his wife Sheila doing a meet and greet over by Machinery Hill. We thought about getting in line to shake their hands but the line looked long and it was starting to get later in the afternoon. Dale and I had been there since about noon and we were getting tired and ready to go home. "Next time", we thought. Sadly, Paul Wellstone, his wife and daughter were in a private plane that crashed shortly before the election in 2002. All on board were killed.

In the summer of 2002, just months before his death, I did the Twin Cities to Chicago AIDS Ride. As I was riding down Summit Avenue in St. Paul with no one in front or behind me for a few blocks I noticed a man with a handmade sign standing all by himself on a corner. As I rode by he yelled out some words of encouragement. I said thank you and only moments later realized that it was Paul Wellstone. He didn't have an entourage around him and there was no media there because that's just the kind of guy he was. I sure he just showed up on his own.

I found the above photo on the internet. It shows Senator Wellstone and two women at the Minnesota State Fair.

The Minnesota State Fair and the MN150

In 2008 the Minnesota Historical Society put together an exhibit called MN150 and published a companion book titled Minnesota 150: The People, Places, and Things That Shape Our State. Before the exhibit opened anyone was allowed to submit a nomination for something they felt should be included. The Minnesota State Fair made the list and the winning nomination does a great job of telling how the fair has changed and remained relevant today. Here it is:

"This is the Great Minnesota Get-Together that has been going on for around 150 years. The Fair is a unique blend of farming and big-city exhibits and demonstrations. It has changed over the years to reflect the changes in our community and state. For example, Machinery Hill was THE destination after World War II for famers from all over the state to kick the tires on the latest farm implements. The Hill gradually changed in the last decade to reflect the new urban farmer with high-tech lawn mowers and mini-excavator machines. And yet as much as it changed, many things are still the same, like the 4-H center where kids from all parts of Minnesota come to give demonstrations and skits on the main stage."

"Families have gone to the Fair for generations. And the Fair changes with the times as well. In 2006, there was an Eco-center with many different booths with energy conservation themes, which is very timely considering the increasing cost of gasoline, fuel oil, and natural gas. It truly is the Great Minnesota Get-Together! ~Tom Sletten, St. Anthony, MN"