State Fair 2018 (Second Visit) - l'Etoile du Nord

Sunday, September 2, 2018

The sun was shining this go-'round at the Fair so I was able to get a much better picture of one of the carved reliefs on the north side that depict the state motto, l'Etoile du Nord (The Star of the North).

State Fair 2018 (Second Visit) - Education Building

Sunday, September 2, 2018

About a week ago on my last trip to the fair, I completed the walking tour. Upon finishing the tour you could turn in the brochure at the Minnesota Historical Society Booth in the Education Building with the stops punched out for a prize. I pooped out and didn't make it in for the exchange. I resolved to stop in this visit to see what the prize was. However, I forgot to bring along the brochure. 

I told the woman at the Minnesota Historical Society booth and she said she believed I completed the trek and would give me the prize anyway although she thought I might not want it when I saw what it was. 

It turned out to be a water bottle that could clip on to your belt! Of course I wanted that!!

I asked her about the Grandstand stop of the tour and told her I couldn't find the punching station. She told me she thought someone probably stole it as other folks have had the same problem. Dale and I found it this trip. I don't know how I missed it last time.

The volunteer at the MNHS booth also took our picture in front of a green screen and we got to choose the background. We went with the Split Rock Light House.

The Education Building also held lots of artwork of students around the state. 

I was rather taken with this sock puppet.

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."

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The following is from the State Fair walking tour brochure:

"Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum"

"Opened 1951; renamed in 1975 and 2006"

"Then: State Fair livestock competitions were held in large tents until 1906, when the Livestock Amphitheater became the home to horse shows and livestock judging in summer and an ice rink during winter. It was known as the Hippodrome, named for the ancient Greek stadiums used for horse and chariot racing. After being used as a military aircraft propeller factory during WWII, the buildling became structurally unsound and was razed. The present building, which opened in 1951, is designed like a military armory, strong and sturdy with two beautiful carved reliefs on the north side that depict the state motto, l'Etoile du Nord (The Star of the North).

"Now: The 5,200-seat Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum is a popular destination for fairgoers, particularly to watch the Supreme Six-Horse-Hitch class. For many, the Coliseum will forever be associated with ice hockey. The building's indoor ice rink closed in 2014 due to increasing maintenance costs, but it had been the place to see high school, college, and semipro games for decades."

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."

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - Fairchild the Gopher

Saturday, August 25, 2018

My next stop on the walking tour was Fairchild the Gopher. 

The sign reads: 

Fairchild the Gopher 
Introduced 1966
Then: Fairchild has served as the State Fair mascot since 1966 when he was named in a statewide contest.
Now: Come see this friendly Minnesota gopher and his sidekick and nephew, Fairborne, in the daily fair parade.

According to the walking tour brochure: 

"Then: With his pinstriped jacket, straw hat, and buck-toothed grin, Fairchild has served as the State Fair mascot since 1966, when he was named in a statewide contest. Fairchild's name pays tribute to Henry S. Fairchild, a prominent St. Paul citizen who lobbied for the fair's current location. During the fair's early years it traveled to various cities, and both Minneapolis and St. Paul vied to be chosen as the permanent home. In 1885, it was Fairchild who persuaded the battling burgs to choose a permanent site between the two - on 210 donated acres of the Ramsey County Poor Farm in Hamline, today's Falcon Heights."

"Now: This twenty-four-foot tall, fiberglass Fairchild sculpture depicts our favorite gopher dressed as a carnival barker. Other versions of Fairchild through the years can be seen at the History & Heritage Center in the West End Market. You too can spot Fairchild in the daily parade, accompanied by his sidekick and nephew, Fairborne, who was introduced to the fair in 1983."

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - International Bazaar & Siama Part 2

Saturday, August 25, 2018

I found the following on Siama's Facebook page:

State Fair 2018 (First Visit) - International Bazaar & Siama Part1

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Decided to head next to the International Bazaar and it was here I committed to doing the walking tour of the Fair.

The sign says: International Bazaar. Built 1970, renamed in 1984 and 2008. 

Then: The Mexican Village opened in 1970 and was instantly popular. It was renamed the Bazaar in 1984 and the International Bazaar in 2008.

Now: The International Bazaar features food, products, music, and art from many cultures.

While at the Bazaar I noticed an awesome fanny pack at the Vagabond Imports booth. I bought it with the intention of using it right away. 

A group called Siama, named after its leader, was playing on the stage so I sat down to listen for a bit. They were quite good and the rest of the crowd seemed to agree with me. 

I walked around the Bazaar some more and made mental notes about what I might like to purchase next time I'm here.