Friday, August 29, 2014

MN State Fair - The Adventure Continues with B!

Alright folks, as promised, the continuation of our MN State Fair series!  Thanks for the messages on "A is Attire", I'm glad no one took it too seriously ;)

So, without adieu, let's get on this!

B - Buildings/Events/Things to See

If you know the fair (or you've listened to their superb marketing in commercials), there are a MILLION things to do there.  No, but really.  It's overwhelming.  But also awesome.  So, if you're headed to the "great Minnesotan get-together" and just can't figure out where to start, here are some pointers/my favs :)

Stop #1:  The Info Booth
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, you've been to the fair before, you've been around the block more than just a few times, you know Underwood St. and Carnes Ave. like the back of your hand (with the smudged fair stamp on it!).  But let me just point this out - you don't know what you don't know.  Every year there are new and exciting things at the fair, and even a seasoned pro like yourself can use a few tips once in a while.  So, trust me, take 5 minutes, head over to the sups friendly folks at the booth and grab yourself a handy-dandy map!

Stop #2:  All Things Food
Ok, this is pretty obvious, you hafta eat fair food.  But I've seen some pretty rookie moves in my day, and it is imperative that you spread out your food intake (more on that later), and map out your route (on the afore-mentioned map), so that you don't walk all over God's green creation when you have a sudden hankering for a Pronto Pup.

Eat lots.  And often.

Stop #3:  Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Go see the animals.  Unless you're allergic, then definitely don't do that.  But if not, go, have fun, see the Miracle of Birth, hold a baby chick, weave your way in and out of manure piles in the barns, watch a rodeo or 4H show.  It's fun, it's free, and gosh darnit, those animals are adorable!  Except the really ugly ones.  But hey, bonus, even those ugos make hilarious photobombs for your totally unnecessary selfies :)

Stop #4:  Show And Tell
The amount of entertainment at the fair is staggering.  And I mean literally - have you seen one of those lumberjacks mis-step and almost topple off of those logs?  Breath officially held!  There are concerts, animal shows, small acts, big acts, HUGE acts, creepy reptile shows... everything.  You name it, they probably have it.  Granted, some of them suck, but hey, the nice thing is that you can always walk away.  Insider's tip:  One thing that will never disappoint - the more-often-drunk-than-not kareoke... Some Michael Jackson impersonators just can't hold their gin :)

Stop #5:  Ride 'Em Cowboy
Of course, the rides.  A fair staple.  They are great.  And, depending on what else you've consumed that day, they might even land you in purge city, so beeeeeeeeee careful!  If you're not one for mind-bending, back-breaking speeds and scares (like I am), stick with the overhead view on a relaxing ride, all while you ease your aching tootsies and wave to everyone below (but don't spit, I know it's tempting, but don't do it.  No, really, don't be that guy).

Bonus:  Peep-Creepin'
People-watching could be, arguably, the best part of the fair.  It is awesomely stalker-ish, but without the risk of a possible felony charge.  You will see cray crays, you will avoid cray crays, and, if you're lucky, you might even be a cray cray ;)  And if you really get into it, a good ol' Bingo board for your added entertainment.
(Example: http://www.lifewithlevi.com/minnesota-state-fair-bingo/).

Alright, that wraps up B!  I could literally go on for days, but we only have a few of those left with our beloved fair, can't waste 'em writing!  C is coming up soon :)

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