The Minnesota State Fair is proud to announce the new attractions, exhibits and other elements for the
2016 Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of State Fair experiences debuting this year.
Hen House
Two flocks of hens take up residence in this brand-new exhibit showing modern housing designed for
our egg-laying feathered friends. Discover more about how farmers use different egg production
systems to produce safe and wholesome food, and see a backyard chicken coop up-close. If you’ve never
seen a chicken lay an egg, this could be your chance!
Located in the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (3 p.m. on Labor Day).
Recipe Card Roundup
Create State Fair blue ribbon-winning cuisine in your own kitchen! This year’s Recipe Card Roundup
giveaway features six top recipes from 2015: Zesty Salsa, Strawberry Jam, Banana Bread, Gluten-Free
Pumpkin Bars, Apple Pie (filling and crust) and Chocolate Brownies. A limited quantity of these
collectible cards will be given away at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (while supplies last) each day in the Creative
Activities Building. (A schedule of which recipes will be given away on specific days will be available in
August and listed in our Fun Finder and daily schedules.)
Located in the Creative Activities Building. Limited quantity given away daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
(recipes vary by day).
National Park Service Centennial Day at Carousel Park
Minnesota’s six national parks come together to host a fun-filled day celebrating the National Park
Service Centennial in 2016. Hands-on activity stations by the parks and their partners educate, entertain
and inspire fair guests to get to know and treasure our national parks. Enjoy stage entertainment by The
Lost Forty, Asian Media Access, Mark Twain and Trivia Mafia. Collect an exclusive State Fair-only stamp
as part of the National Park Service passport program.
Located at Carousel Park on Monday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Garden Kaleidoscopes & Floralpalooza: Color Your World
Peer into distinctive garden kaleidoscopes and see gorgeous flowers transform into mesmerizing images
of color and movement. These three unique metal sculptures and spinning flower bowls are created by
artist Robert C. Anderson of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. “Floralpalooza: Color Your World,” a collection of
botanical couture designs by the Minnesota State Florist Association, and a festive player piano also fill
the Rotunda of the iconic Agriculture Horticulture Building.
Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building Rotunda. Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on
Labor Day).
Kemps Little Farm Hands – New Features
New hands-on learning adventures have sprouted at Kemps Little Farm Hands, the pint-size mock farm
experience especially for little fair fans ages 3 to 10. Explore why soil erosion occurs, the importance of
pollination, the work of honeybees, how water travels in a cycle, and what rain barrels do. Meander
through a new path in the Field of Knowledge to get an up-close look at soybeans, wheat, a straw bale
garden and a variety of sunflowers. These new activities join Little Farm Hands favorites – riding a tiny
tractor, milking a cow, gathering eggs, planting crops and more – that walk children through the
agricultural journey from farm to grocery store. Sponsored by Kemps.
Located at Kemps Little Farm Hands. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The Great Yoga Get-Together at Carousel Park
Whether you’re a novice wondering what the “downward-facing dog” rage is all about, or a longtime
practitioner who can hold the most challenging yoga poses, stop by to try different styles of yoga.
Experienced instructors lead a variety of classes in formats ranging from powerful flow to a light
workshop to an educational seminar. Area yoga studios also host activities, prize drawings and giveaways
and share information about the benefits of yoga.
Located at Carousel Park on Sunday, Sept. 4, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Construction on the State Fairgrounds
• A new 6,540-square-foot restroom located just south of Kidway on Cooper Street is home to
men’s and women’s facilities and 14 family restrooms. In all, the building includes 49 shiny white
toilets, 38 sinks and two drinking fountains/water bottle filling stations.
• The 35-year-old Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park has been replaced with a new stage. The
structure will enhance the experience for families enjoying the stage’s high-energy dance, silly
antics, amazing feats of strength, magic, classic children’s music and the MSF County Fair Talent
Contest.
The new restroom is located south of Kidway on the west side of Cooper Street. The Family Fair Stage is
located at Baldwin Park, south of Randall Avenue and west of Cosgrove Street.
New Competitions
• 4-H Minnesota Meat Grilling Contest: Teams of 4-H'ers are given 30 minutes to prepare and grill
Minnesota-grown meat and are judged on taste, appearance and knowledge of nutrition. Their
final product, incorporating competitors’ choice of processed rubs and seasonings, can be the
grilled meat itself or the grilled meat worked into a salad creation. (Friday-Sunday, Aug. 26-28,
outside the northeast corner of the Warner Coliseum; times vary. Details at
extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/state-fair/)
• Draft Horse Barrel Racing: Known for being regal and majestic, draft horses will stretch out their
stride and thunder around barrels in this competition making its debut at the State Fair. See these
gentle giants as you’ve never seen them before! (8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, in the
Warner Coliseum)
Located at the Warner Coliseum. Check daily schedules and the online Fun Finder in August for details
on all State Fair competitions.
Eco Experience – New Highlights
An array of new exhibits highlights the latest in easy, everyday reduce-reuse-recycle how-tos, healthy
cooking, innovations in green technology and transportation, and other compelling topics on
environmentally focused living. A sampling:
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A 15-foot Paul Bunyan re-fashions his outfit to call attention to a giant-sized waste problem:
Minnesotans throw away nearly 12 grocery carts of clothing and textiles every MINUTE.
A living greenwall more than 14-feet long created by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
highlights study findings that show foliage can positively impact college students’ wellbeing and
academic performance.
The elegant, solar-powered “Getaway Tiny House” features a lofted sleeping and seating area.
Turn the pages and take a photo of a 7-foot pop-up book. Catch a story on reuse, recycle and
repair.
Eco Experience is a partnership of the State Fair, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and more than 150
organizations and businesses across the state. It is the largest environmental event of its kind in the
country. www.ecoexperience.org
Located in the Progress Center, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
New Kidway Ride
Charlie Chopper airlifts pint-size pilots skyward for a birds-eye view of Kidway.
Located at Kidway.
Selfie Spots
Taking the best selfies at the fair just got easier! We’ve selected five iconic fairgrounds spots and
marked them with a Selfie Spot badge on the ground. Stand on the badges to snap fabulous State Fair
photo memories.
Located at five spots throughout the fairgrounds. Check out “Selfie Spots” in the Visitor Guide at
mnstatefair.org, or stop by an information booth for exact locations.
Bulls & Barrels Championship
The baddest bull riders and barrel racers in one competition! In the most heart-pounding eight seconds
in sports, bull riders from across the Midwest vie for thousands of dollars in prize money. Plus, the dust
flies when 12 of the region’s premier horse and rider combos bolt through the cloverleaf barrel pattern in
a race against the clock. A free event of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show.
Located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum at 3 & 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.
Anniversaries of Fairchild and the Moo Booth
2016 marks significant anniversaries for these State Fair icons:
• Our beloved face of the fair turns 50! Named in a statewide contest in 1966, Fairchild the Gopher
wears a green pinstriped jacket and is often seen with his sidekick and nephew, Fairborne, who
was introduced to the fair in 1983. Pose for photos with the birthday boy daily at 11 a.m. and
4 p.m. at Visitors Plaza.
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Happy 25th anniversary to the acclaimed Moo Booth in the Cattle Barn! Watch cow milking, learn
fascinating facts about cattle care and behavior, join in fun “cow-ntests” and demonstrations, see
a showcase cattle breed, and more! Plus, join us for special 25th anniversary activities daily at
12:30 p.m. and an anniversary party at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, following the Celebrity Milking
Contest.
Check out the daily schedules or online Fun Finder in August for photo opps and celebrations with
Fairchild, plus anniversary fun in the Moo Booth.
Located at Visitors Plaza and the Cattle Barn.
Arts A’Fair – New Groups
These pop-up showcases celebrate performing arts in Minnesota. Making their Arts A’Fair debut this
year are Carly Wicks, Chicks on Sticks, Dreamland Arts, Interact Theater Company, and Mixed
Precipitation. Returning for encores are Black Storytellers Alliance, COLLIDE Theatrical Dance Company,
Duniya Drum & Dance, Green T Productions, Ifrah Mansour, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask
Theatre, Open Eye Figure Theatre, Stages Theatre Company, Theatre of Fools, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz,
and Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre & School.
Check out the daily schedules or online Fun Finder in August for performance dates and times.
Located at the Education Building Courtyard and West End Market.
Gate #18 Trolley Route
A free ADA-accessible trolley will run along Randall Avenue with stops at Buford Avenue and Gate #18 at
Dan Elmer Way. The trolley, which runs 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. daily, will serve guests who enter
at Buford Avenue or park at the Robin Lot.
Located on Randall Avenue with stops at Buford Avenue and at Gate #18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 9 p.m.
CHS Miracle of Birth Center History Highlight
In the 15 years since it was established and 10 years since the move to its current location, the CHS
Miracle of Birth Center has become the most popular free exhibit at the State Fair and is the birthplace
of nearly 200 calves, lambs, goats and piglets each fair. The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association
coordinates 150 volunteer veterinarians to staff the center, along with University of Minnesota interns
and FFA members who feed and care for the animals. The CHS Miracle of Birth Center is a new stop on
the self-guided History Walking and Cell Phone Tour. Pick up a tour brochure from the History &
Heritage Center or at any tour stop on the fairgrounds, or call (877) 411-4123 to listen anywhere.
Located at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center.
Special Exhibits
Fourteen traveling exhibits make a stop at the fair this year. New exhibit highlights include:
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Malt O’Meal (Aug. 25-Sept. 5): Sampling 15 varieties of cereal
Red Baron (Aug. 25-27): Giving away Red Baron pizza samples.
Silver Jeans (Aug. 25-Sept. 5): Providing custom fitting sessions and onsite sales of Silver
clothing
Check daily schedules or online Fun Finder in August for locations and a complete listing of all special
exhibits.
Located throughout the fairgrounds.
Unique Gifts and Home Décor: 16 New Vendors
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Bray Leather Studio: Hand-carved leather art and guitar covers
Collaborations Boutique: Handmade Minnesota items
Cowhide Outlet: Rugs & other home décor
Cream of the Crop Artists: Contemporary pop art prints & more
Designs by Diana: Pyrography designs on driftwood
Faribault Woolen Mill Company: Blankets, throws, totes and more.
Hare Hollow: Personalized children’s room décor
Harmony Made by Hand: Pillows, wall hangings & more
Holly House Boutique: Items by local artisans
Horse Crazy Market: Equine-inspired housewares & apparel
Luma Blooms: Floral arrangements with LED lighting
ME3D: Lifelike 3D-printed personal replicas
Mundo Village: Items handcrafted by Central Asia and Central America artisans
Oh My Gourd: Gourds decorated for Halloween and Christmas
Sisters Heritage: Soy candles in jars and tins
You & Me Sittin’ in a Tree: Personalized family tree and state prints, and more
Foodie Fun: 8 New Vendors
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Flat Stacks: Collapsible food storage containers
Get It Right: Kitchen and baking tools
Log Cabin Tea Co.: Loose-leaf teas and brewing accessories
Paradise Grilling Systems: Outdoor cooking stations
Ready-2-Fruit Mushrooms: Grow-at-home mushroom kits
Stu’s Kitchen: Bloody Mary mixology kits and more
16 oz. Society: Midwest craft beer apparel and more
The Caramel Candy Company: Gourmet caramels in a variety of flavors
Gadgets, Hobbies & the Outdoors: 9 New Vendors
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Lucky Devil Cigar Box Guitars: Guitars made of cigar boxes
Compact Fishing Pole: Fishing gear and compact poles
Doghouses & Playhouses by Hoffman Construction: Deluxe and custom-built for dogs and
children
Ely Trading Post: Handmade fishing rods and gear and Boundary Waters tour info
Gadgets and Neat Stuff: Shaving products and personal care items for men
Kasemakers: Wood cases and other smartphone accessories
Paddle North: Stand-up paddle boards, wake surf boards and more
Pop Dental: Sonic toothbrushes and whitening kits
Venom Outdoors: Fishing supplies and more
Apparel & Accessories: 7 New Vendors
• Angry Minnow Vintage: Custom flannel shirts and more
• Boot Snaps: Boot covers, belts and other accessories
• Creative Accents: Fashion vests, scarves and shawls
• Fab Brows & Liner: Eyeliner and eyebrow makeup
• Gold Chains: 24K gold and rhodium chains sold by the inch, charms and more
• Saddle Up: Custom equestrian sportswear and more
• Wish Boutique: Minnesota-themed apparel, custom-designed jewelry
Home Solutions: 6 New Vendors
• Bath Fitter: Bathtub and shower remodeling
• Mouse Mix: Organic, non-poisonous pest deterrent
• Patio Umbrellas: Deluxe umbrellas with built-in LED lighting
• Simple and Grand: Subscription service delivering Christmas greens and décor
• Stud Grabbers: Storage and utility hooks
• UB Hardwoods: Flooring installation, refinishing and repair
Around Town: 3 New Vendors
• 105 The Vibe Radio (WGVX-FM): Live radio broadcasts and branded apparel
• Navy Recruiting: Information on the U.S. Navy and its recruitment programs
• Visit Saint Paul: Information on Minnesota’s capital city
For more information and a complete list of shops and vendors at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair, use the
online, searchable Merch & More Search (mnstatefair.org/fair_finders/merch_search.html). This tool is
also part of the free State Fair App for iPhones and Androids.
Visit mnstatefair.org for more information and photos of the 2016 New Attractions.