When is minnesota state fair 2011

And when these modest-sized flapjacks and two teeny, tiny, itty, bitty mini-pickle sized sausages came out, we were ready to pounce and declare the worst. But no. The pancakes were fluffy and relatively light, but still had some nice browning and buttery flavor.

And while the sausages were a portion size fit for an anemic guinea pig, they were tender, well-spiced, and flavorful. Downright tasty, really. With the inclusion of a bit of ginger, or a sachet of spices, or the right sort of herbal tea and honey, or damn near any effort whatsoever, this dull-as-Disney Hawaiian Punch clone could have been a standout beverage.

Instead: Hawaiian Punch! Ah well. Over-sweet, pudding-like cannoli cream with cookie crumbs and two gummy worms. For better or worse, the Dirt Dessert is also a marketing tour de force, with some beautifully done custom signs and a striking appearance that will ensure a steady stream of suckers are drawn into its gelatinous trap.

Steer well clear of this dud. Because our Reuben was a sorry, washed-up failure of a sandwich. Where to begin? That the Thousand Island Dressing came as a sealed packet on the side is a vote of no confidence that needs no explanation. And few Fair foods should be buried with as much public shame.

Thank you, Jason DeRusha, for leading the charge. These things look like skewered raccoon turds, and then go downhill from there. They are literally raw jalapenos dipped in low-grade chocolate. Not roasted, not lightly battered, but raw green jalapenos full of seeds. So after biting into your tumorous mass and getting a mild, messy chocolate flavor, you then get the experience of biting into a very spicy raw pepper.

But this dry, hard-crusted, flavorless piece of corporate pork on a soft bun was a sad excuse for a sandwich in general, and was only redeemed by the heavy application of mustard, mayo, and lowered personal standards. Thumbs up. They went down hot and finished with a cool swipe of sauce. With lentils and pasta?

And a spicy red sauce? And fried onions? Perfect for a frigid January afternoon, this warm, hearty, spicy food seemed wildly out of place at the Fair until we started eating it.

Overall, thumbs up, but good luck selling it to the masses. Seriously, good luck — the Fair could use more well-intentioned shots in the dark like this. It became a family tradition as my mother took me and my siblings and I took my children. Even though many things at the fair are the same each year, it is still always changing. To see everything you must allow a whole day. I have a route I use each year and manage to see practically everything of interest to me in about 12 hours of nonstop walking, looking and oh of course eating which is the highlight of attending the state fair.

It is amazing to see all the new foods they come up with each year from deep fried bacon to spaghetti on a stick. The Minnesota State Fair is known for all its food items on a stick. And then I always need to buy a bag of my favorite Minnesota grown Beacon apples to bring home. First, I always go through the Arts and Crafts buildings to look at all the wonderful needlepoint, knitted, crocheted, sewn and handmade items.

The fair also features over 1, non-food related commercial vendors and exhibits. This year there are more than 60 new vendors and exhibits. Use Merch Search at mnstatefair. The Minnesota State Fair honors all U. Active military and their immediate families should present one document to apply the discount to all immediate family members. Special activities and events will take place all day around the fairgrounds to honor our nation's heroes including: a showcase of specialty military vehicles on West Dan Patch Avenue; a Veterans Ceremony; performances by the 34th Infantry "Red Bull" Band at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell; and a celebration in Carousel Park featuring photo messages to the troops, and appearances by the Big John Dickerson Band and Rocket Club.

It is absolutely free and features the popular Food Finder, Fun Finder and Merch Search tools along with entertainment and event schedule information. Lino Lakes artist Steve Thomas' interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together captures iconic elements of the fair and is based largely on photos he took.

He was selected as the official artist from nearly 80 applicants in the State Fair's first-ever Commemorative Art Call for Submissions. Commemorative merchandise featuring Thomas' art is available at State FairWear Gift Shops on the fairgrounds during the fair. Posters are also sold at State Fair Foundation Kiosks.

Proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation c 3 and its mission to preserve State Fair buildings, grounds and educational experiences. The original art will be displayed in the Fine Arts Center during the fair. The art on display showcases a selection of prominent participants in the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition from throughout its rich history. These works have been generously loaned by local collectors, galleries, the Minnesota Museum of American Art, the Minnesota Historical Society, as well as the artists themselves.

Bailey House, open daily from 9 a. Saturday, Aug.