"The Great Minnesota Get Together"....version 2012

by **Tee09** » Mon 8/13/12 3:14 pm

May need to throw in some cash considerations or expiring contracts to make it work out.

by **monty** » Mon 8/13/12 3:24 pm

A bag of unusable hockey pucks, and ripped goal netting should do it.

by **Armadillo** » Mon 8/13/12 3:37 pm

At this point, we should revisit the fact that Jup also hates cheese, so I move that his opinions be declared null and void. Also, stupid and probably Canadian.

:mrgreen:

by **Jupiter** » Mon 8/13/12 3:49 pm

Armadillo wrote:At this point, we should revisit the fact that Jup also hates cheese, so I move that his opinions be declared null and void. Also, stupid and probably Canadian.

I just hate Wisconsin soooo much.... I refuse to eat cheese...
:biggrin2:

by **Tiggsy** » Mon 8/13/12 5:04 pm

sunbone wrote:
Jupiter wrote:
Hobey Baker wrote:I am in the camp that just hates going to the fair ... i find nothing appealing about the place at all.

I'm with you guys. I only go when forced into it. I'm just not into deep fried crap and jostling with sweaty, obese people pushing their fat kids in 6 foot side strollers and running over my feet. And the smell there is worse than Iowa on a hot day.

Well, be glad all my kids will all be walking this year. Otherwise I might be on the look out to find you. Bwahahah!

In all seriousness, I'm not a huge fan but I will go because the wife and kids love it. I'll pick my few things to get, but that's about it. Always go home with some sweet martha's, but that's about it for me.

by **GrandForksGopher** » Mon 8/13/12 7:57 pm

thinkbui wrote:Maroon and Gold Day will be August 26, the first Sunday as usual. Based on what I'm told, there shouldn't be any reason the Band and Spirit Squads won't be there.

Men's Hockey will be on stage at 2PM on August 28

Women's Hockey will be on stage at 10:30AM on August 30.

http://www.statefair.umn.edu/schedule.html

My birthday :dup:

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 8/13/12 9:08 pm

GrandForksGopher wrote:
thinkbui wrote:Maroon and Gold Day will be August 26, the first Sunday as usual. Based on what I'm told, there shouldn't be any reason the Band and Spirit Squads won't be there.

Men's Hockey will be on stage at 2PM on August 28

Women's Hockey will be on stage at 10:30AM on August 30.

http://www.statefair.umn.edu/schedule.html

My birthday

And my birthday eve! :mrgreen:

by **Beauner** » Mon 8/13/12 9:22 pm

I just got back from Denver (went out there for a buddy's wedding), and a lot of people that I met for the bachelor party etc. were asking if the MN State Fair was really as crazy as everybody made it sound. Apparently the legend of the MN State Fair has made its way to Colorado.
My buddy's parents make the trip from Denver to MN for a couple days to go to the state fair.

by **dxmnkd316** » Fri 8/17/12 10:04 pm

DrunkHockeyGuy wrote:PRONTO PUPS SUCK!! If it isn't cornmeal, it shouldn't be wrapped around a hot dog!

False.

by **gerber01** » Fri 8/17/12 10:52 pm

dxmnkd316 wrote:
DrunkHockeyGuy wrote:PRONTO PUPS SUCK!! If it isn't cornmeal, it shouldn't be wrapped around a hot dog!

False.

You can get a corn dog anywhere. Get me a Pronto Pup!!

by **Handyman** » Fri 8/17/12 11:42 pm

I used to get so pumped when the Fair got here...I would spend all day there. I think last year I was there two hours and minus going to the haunted house I pretty much couldnt stand being there. If I wanted to be around that many sweaty morbidly obese people shoveling deep friend crap into their gullets and mouth breathing everywhere while running me over because they cant be bothered to open their eyes I would just move to Iowa.

I am 50/50 on going this year...and if I do it will just be to see some friends that work there that I see every year. I eat almost nothing there anymore (minus the 32oz lemonade, an apple from the Ag building and some corn) and the Midway sucks. It just isnt as fun for me anymore.

by **Slap Shot** » Sat 8/18/12 12:36 am

I go on average once every 3 years which seems enough unless there is a band I want to see. I don't care about the negatives becuase you could say that about just any crowd of people of that size anywhere you go. It is what it is and I think if you have that mindset you can have a good time in general.

by **Greyeagle** » Sat 8/18/12 7:51 am

Handyman wrote:I used to get so pumped when the Fair got here...I would spend all day there. I think last year I was there two hours and minus going to the haunted house I pretty much couldnt stand being there. If I wanted to be around that many sweaty morbidly obese people shoveling deep friend crap into their gullets and mouth breathing everywhere while running me over because they cant be bothered to open their eyes I would just move to Iowa.

I am 50/50 on going this year...and if I do it will just be to see some friends that work there that I see every year. I eat almost nothing there anymore (minus the 32oz lemonade, an apple from the Ag building and some corn) and the Midway sucks. It just isnt as fun for me anymore.

And another, thing......

by **Handyman** » Sat 8/18/12 9:48 am

Slap Shot wrote:I go on average once every 3 years which seems enough unless there is a band I want to see. I don't care about the negatives becuase you could say that about just any crowd of people of that size anywhere you go. It is what it is and I think if you have that mindset you can have a good time in general.

I was always in a good mood when I went there, hell I would look forward to it for days...then I would get there and some idiot on one of those scooters (i.e. someone on the scooter not because they are unable to walk) would hit me in the shin and ruin the whole experience

The whole thing just played itself out to me...maybe if I went once every three years I would feel the same way you do. Up until a couple years ago I went 2-3 times a year :shock:

(and even worked at it twice)

Did the U actually end its free bus like was rumored earlier this year?

by **streakygopher** » Sat 8/18/12 10:05 am

I always hated the fair, but the past couple years I figured some things out. First of all, I park in a shuttle area about an hour before the sun goes down...most of the baby strollers are going the other way about then. Second, I go for a beer and a couple of my favorites like pork chop, fries, cheese curds and cookies. Third, animal barn, campers, boats etc. Never go to the Midway; won't stand in line more than 5 minutes, never stay for more than a few hours. Most of it is just people watching and for that the fair never disappoints. :wink:

by **Kelor** » Sat 8/18/12 11:29 am

My family has always taken two trips to the fair each year. The first one is for the gals only. I go golfing instead. They spend the entire day doing who knows what.

The second one is for the wife and I. We spend most of the time at old machinery hill so I can check out all the new UTV's, ATV's, Snowmobiles, etc..

Then we often head over to the bandshell and watch a free concert. It was a bit funny a couple years ago when Dennis DeYoung was playing in the free bandshell the same day Styx was playing in the grandstand.

by **dxmnkd316** » Sat 8/18/12 12:09 pm

I go every year, usually more than once. We usually check out the free concerts, take a walk through the bazaar, check out the cars, walk though the science buildings, see the animals, and obviously the food. I usually skip most of the super deep fried crap (outside of the pronto pups).

by **Gopher Hockey Rube** » Sat 8/18/12 12:21 pm

Handyman wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:I go on average once every 3 years which seems enough unless there is a band I want to see. I don't care about the negatives becuase you could say that about just any crowd of people of that size anywhere you go. It is what it is and I think if you have that mindset you can have a good time in general.

I was always in a good mood when I went there, hell I would look forward to it for days...then I would get there and some idiot on one of those scooters (i.e. someone on the scooter not because they are unable to walk) would hit me in the shin and ruin the whole experience

The whole thing just played itself out to me...maybe if I went once every three years I would feel the same way you do. Up until a couple years ago I went 2-3 times a year (and even worked at it twice)

Did the U actually end its free bus like was rumored earlier this year?

No they didn't end the free ride from the U lots. Easiest way to get to the fair.

by **Handyman** » Sat 8/18/12 12:49 pm

Good, just keep in mind it may happen. Cant remember the reason why since the T way is right there but the U is known for their dumb decisions

by **gopherguy13** » Mon 8/20/12 8:24 pm

Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:
Handyman wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:I go on average once every 3 years which seems enough unless there is a band I want to see. I don't care about the negatives becuase you could say that about just any crowd of people of that size anywhere you go. It is what it is and I think if you have that mindset you can have a good time in general.

I was always in a good mood when I went there, hell I would look forward to it for days...then I would get there and some idiot on one of those scooters (i.e. someone on the scooter not because they are unable to walk) would hit me in the shin and ruin the whole experience

The whole thing just played itself out to me...maybe if I went once every three years I would feel the same way you do. Up until a couple years ago I went 2-3 times a year (and even worked at it twice)

Did the U actually end its free bus like was rumored earlier this year?

No they didn't end the free ride from the U lots. Easiest way to get to the fair.

What are the details on this shuttle?

When? Where?

by **frozen4champs** » Mon 8/20/12 8:30 pm

gopherguy13 wrote:
Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:
Handyman wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:I go on average once every 3 years which seems enough unless there is a band I want to see. I don't care about the negatives becuase you could say that about just any crowd of people of that size anywhere you go. It is what it is and I think if you have that mindset you can have a good time in general.

I was always in a good mood when I went there, hell I would look forward to it for days...then I would get there and some idiot on one of those scooters (i.e. someone on the scooter not because they are unable to walk) would hit me in the shin and ruin the whole experience

The whole thing just played itself out to me...maybe if I went once every three years I would feel the same way you do. Up until a couple years ago I went 2-3 times a year (and even worked at it twice)

Did the U actually end its free bus like was rumored earlier this year?

No they didn't end the free ride from the U lots. Easiest way to get to the fair.

What are the details on this shuttle?

When? Where?

http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info ... _ride.html

by **Greyeagle** » Mon 8/20/12 8:31 pm

I've found having one's in-laws live 5 or so blocks from the fair makes it quite easy to find a parking place.

by **davescharf** » Mon 8/20/12 8:59 pm

frozen4champs wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:
Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:
Handyman wrote:
Slap Shot wrote:I go on average once every 3 years which seems enough unless there is a band I want to see. I don't care about the negatives becuase you could say that about just any crowd of people of that size anywhere you go. It is what it is and I think if you have that mindset you can have a good time in general.

I was always in a good mood when I went there, hell I would look forward to it for days...then I would get there and some idiot on one of those scooters (i.e. someone on the scooter not because they are unable to walk) would hit me in the shin and ruin the whole experience

The whole thing just played itself out to me...maybe if I went once every three years I would feel the same way you do. Up until a couple years ago I went 2-3 times a year (and even worked at it twice)

Did the U actually end its free bus like was rumored earlier this year?

No they didn't end the free ride from the U lots. Easiest way to get to the fair.

What are the details on this shuttle?

When? Where?

http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info ... _ride.html

We used to take the shuttle from Hopkins Crossroad until our daughter was born. Now we go here in case the day care calls and we need to come get her for some reason and I wish we had known about it before that. It's by far the most convenient way to get there.

by **Don Adams Wheel of Justice** » Mon 8/20/12 10:08 pm

Haven't been to the fair in at least 10 years and have no desire to go back any time soon. It's 100 times easier to take my kids to the county fair and they aren't old enough to know the difference yet.

/hates crowds

by **The Rube** » Mon 8/20/12 10:10 pm

I used the Hopkins Crossroads one last year. Love it. Absolutely love it.

by **Handyman** » Mon 8/20/12 11:59 pm

When I worked at the Fair I took the Ridgedale Shuttle...since then almost always the U shuttle since it is free and runs the most often.

by **george** » Tue 8/21/12 7:06 am

Back several years ago we took the pay shuttle from Southdale, but now use the U shuttle. Free, easy to get to/from, frequent buses = no brainer.

by **Slap Shot** » Tue 8/21/12 8:58 am

I just park across the street from the front entrance. I've never had to look for more than 10 minutes for a spot within a few blocks.

by **Riff Raff** » Tue 8/21/12 10:12 am

I'm a lifer at the fair.......I probably average 2 trips each year - once with the wife/kids and one usually with the wife and buddies. Can't wait for this year.....going to Kiss/Motley Crue next Wednesday.

Since I was little going with my parents we have always parked for free in the Como neighborhood just east of the main entrance, but 2 years ago I paid to park and will never search the neighborhood again. The entrance just north of the main one on Snelling leads you to the lots by machinery hill and the grandstand. Yes you pay to park, but you more than make up for it with by bringing in a cooler of beer, pop, etc. It's easy to get back to the car for refills. Buy a case of beer on the way, and your group is covered for the night. Works like a charm.

They bill it as the "Great Minnesota Get Together", but we've always joked it's the "Great Minnesota Self Esteem Builder". I'm usually the most handsome, fittest, most put together guy there. I always leave feeling a little better about myself. :wink:

by **DrunkHockeyGuy** » Tue 8/21/12 10:32 am

Handyman wrote:If I wanted to be around that many sweaty morbidly obese people shoveling deep friend crap into their gullets and mouth breathing everywhere while running me over because they cant be bothered to open their eyes I would just move to Iowa.

HEY NOW! Are you calling me fat?

by **camo coat guy** » Tue 8/21/12 7:42 pm

Wife ,kids and I are pretty excited to be heading up for our 2nd. annual and we hop on the bus at the U. I was wondering since this year we may have to leave the fair to come back to campus and check into the hotel in the afternoon, if we can leave the fair and come back without having to buy another entrance ticket? Thanks.

by **frozen4champs** » Tue 8/21/12 8:31 pm

camo coat guy wrote:Wife ,kids and I are pretty excited to be heading up for our 2nd. annual and we hop on the bus at the U. I was wondering since this year we may have to leave the fair to come back to campus and check into the hotel in the afternoon, if we can leave the fair and come back without having to buy another entrance ticket? Thanks.

Get your hand stamped as you exit and you can re-enter that same day.

by **george** » Wed 8/22/12 7:34 am

DrunkHockeyGuy wrote:
Handyman wrote:If I wanted to be around that many sweaty morbidly obese people shoveling deep friend crap into their gullets and mouth breathing everywhere while running me over because they cant be bothered to open their eyes I would just move to Iowa.

HEY NOW! Are you calling me fat?

I think he was. You better challenge him to a fight next time you see him.

by **gator** » Wed 8/22/12 12:56 pm

It would be interesting to do a study/documentary similar to "Super Size Me". Have a physical before the Fair and after.

by **gator** » Thu 8/23/12 6:25 pm

State Fair: Visitor suffers fatal heart attack

by **davescharf** » Fri 8/24/12 4:36 pm

GE....no Blackberry as an option this year from the dairy barn. The Blueberry just wasn't the same.

The only new thing we really tried this year was the Cranberry Cheese wontons at Pham's deli in the Bazaar. They were regular wontons with a really good cranberry sauce on them. I wanted the Great Balls of Fire but just never had the room to get back there.

by **Greyeagle** » Fri 8/24/12 9:22 pm

davescharf wrote:GE....no Blackberry as an option this year from the dairy barn. The Blueberry just wasn't the same.

just got home from the fair....DISAPPOINTED! Strawberry-Rhubarb was good but just wan't the same...

Love the fair, make a guy like me who is a little chubby feel fit & trim.

by **YoungEagle** » Sat 8/25/12 1:05 am

Greyeagle wrote:The cookies and fries are both severely over-rated.

I also hit the Midway Men's Club for at least couple beers for a wonderful cause.

nothing compares to the Turkey Sandwich. By far the best food there

by **gator** » Sat 8/25/12 2:50 pm

The Poutine is :dup:

...

FYI, the Poutine at Gabe's, SUCKS. It's like french fries (ok), chunks of shredded cheese ( :chainsaw:

, not cheese curds) and country gravy ( :chainsaw:

, not regular gravy).

by **The Rube** » Sat 8/25/12 8:25 pm

The Great Balls Of Fire (with the sriracha sauce) were excellent. I didn't try any other of the new foods, though (and the camel burgers are available until the last couple days of the Fair :anger:

).

And no triple-wide strollers or kids on leashes were seen! The rovercraft scooters or whatever they are called were friggin' everywhere though.

by **Bertogliat** » Sun 8/26/12 8:04 am

Ragin Ankles at Famous Dave's were very good. I tried the chocolate covered bacon too. Nasty!

The Sunmit EPA was delicious.

by **camo coat guy** » Mon 8/27/12 8:53 pm

Had a great time with the family, the wallet is empty but hey. Hearing the kids chant "again! again! again!" was cool after each trip down the giant slide and river raft. I thought of Herb in miracle.

Had the chop on a stick again with our 7 yr old, and this year she had her front teeth in to help everyone's cause. Both kids caught a catfish out of the gander mt. fish tank and finally scored on the U of M backpack giveaway after going 0 for 6 in failed attempts. (It beacame a quest, or obsession my wife would say.) Favorite food was the honey ice cream at the horticulture building. Beverage of the weekend was the fresh squeezed giant cup of lemonade w/ $4.00 refills. We lived off of that stuff on friday, good times.

by **Chris83** » Mon 8/27/12 10:10 pm

YoungEagle wrote:Nothing compares to the Turkey Sandwich. By far the best food there

Whereabouts can you get those?

by **Greyeagle** » Mon 8/27/12 10:13 pm

Chris83 wrote:
YoungEagle wrote:Nothing compares to the Turkey Sandwich. By far the best food there

Whereabouts can you get those?

Right by all-you-can drink milk booth.

by **gator** » Mon 8/27/12 11:14 pm

YoungEagle wrote:Nothing compares to the Turkey Sandwich. By far the best food there

by **Armadillo** » Mon 8/27/12 11:22 pm

YoungEagle wrote:nothing compares to the Turkey Sandwich. By far the best food there

I agree, but this year I'll be trying Andrew Zimmern's favorite fair food, the Gizmo:

Loose ground beef & pork, loaded into a roll, smothered in marinara and mozzarella, then baked whole.

by **GopherPete** » Tue 8/28/12 12:44 am

anybody going tomorrow? Lucia, Budish, Bjugstad, and Helgeson at the UM building @2:00.

by **beersong** » Tue 8/28/12 7:36 am

One note on the turkey sandwich.. don't put any condiments on it. I fell victim to the bbq sauce sitting right next to the cash register. I wish I hadn't put it on because it ruined the great flavor of the meat! But it was still good - thanks for the tip.

I also had the hotdish-on-a-stick and it was great as always. The wife liked the wine smoothie at the wine building.

by **Maize** » Tue 8/28/12 7:42 am

Armadillo wrote:
I agree, but this year I'll be trying Andrew Zimmern's favorite fair food, the Gizmo:

The Gizmo is tasty, but that is one of the foods I feel like I can replicate fairly well at home for about a quarter of the price.

by **kmd** » Tue 8/28/12 1:52 pm

Turkey to Go doesn't just do the State Fair anymore, they've got locations in the Minneapolis Skyway, St Paul Skyway, Target Field, and a food truck at Nicollet and 8th.

by **gator** » Tue 8/28/12 4:01 pm

beersong wrote:One note on the turkey sandwich.. don't put any condiments on it. I fell victim to the bbq sauce sitting right next to the cash register. I wish I hadn't put it on because it ruined the great flavor of the meat! But it was still good - thanks for the tip.

. Putting condiments on a Turkey To Go is like putting steak sause on a steak. :shakehead:

kmd wrote:Turkey to Go doesn't just do the State Fair anymore, they've got locations in the Minneapolis Skyway, St Paul Skyway, Target Field, and a food truck at Nicollet and 8th.

Have been to all 4, just Turkey To Go is still a staple at the State Fair for me.

by **gator** » Sat 9/01/12 6:57 pm

I'll be working the corner of Dan Patch and Underwood... at the Fair tomorrow and Sunday (9-5pm) at the Minneosta Wild booth. Feel free to stop in say "hi".

by **Chris83** » Sat 9/01/12 8:40 pm

Went out today and had a great time. We parked at Bandana Square and took the coach bus over to the Fairgrounds; easy, comfortable and free way to go. Had the pork chop on a stick. Meh; overpriced and overdone...especially for $7. Overall though, it was a lot of fun.

by **gator** » Sat 9/01/12 8:53 pm

Chris83 wrote:Had the pork chop on a stick. Meh; overpriced and overdone...especially for $7.

I'm pretty sure those are'nt the orginal Pork Chop on the Stick. If I recall, the orginal Pork Chop on a Stick was closer to the grandstand. Not the booth next to the Haunted House. The rumor I heard was a couple years ago the guy who ran the orginal Pork Chop on a Stick had a falling out with the Fair and left. For the last couple years the Pork Chop at the booth next to the Haunted House gone down hill. But you are correct, overdone and overprised.

by **Armadillo** » Sat 9/01/12 9:17 pm

OK, here's my review of foods I ate today (I know you've all been waiting patiently for it.)

1. Turkey to Go sandwich: :dance:

2. All-you-can-drink chocolate milk: :good2:

3. Poutine: :dup:

4. Bacon ice cream: Meh. The maple ice cream was good, bacon was not.
5. Gizmo sandwich: Really damn good, but I could only power through half of it.

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