It’s almost time for the Great Minnesota Get Together! We’re itching to get our hands on something that’s perched on a stick. Our mouths are watering for some locally-brewed beer, kettle corn, and definitely Sweet Martha’s cookies.
We’ve got you covered with everything that you need to check out this year on our official State Fair bucket list.
Women’s equality at the Minnesota AFL-CIO Pavilion
On August 26, the AFL-CIO is hosting a Women’s Equality Day event that you don’t want to miss.
Many women are the primary breadwinners for their families, but unfortunately many women are also still paid less than men for the same work, negatively affecting their ability to provide for themselves and their loved ones. Come to the labor pavilion on the corner of Dan Patch and Cooper to learn about what you can do to help make sure that women are getting equal pay for equal work.
The AFL-CIO has a lot of other great stuff going on throughout the week, too. Here’s their full calendar.
Buzzfeed | giphy
“We Do Minnesota’s Work” at the AFSCME Minnesota Booth
Ever wonder who the people are that fix our roads, keep our water clean, maintain our beautiful parks, and keep our communities safe? Come meet the great folks who do the hard work of making our cities, counties, and state run smoothly at the AFSCME Minnesota Booth in the labor pavilion on the corner of Dan Patch and Cooper.
They’ll be at the fair all week giving away awesome prizes!
Grandstand Donuts
You’re going to get hungry visiting all these great progressive booths at the fair. Get your fill of donuts by the Grandstand, east of Chambers Street.
Kathleen Wheeler
“Healthcare for All” with the Minnesota Nurses
Minnesota nurses are working every day to make sure that we all have access to high-quality healthcare. They’ll be at the labor pavilion on the corner of Dan Patch and Cooper every day. Come thank a nurse for all that they do and get some cool swag.
FREEBIE ALERT
Free stuff is one of the best parts about the fair and we want to make sure you get as much as you can. The Star Tribune booth on Carnes Avenue at Clough Street, in front of the grandstand ramp, will give away free tubes of “stick” flavored lip balm. Because your “on-a-stick” experience shouldn’t be limited to the few days of the State Fair.
Meet Minnesota’s State House legislators
Meet with House members and staff, pose for a photo as House Speaker, grab some free swag, and learn how to stay up-to-speed with what’s happening at the Capitol and how to connect with your representatives in the Legislature to make your voice heard.
The Minnesota House of Representatives will be at the State Fair all week in the Education Building, near the fair’s main entrance off Snelling Avenue and Cosgrove Street.
Visit Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have been standing up for Minnesotans and holding the line on the Trump administration. They’ll both be at the fair and want to see you! Sen. Franken will be on the west side of Underwood Street and Sen. Klobuchar will be on the north side of Judson Avenue.
Amy Klobuchar | Facebook
Al Franken | Facebook
All the new foods
Along with all the State Fair classics like Pronto Pups, Sweet Martha’s cookies, cheese curds, and Fresh French Fries, there’s a ton of new foods for 2017. We’re most excited to try the Bowl O’Dough, Slow-Roasted Pork Mole Tamale, Deep-Fried Avocado, and Mini Sconuts.
Becca Dilley | Heavy Table
The Parade
Every day of the fair there’s a parade! How rad is that? It takes place on the daily at 2 pm–find a spot along the route, which you can find here.
Univ. of Minnesota
We’ll be at the fair every day, too. Follow us on Twitter at @ABetterMN and see what we’re up to. Tweet at us and tell us what you love most about the State Fair!
