The Minnesota State Fair on Wednesday announced its new attractions for 2016.
You can see the full list here .
Highlights include:
Fairchild’s Anniversary: Fairchild 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. State Fair visitors can pose for photos with the birthday boy daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Visitors Plaza.
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.
4-H Minnesota Meat Grilling Contest: Teams of 4-H’ers are given 30 minutes to prepare and grill Minnesota-produced meat. Participants 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 here. (http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/state-fair/)
Hen House: Two flocks of hens take up residence in this brand-new exhibit showing modern housing designed for egg-laying feathered friends. State Fair visitors can discover more about how farmers use different egg production systems to produce safe and wholesome food, and see a backyard chicken coop up-close. 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: This year’s Recipe Card Roundup giveaway features six top ribbon-winning 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 out daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (recipes vary by day).
Bulls & Barrels Championship: In the most heart-pounding eight seconds in sports, bull riders from across the Midwest vie for thousands of dollars in prize money. Plus, 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 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.
Selfie Spots: Five iconic fairgrounds locations will be marked with a Selfie Spot badge on the ground. Visitors may stand on the badges to snap State Fair photo memories.
