(KNSI) – If you’re longing for summer, you can get a taste thanks to the Kickoff to Summer at the Minnesota State Fair in May.
The event runs from the 22nd through the 25th. It won’t be the full blown fair experience with the crop art, butter heads, and 4H kids showing off their animals and projects, but favorite food and beverage vendors will be there. Organizers are also planning for live music, shopping and family activities around the fairgrounds.
Andy’s Grille, Ball Park Cafe, Beverages by Giggle’s, Big Fat Bacon, Cafe Caribe, Coasters, Fresh French Fries (the big yellow one!), Lulu’s Public House which was responsible for the 2024 “It” food – deep fried ranch dressing, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds, Nelson’s Foot Long Hot Dogs & Corn Dogs, Pronto Pups, RC’s BBQ, Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, Rick’s Pizza which was responsible for the 2023 “It” food – pickle pizza, Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, and Tiny Tim Donus are a few of the many food and beverage vendors opening for the special event.
Wear off the calories by dancing along to free entertainment from local favorites and cover bands like the ABBASolutely Fab Tribue Band. They play the DNR stage at 4:30 and 5:30 on Thursday. GB Leighton is at the DNR stage Friday at 7:00. There is also Zumba fitness at 5:30 and 7:30 at the Christensen Farms Stage. Saturday, the Rockin’ Hollywoods take over the DNR stage for three shows at 11:00, 12:15, and 1:30. The 70s Magic Sunshine Band (who are playing Summertime by George this season) is also at the DNR stage for three shows at 3:00, 4:15, and 5:30.
There’s a new activity this year called the Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt Challenge. It blends wit with a sense of adventure in what is being called a “unique and immersive quest.”
Another new feature is the Weekday Spin to Win at Grandstand Plaza West. Thursday and Friday only fairgoers can spin a prize wheel for a chance to win fair admission tickets, State Fair swag, coupons, giveaways and entries into a grand prize drawing for Grandstand show tickets, family fun packs with ride and game tickets and the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, a personalized tile on the Welcome Wall or an on-site parking pass.
The Giant Slide will also be open for $4 a ride.
There are specialty shopping experiences and exhibit booths with nine new vendors.
Tickets are $13 in advance or $16 at the gate.
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