Minnesota State Fair

[Macabre]

We went to the fair tonight. Someone from DH's workplace gave us tickets and a Bargain Book full of coupons (which saved us a little bit).  DS is PA only. I am allergic to shellfish and sesame (and chamomile and sage and some nut--have SPT and reaction history to peanut).

These things worked for us. Your individual mileage may vary. DS is a vegetarian, so we didn't try any carnivorous stuff.

Here is a map of the fair (the street we parked on is not marked, but it's around circle 25 at the bottom, to the east of 24 the Motorcycle Lot).

All of the pictures were taken after dark, even though when we originally went to many of these places it was light (I returned to take photos--so they aren't as good as they could have been if I'd thought of this earlier).

We entered from the street that runs East-West on the southern border of the fairgrounds at Circle 7 on the map. We parked on Winton or Winston and paid $10 as opposed to walking farther and parking for free.  And we entered right there.  The Haunted House was to our right when we walked in, and we turned left.

The first thing we encountered that DS ate (we took the picture later) was the Fresh Fries on Judson.  They fry in soybean oil (all places we ate at fried in soybean or canola--most often soybean). These fries were really, really good.


We then went and joined Minnesota Public Radio!


On the way out, DS ate apple pies across the street from the Fresh Fries (on Judson):  MinneaplePie.  They have a dinner northwest of Minneapolis. The folks used gloves (not so everywhere--ick) and the guy said they were peanut free.  He said they fry in canola.  The pies are made at the diner and fried at the fair. You can watch them. Teh dough tastes like you did it at home.    They put ice cream on top (Kemp's), but DS of course didn't get any. But the guy I talked with said we could go around the side to read the label.    Though we do NOT just eat ice cream based on the label, so we politely declined.


Also on the way out, at the corner of Judson and Nelson (where you see some boat rides), DS ate some cotton candy. They swirled it for him--he didn't get it out of a bag.  And that was very cool. It had been a long time since he'd had it.


Further in, on Carnes (we turend fright from Nelson), DS ate a raspberry/mango (I think) swirled soft serve cone from Dole Ice Cream. In the daylight you can see a giant swirled ice cream on top of the booth.   


To the right, you see the light of the Agricultural Building. Inside DS got two things.  They had the Minnesota Craft Brewer Association, and DH and I split a flight of beer. DS got to try some craft brewed root beer.  Wow, it smelled good.  Then after checking the bed bug exhibit out we exited through the apple growers asssociation.  They had giant push up cider ice pops from Pine or Pint orchard.  We just trusted that they'd be safe, and we had no problems. They were $1 each, so we each got one. Wowza.

Tom Thumb Donuts on Cooper.  A bag of mini-donuts served hot.  Fried in soybean oil.  Embellished with cinnamon sugar.  Soooo good.


Vegie Fries. OMGoodness.  And we had a coupon for them, too! I think this was on Dan Patch.  DH and I shared one huge skewer and DS had one.  They fried zukes, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes and onion on a skewer in a tempura batter.  And they had ranch and ketchup for dipping.  This was just lovely.  Because of my shellfish allergy, I never get to eat fried zucchini or other vegetables at restaurants (not that I would more than once or twice a year, but I do miss it). 



And obviously NOT this, next to Vegie Fries:



First of all, yes, it was almost all junk, but I don't care. DS never got to eat much of anything at the Virginia Fair or the State Fair of Texas.  Goodness, when he was a wee kiddo and ate a Fletcher's Corny Dog (at Big Tex's feet) at the State Fair of Texas, he developed hives all around his mouth.  They're fried in peanut oil.  DS remarked how we didn't see peanut shells on the ground. 

Next year I will be comfortable letting him go to the fair with friends and without us (as long as they don't stay too late). 

This was good experience.  It's still not like the State Fair of Texas, but we did enjoy it a lot--and far more than Virginia's state fair.

[CMdeux]

   Your post literally brought tears to my eyes, Mac.  Being able to eat junk at the fair...

priceless. 

[GingerPye]

very cool   

[CMdeux]

The real question, this being the MN state fair, is...



did you see the infamous Dairy Princess butter busts?   

[Mfamom]

oh wow!  going to mn next year just so ds might have a "normal" childhood experience eating all that junk! 
I'm so happy you all had a great time there.  We always avoid all these types of events just thinking of dealing with all the food is exhausting.  I see it can be done!

Funny too, we went to 2 world fairs when i was growing up.  We went to the one in Vancouver and the one in New Orleans.  My parents were total food snobs and we rarely ate the "real" fair food.  lol 

[becca]

I also get very anxious at these sort of events.  So gald you had a fantastic time and ds was able to do a "crawl" through the junk food!  Fun!

[Mezzo]

My dd has NOT wanted to go because she thought she'd just be sad over all the food she couldn't have.  But to find even a stand that has nothing but cotton candy instead of the peanut covered caramel apples that are always with it? Perhaps worth it right there.

She gets mini doughnuts every year at our local carnival because they put a sign up saying no peanut products used.  And a shake from the milk producers because I've contacted them about it.

I wish the state fair wasn't when my husband is the very busiest for work! He's working all weekend. I love the food at the fair.

[Macabre]

Bump

We will be there almost daily for the near future.

[Mezzo]

Oops, I just sent you a message about this on FB!  Sorry!  I'll read up here.  We'll be there this weekend, first time for PA DD.

[Macabre]

http://minnesotafoodallergy.org/statefair.php

Note the link about how to have fun without food.