Minnesota Public Radio, which started reporting from the Minnesota State Fair as far back as 1972, began a yearly tradition of live broadcasting from its booth at the corner of Judson and Nelson in 1991 (taking over the old WLOL-FM spot). The location has since become an important community spot for sharing ideas, intercultural representation, and topics unique to the Fair itself. MPR was the first media organization to have an entire day dedicated to them in the form of MPR Day, held the Friday before Labor Day in Dan Patch Park (formerly known as Carousel Park). The MPR booth has featured Gubernatorial debates, appearances by senators and important public figures, and live performances by a wide range of local musicians and writers. MPR hosts Gary Eichten, Cathy Wurzer, Kerri Miller, Bob Potter, Beth Friend, and numerous others, have filled the air over the past three decades with live Fair broadcasts that both informed and entertained. There was also the longtime broadcast of the Morning Show hosted by Jim Ed Poole and Dale Connelly, bringing their distinctive humor to the street intersection.
The Minnesota State Fair’s permanent 320-acre home along Snelling Avenue in St. Paul contains historical buildings which host a slew of exhibitors, plants, animals, arts, and plenty of jam. Big outdoor attractions include a multitude of food, Midway carnival rides, livestock (with smells), and daily shows and grandstand performances. It’s a busy, busy 12 days that MPR Archive has attempted to capture in this audio collection as varied as food on a stick. A report on Little Irvy, the freeze-dried whale…check! Andean folk band…indeed! Differences of the Pronto pup and the Poncho Dog…got it! Former U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz pitching his milk…yep! Here is your audio ticket to those stories…and so much more.
September 3, 1993 - On this edition of MPR’s Voices from the Heartland, Susan Berkson reads an essay on her life experiences of the Minnesota State Fair.
September 4, 1993 - MPR’s Chris Roberts and Jay Weiner chat about the history of sports at the MInnesota State Fair. Dan Patch’s 1906 harness horse racing world record, car racing, and ice follies are highlighted.
September 4, 1993 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews Minnesota author Karal Ann Marling about random facts on the Minnesota State Fair. Topics include the lack-luster quality of prizes in the Midway, the Ferris wheel, and butter sculpture.
January 29, 1994 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with author Karal Ann Marling about her take away on being a guest at the annual Meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society. The meeting included discussion on how best to bring the State Fair into the 21st century.
August 25, 1994 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer has a conversation with food author Lynne Rossetto Kasper at Minnesota Public Radio’s State Fair booth. The two talk about organic and local foods.
August 25, 1994 - MPR’s John Rabe interviews Minnesota State fairgoers about Curt “The Big Boar,” the largest pig ever at the State Fair. Curt is 1,340-pound and raised by Pat and Patricia Malvin of Blomkest, MN.
August 25, 1994 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the changes and new items at the 1994 Minnesota State Fair…as well as the return of the familiar, like the Salem Lutheran Food Hall.
August 25, 1994 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham presents an audio montage of an array of creative arts and crafts State Fair submissions, described by their creators.
August 25, 1994 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Midday’s Gary Eichten moderates a debate between the primary DFL gubernatorial candidates Tony Bouza, Mike Hatch, and John Marty. The candidates for governor battle over the topics of crime and ecomony.
August 25, 1994 - MPR’s Karen Louise Boothe reports on preparations by political campaigns for the Minnesota State Fair, including the John Marty/Nancy Larson gubernatorial ticket. Segment also includes political commentary.