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 5, 1994 - MPR’s Bob Potter walks the Minnesota State Fair in search of free stuff. He succeeds in grand fashion with a full stomach.
September 5, 1994 - MPR’s Mary Losure reports on a day at the Minnesota State Fair with her family. Between the Midway and food, it’s an illuminating monetary experience.
September 5, 1994 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on introducing farm animals to urban fairgoers, to further educate on the importance of farming and agriculture.
August 21, 1995 - MPR’s John Rabe reports on the numerous activities going on in getting ready for the opening of the Minnesota State Fair.
August 22, 1995 - MPR’s John Rabe reports on the ‘creative’ work that takes place in displaying submissions for the Creative Activities Building. Rabe interviews those that make the presentations stand out.
August 24, 1995 - Midday presents a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair featuring U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, DFL-Minnesota. Wellstone answers questions from fairgoers and MPR listeners.
August 28, 1995 - MPR’s Greg Magnuson reports on the mainstays that bring people back to the Minnesota State Fair, including Ye Old Mill, the oldest attraction on the fairgrounds, and Hamline Dining Hall.
August 28, 1995 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Garrison Keillor hosts the second annual "Do you know Minnesota?” quiz.
August 30, 1995 - From the Minnesota Public Radio booth, MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Dr. Mark Depaolis about possible reasons why as you get older, the rides become less joyous…and more nauseous.
August 30, 1995 - On this special Midday live broadcast at the Minnesota State Fair, Host Gary Eichten talks with a NASA shuttle astronaut and University of Minnesota astronomy professor about the latest in space exploration and shuttle missions.