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 2, 1996 - On this special Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with political analysts Bob Meek and Tom Horner at the MPR Fair booth. They discuss politics at the traditional start of the campaign season. Meek and Horner also answer fairgoer questions.
August 18, 1997 - The Minnesota State Fair starts this Thursday and the fairgrounds are alive with activity in preparation for opening day. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik interviews various members at the State Fair on what this year holds.
August 24, 1997 - MPR’s Dan Olson visits Minnesota State Fair bee exhibit superintendent Winnie Johnson in the horticulture building to discuss bees in our state. Johnson raises bees in Anoka County.
August 25, 1997 - One of the newer animal exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair is The Butterfly House. David Bohlken, of St. Paul, has set up a big see-through, tent-like enclosure the size of a double garage, which originator Bolhken says is a great scientific study.
August 27, 1998 - Mark Seeley presents his annual weather quiz to the audience at the State Fair. Topics include history of State Fair weather, hurricanes, and upcoming winter. Seeley also answers audience questions.
August 27, 1998 - MPR’s Lynette Nyman reports on the struggle to find temporary workers for the many exhibitors and booths at the Minnesota State Fair this year. The Minnesota State Fair is big. One of the top five in the nation. Last year the fair broke its own attendance record with more than 1.6 million visitors. This year there's been some concern about how LATE the fair has its run. The calendar has pushed the dates back by nearly a week. As a result, while the fair is on, thousands of students will have to head back to the classroom.
August 31, 1998 - Midday presents a Minnesota Citizens Forum gubernatorial debate held at Minnesota State Fair. The five DFL candidates, Skip Humphrey III, Doug Johnson, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, and Independent candidate Jesse Ventura attended (Republican Norm Coleman did not accept invitation). Star Tribune’s Lori Sturdevant moderated debate, which begins with discussion of Northwest strike.
August 31, 1998 - The Midway business is big business. Across the country each year, carnivals generate millions of dollars in revenue at state and county fairs. But being a carnival worker is more competitive than ever... and it is no different on the Minnesota State Fair's Mighty Midway. MPR's Lynette Nyman provides report on the challenges and work of the working the Midway.
September 1, 1998 - Veterinarian Kate An Hunter and Deb Schneider, dog trainer from the Carver Lake Veterinary Center, visit MPR’s Gary Eichten at the state fairgrounds. Hunter and Schneider discuss pets in general, dog obedience and answer questions from the fair audience.
September 1, 1998 - Veterinarian Kate An Hunter and Deb Schneider, dog trainer from the Carver Lake Veterinary Center, continue discussion with MPR’s Gary Eichten at the state fairgrounds. Hunter and Schneider discuss pets in general, dog obedience and answer questions from the fair audience.