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, 2001 - MPR’s Mary Losure reports on a union survey being highlighted at Minnesota State Fair that show issues in affordable housing for members.
September 3, 2001 - For the final day of the 2001 Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Jerry Hammer, executive vice president of the State Fair, about the attendance and overview of how this year’s State Fair has gone.
July 17, 2002 - The State Fair is more than a month away, but the employment office at the fair is already conducting background checks on potential employees. More than 4-thousand people work at the fair during the 12 days leading up to Labor Day. Because of the September 11th terrorist attacks, officials will be doing more background checks this year and are increasing other security measures as well.
August 22, 2002 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on finishing touches as the Minnesota State Fair prepares to open. It includes a building remodel…and tighter security a year after the September 11th terrorist attacks.
August 26, 2002 - Just as much a part of the State Fair as midway rides, 4-H displays and food of all kinds, are politicians working potential voters. MPR’s Mark Zdechlik checks in on what the four major party endorsed candidates for U.S. Senate are talking about at the Fair.
August 26, 2002 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports on what’s behind being a vendor at the Minnesota State Fair. For vendors, the Fair is a huge business opportunity. Competition for a slot at the fair is intense, and the barriers to entry are high. But, given the chance, those who've set up shop at the fair say it's worth the trouble and the wait.
August 29, 2002 - Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County attorney; and Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County attorney in a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair. Ramsey and Hennepin County Attorneys talk about legal affairs in the Twin Cities including police brutality, racism and the police shooting and subsequent riot in North Minneapolis.
August 30, 2002 - The major party candidates for governor reacted positively to news that a new baseball labor agreement will apparently prevent Major League Baseball from eliminating the Minnesota Twins for the next four years. The candidates learned of the tentative agreement shortly before appearing in an Minnesota Public Radio debate at the State Fair.
August 30, 2002 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on Minnesota U.S. Senate debate held at the Minnesota State Fair. Segment includes clips from the four candidates as they debated topics including healthcare, taxes, and the war with Iraq, amongst others.
August 18, 2003 - The Minnesota State Fair opens Thursday. Fairgoers will notice some changes to the grandstand this year. The facility is undergoing a 35 million dollar remodeling project. The fair's first grandstand was built in 1885, a double-decked wooden strucutre. The current grandstand, made of concrete and steel, was built in 1909.