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.
August 27, 1991 - MPR’s Karen Boothe reports on the washing, hair brushing, blow-drying, body shaping, and walking skills that are integral for success in the show ring at the Minnesota State Fair.
August 27, 1991 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports from the Fine Arts building at the State Fair. Friend interviews Karl Bethke, Studio Arts professor at University of Minnesota, and Marky Lingin, Director of Education at Walker Arts Center, who are judges of the many submissions competing for the desired fair ribbons and awards.
August 28, 1991 - MPR’s Tom Fudge explores “humongous” things at the Minnesota State Fair…from a pig, a horse, the Space Needle, elephants, the Big Slide, Midway koala bear, a man, a pumpkin, to a hot dog.
August 28, 1991 - Did you know aviation enigineers created the mini-dount machine? MPR’s Bill Wareham presents a short history of three State Fair food classics: cheese curds, mini donuts, and pronto pups. Wareham talks with vendors behind the fairground treats.
August 28, 1991 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder talks with Star Tribune political reporter Betty Wilson about the ins & outs for politicians attending the Minnesota State Fair.
August 29, 1991 - Remember the Boschwitz root beer floats? MPR’s Karen Boros walks the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and interviews politicians Arne Carlson, Dave Durenberger, Rudy Boschwitz, and Paul Wellstone about their interactions with fairgoers.
August 30, 1991 - MPR’s John Biewen interviews Minnesota Fair attendees to gauge their excitement on the new Minnesota Public Radio booth at the fairgrounds. It makes for a humbling experience.
August 30, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the attraction of llamas at the Minnesota State Fair. While most see them as pets, for breeding, or for wool, one fairgoer wonders what they taste like.
August 31, 1991 - From MPR Minnesota State Fair booth, guest host Gary Eichten talks about the pennant race with Twins General Manager Andy McPhail. This is followed with commentary from Howard Sinker, Star Tribune reporter and editor, who answers listener questions about baseball
September 2, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews numerous individuals on the attraction of working at the Minnesota State Fair. No surprise; it’s people.