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 7, 1992 - Susan Berkson, resident worrier commentator, comments on food and politics and is confident all are actually having a good time.
September 7, 1992 - MPR’s Mark Heistad talks with Marylee Fithian, a Minnesota State Fair chaplain, about what a day at the fair is like for her. Those days entail a lot of walking, lost children, and spiritual guidance.
August 20, 1993 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews two local historians about the early days of the Minnesota State Fair. They discuss its development from farm celebration to entertainment, and a future as a gathering.
August 23, 1993 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the various preparations before the start of 1993 Minnesota State Fair. New items include guided tours of animal barns and train circus display.
August 26, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews members of The Teddy Bear Band at the Minnesota Public Radio booth. Segment includes band performing to a State Fair audience.
August 26, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten hosts U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone live from the Minnesota State Fair. Wellstone answers audience and listener questions on health care, the economy, NAFTA, etc.
August 28, 1993 - U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger is Midday program’s guest at the Minnesota State Fair, answering audience and listener questions on health care, the economy, NAFTA, etc.
September 1, 1993 - A Midday program from the Minnesota State Fair, with political commentators Bob Meek and Tom Horner talking about the upcoming mayoral primaries, the new speaker designate of the Minnesota House, and pending debate on health care, and NAFTA.
September 3, 1993 - On this special Minnesota State Fair edition of First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a “New Minnesotans” theme, with live performances by international musicians living and working in the Twin Cities, including an Andean folk band, Finnish singer-songwriter, and Greek vocalist.
September 3, 1993 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews members of Minnesota’s 4-H organization about the various 4-H activities at the Minnesota State Fair.