The Simpson Street parking facility map has changed this year as Mom & Dad have upgraded and downsized to one new vehicle. I get preferred parking in the garage now!
I snapped a picture of the super secret parking plan too! If you don't get on the list early, you might lose out!
First day selfie,!
I missed the opening of the gates, but still got to the fair around 8:00 with Mom. We had to stop and get a schedule and get our sunscreen, admiring the lovely boxes that Stella assembled!
I lined up to get my "Friends of the Fair" swag bag, only to find out, the donation we made to the foundation this year went to the History & Heritage campaign, so I just got a calendar. I decided to just make my donation for next year on the spot, and then I got my coupon book!
Mom settled into her Gazebo for her shift as a "Friend of the Fair and I took off for parts unknown.
I was on a mission to find Tipsy Pies! Walking towards the food building I heard a "Hi!" and snapped a picture of this lovely lady working hard and moving fast already at 8:15am!
I found the Tipsy Pie crew next door to the Lefse stand on the south wall of the food building. Sara had just left for an appearance on a news channel. So I chatted, got a little back story and got my first Tipsy Pie. "Bapple" which I thought was just for boozy, blueberry apple...is really this "apples and wild blueberries baked in a honey stinger mead from Winehaven, with a honey wine glaze". I just know it was a great breakfast! I wanted to tell the people in the really long line at the cinnamon roll booth to go get a Tipsy Pie instead!
I walked through the Ballpark, but the curtains were still drawn and no one I knew was in sight. I would check back later!
I decided to go see if I could catch a glimpse of Sara on the news, and as I walked toward the station at about 8:30 am I saw this line for footlong hotdogs. It was going to be a record setting day!
When I reached the news station, Sara was already gone, but the crowd was participating in a dance contest to the Taylor Swift song, "Shake It Off". It would not be the only time this day that that song would get stuck in my head!
I quickly made my exit up the Dimitri's Gyro path back to the Food Building. On my way, who should I run into but another hard working friend, Dan, owner and chief operator of another favorite stop Juanita's Fajitas.
He was toting a cart full of plants for his patio seating area. He said, and I quote, "it's never all quite done on day one". I would get a better understanding of that as the day rolled on!
At the top of the path with a lovely view of the Ball Park Cafe there I found "The Bench!"
There was one lady sitting on it that I promptly displaced as I asked to take a photo! She offered to take a picture of me, but I just wanted the bench.
I headed back to the food building and Sara had returned. Earlier I was so eager to eat my Tipsy Pie, I failed to get photo record of the data and statistics for the blog. This time, I got a pic with Sara and her absent mom Norma. whose crust recipe she uses.
I knew there had to be something special about the crust! On a side note I returned later to get a question answered for a friend and I was told that Tipsy Pies, while made with local wine and beer, once cooked, have no more alcohol content that you would find in vanilla extract! Child and AA friendly!
Buildings had just opened so I found myself in the Merchandise Mart looking for anything new. Nothing new really, but I still covet the "By The Yard" outdoor furniture (some day) and then I found the Gator Smooth booth. This is a "60 second pain relief lotion" that I became a believer in a couple years ago. One bottle lasted almost two years, until we found it was the only topical treatment Stella found to work on a systemic itchy rash caused by the adhesive on bandage tape that developed on her legs this spring. I was the first customer, and they were having "day one issues" with the cash registers...it took seven people to figure out how to ring up my sale. I quickly decided a cash transaction was best with a "keep the .17 cents change" response! I hope the issues resolved for them quickly!
I rounded the corner and ran into more friends from church!
Joel shared his secret State Fair snack with me...a honey crisp apple from his backyard, and a homemade bacon caramel...He told they need to be eaten together for full taste effect! I was full of breakfast pie, so I promised I would enjoy it later!
I picked up a couple State Fair Christmas ornaments, only to realize as I was paying, that this is not the place that so graciously helped me out last year. (At the end of the 2014 fair, a friend (Lynn) posted her new found ornament on Facebook, it was too late for me to find my own, so I did some research and found the vendor information and called them and they kindly sent me five ornaments COD in time for Christmas!) I paid for these ones from Callister's Christmas, a store found at MOA.
She assured me that these State Fair ornaments would not last long and they would not be for sale at MOA. I vowed to head to the West End and patronize the other ornament shop!
I got a text message from Steve & Karla with their location and told them I would try and meet up. I mentioned that I wanted to see The Willis Clan at the Bandshell at 10:00 and we decided to meet there.
I decided to check out Creative Activities before the crowds moved in...whoops too late! I could not believe the number of people that had already filled the grounds by 9:00am.
There is a beautiful Sailboat in the entry way and as I moved inside the first quilt to catch my eye was this beautiful rendition of the Kiss by Klimt. (one of my favorites!)
I found some beautiful cookies,
quilt squares on a stick the theme this year is great entertainers at the fair. 
I heard four ladies discussing cakes and what makes one better than the other, how some judges prefer a crack on the top, so flipping the cake can sometimes hurt your point score....and all the things they will try next year so they might get a ribbon. Some of these ladies must be entrants, since one lady asked the other "Do you get your cake back?" She said no, but I wanted to tell her that, in fact, the staff of the maintenance, grounds crew and sign shop get to eat all the "losers".
I shot through the vendor annex of Creative Activities and watched Larry the Swiss peeler hawker, a true State Fair entertainer. I asked him and he told me this was 30th year at the fair!
I saw the my wine slushy friends but it was only 9am...I'd be back later! There are few new vendors back there, but nothing on my "not to miss" meter.
It was almost show time at the bandshell, and getting close to snack time, so I used my first coupon and got a bargain footlong hot dog for $4.00!
I forgot my water bottle. (I know REALLY??) so I would be taking full use of the Culligan Water services today!
There were lots of seats open for the Willis Clan show and I found Steve & Karla taking in all there was to see and do at the fair.....
I did not realize the show did not start until 10:30, but it turns out we were in time for the opening Flag Ceremony and the declaration of "Official Opening" of the Great Minnesota Get Together, Never done that before! Three flags were raised, American Flag , the Union Jack and the Australian flag in honor of the visiting groups from these places that are learning about how to run the best fair in the world! The Willis Clan led the crowd in a goose bump producing National Anthem.
Jerry Hammer, General Manager of the fair, opened the event and he walked out on stage and said (I kid you not) "Here's the deal....." He is my people. The fair was declared officially opened and we settled in for a great show.
I walked through the Ballpark, but the curtains were still drawn and no one I knew was in sight. I would check back later!
I decided to go see if I could catch a glimpse of Sara on the news, and as I walked toward the station at about 8:30 am I saw this line for footlong hotdogs. It was going to be a record setting day!
When I reached the news station, Sara was already gone, but the crowd was participating in a dance contest to the Taylor Swift song, "Shake It Off". It would not be the only time this day that that song would get stuck in my head!
I quickly made my exit up the Dimitri's Gyro path back to the Food Building. On my way, who should I run into but another hard working friend, Dan, owner and chief operator of another favorite stop Juanita's Fajitas.
At the top of the path with a lovely view of the Ball Park Cafe there I found "The Bench!"
I headed back to the food building and Sara had returned. Earlier I was so eager to eat my Tipsy Pie, I failed to get photo record of the data and statistics for the blog. This time, I got a pic with Sara and her absent mom Norma. whose crust recipe she uses.
Buildings had just opened so I found myself in the Merchandise Mart looking for anything new. Nothing new really, but I still covet the "By The Yard" outdoor furniture (some day) and then I found the Gator Smooth booth. This is a "60 second pain relief lotion" that I became a believer in a couple years ago. One bottle lasted almost two years, until we found it was the only topical treatment Stella found to work on a systemic itchy rash caused by the adhesive on bandage tape that developed on her legs this spring. I was the first customer, and they were having "day one issues" with the cash registers...it took seven people to figure out how to ring up my sale. I quickly decided a cash transaction was best with a "keep the .17 cents change" response! I hope the issues resolved for them quickly!
I rounded the corner and ran into more friends from church!
I picked up a couple State Fair Christmas ornaments, only to realize as I was paying, that this is not the place that so graciously helped me out last year. (At the end of the 2014 fair, a friend (Lynn) posted her new found ornament on Facebook, it was too late for me to find my own, so I did some research and found the vendor information and called them and they kindly sent me five ornaments COD in time for Christmas!) I paid for these ones from Callister's Christmas, a store found at MOA.
I got a text message from Steve & Karla with their location and told them I would try and meet up. I mentioned that I wanted to see The Willis Clan at the Bandshell at 10:00 and we decided to meet there.
I decided to check out Creative Activities before the crowds moved in...whoops too late! I could not believe the number of people that had already filled the grounds by 9:00am.
I found some beautiful cookies,
I shot through the vendor annex of Creative Activities and watched Larry the Swiss peeler hawker, a true State Fair entertainer. I asked him and he told me this was 30th year at the fair!
I saw the my wine slushy friends but it was only 9am...I'd be back later! There are few new vendors back there, but nothing on my "not to miss" meter.
It was almost show time at the bandshell, and getting close to snack time, so I used my first coupon and got a bargain footlong hot dog for $4.00!
I forgot my water bottle. (I know REALLY??) so I would be taking full use of the Culligan Water services today!
There were lots of seats open for the Willis Clan show and I found Steve & Karla taking in all there was to see and do at the fair.....
I did not realize the show did not start until 10:30, but it turns out we were in time for the opening Flag Ceremony and the declaration of "Official Opening" of the Great Minnesota Get Together, Never done that before! Three flags were raised, American Flag , the Union Jack and the Australian flag in honor of the visiting groups from these places that are learning about how to run the best fair in the world! The Willis Clan led the crowd in a goose bump producing National Anthem.
Jerry Hammer, General Manager of the fair, opened the event and he walked out on stage and said (I kid you not) "Here's the deal....." He is my people. The fair was declared officially opened and we settled in for a great show.
Stella and the sign shop crew made the "now appearing" signs weeks ago for the bandshell and when I sat down I noticed the sign holders were empty!
I texted Stella and she informed me that her boss was on his way with them, but nobody checked before today and the sign dimensions they were given were 1/2 inch off. She had to trim them all so they would fit! Halfway through the show, the signs appeared!
The Willis Clan is an Irish family band composed of 12 kids and Mom performs with them. They dance, sing, play great instruments and are free concert not to be missed. They perform every day at the Leinie Bandshell at 10:30 and 11:45. The shows are not the same!
We walked over to the Gazebo to see Mom and Michael & Kathleen showed up! This is a great photo of us all, but all it tells me is I really need a better bra!!
After the show, we walked into the Ag/Hort Building. I told them the African Violets are on display today and tomorrow, but I wanted to see the Gladiolas this weekend! Karla told me she has African Violets that came from Grandma Olga's plants. Glad she got them and not me. Karla & Steve went on their way, as I was too easily distracted by shiny objects and plates on walls, they would never get things done if they stuck with me!
I wanted an Apple Cider Freeze and had my dollar ready, but beware people!
The freeze is now $1.25!!! The line was 30 people deep and since I did not have a quarter or anything smaller than a $20, I left empty handed.
I walked into the Crop Art display to find a line of people starting at the entry point, waiting to see the art. I am no fool. My Mother's wise words ringing in my ears "go to the left.." I veered down the other side and walked into the display backwards, snapping a few pictures as I could, of the funny. Beautiful, political and politically incorrect
I will be back on a slower day to get a better look. I did see the marriage proposal in crop art and wondered if it was real and then saw the news story about it later! She said "Yes" apparently!
I got a few pictures of the center floral displays. This year my favorite is the Assistance Dogs display.
The "Make -A-Wish" sparkling tree is beautiful too.
There is a new plate wall in the "Food" Wing of the AG/Hort
Not sure it's purpose, but I was a little disappointed to find there was no Red Wing or Frankoma Pottery plates on the wall. The stuff of my childhood. I think this plate with wheat and blue flowers might have been one like Grammie Kelsey had.
I got a text from Stella letting me know she was on the grounds working on her first sign installation run and we could meet at the Admin building around noon. I found her, her "gator" cart and her supervisor Jordan working hard! We stopped to chat with Jerry Hammer and I told him the story about the first time Stella missed the fair, she was two and a half and had a fever. Randy told me I could't take her to the fair. I told him he could stay home with her, and I went to the fair! Jerry said he might use that story next year at the opening ceremony! LOL
We found Don & Carol lunching at The Peg
and then as we waited for Stella's ride back the sign shop, we took some fun pictures. I sure miss having her with me to do this all day! She does not.
After Stella and parted ways, I waited in a very long line to use the restroom right inside Gate 5. There is no "going to the left" in a bathroom line...one must be polite and wait. This line was indicative of the crowds growing today!
Steve had graciously given me his extra water bottle. I filled up at Culligan and walked straight down the hill to the West End. I was hungry for lunch so I got myself a Hot Waffle from the West End Creamery.
Seemed like a good choice! I looked for Sarah at "I Like You" and I saw her daughter Talulah working hard, but I would stop another day. I was happy to see the shop so busy!
I found the Holly's Christmas shop and got this years ornament. I was able to give him a personal thank you for fulfilling my order last year!
I knew Kathleen & Michael were here for Trader Joe's Day at the fair and were participating in a scavenger hunt. I remembered they needed a picture of the historic map with original buildings in it. When Jerry Hammer spoke to us at the Set up day on Sunday, he told us that cities are spending millions to tear down and build new, better buildings, and state fair is spending millions to preserve the old ones! I am grateful!
The Eco Hall and Fine Arts are original State Fair structures, as well as the Grandstand. The history rich environment is part of what makes the fair so special!
I took the obligatory pictures of the log cabin
and I found the placard stand thanking people who donated to the History & Heritage campaign, which is where our money went, just apparently not a enough money to get us on the board!
It is STEM day at the fair and I went to look for anyone I might know at the Boston Scientific booth.
(I did not) This year it was amazing to see all the booths! It has grown double from last year! Robots, and experiments, puzzle and games. It was really impressive! My friend Martha works at The Works and they had a fun activity building with dots and sticks!
The place where Stella used to make lego walls to withstand a flood or Tsunami had a bone splint experiment this year! How much pressure can your stabilized bone withstand.
Too bad this stuff is only a one day event.
I already had 12K steps on my pedometer and my feet were a little sore (even with the new walking shoes) so I decided to take a chance on the Sky Glider to get to the north end. Lines...again. I don't ever remember waiting in a line down the sidewalk outside the ticket booth to get on this ride. I got to read ALL the rules as I waited.
Clearly they have been sued for knee damage. I got a round trip ticket, hoping against all hope that I would not get stuck again this year.
The ride was uneventful. There was already a bra deposited on the roof of the Little Hands Farm shed. I wondered if the ride staff drops it, to just get it over with, as if to thwart a stripping free for all on the ride.
The Giant Sing Along is celebrating five years at the Fair.
As I departed the Glider, I could hear ABBA blaring and as I looked at the new sign board (that I wonder if Stella made) I see "Shake It Off" is a new one added this year! It was playing as I left the area, stuck in my head once again!
I walked past the Kemps Cow booth where Stella Stella did make the signs and tried my luck at winning a cow. No Luck. There is a second chance option this year by tweeting your picture. I might need to figure out how twitter works now....
As I approacehed Randall Ave I realized the parade was in motion! Stella was possibly going to be riding shotgun in the Princess Mary Kay float. I asked a parade watcher and she informed me I missed it. I found out later, she was too busy to leave the shop.
I walked the edge of the crowd and saw the Eden Prairie marching band coming up the street! A shout out to Heidi and her family as her last daughter heads off to college after many years being a part of this band family.
The Willis Clan is an Irish family band composed of 12 kids and Mom performs with them. They dance, sing, play great instruments and are free concert not to be missed. They perform every day at the Leinie Bandshell at 10:30 and 11:45. The shows are not the same!
We walked over to the Gazebo to see Mom and Michael & Kathleen showed up! This is a great photo of us all, but all it tells me is I really need a better bra!!
After the show, we walked into the Ag/Hort Building. I told them the African Violets are on display today and tomorrow, but I wanted to see the Gladiolas this weekend! Karla told me she has African Violets that came from Grandma Olga's plants. Glad she got them and not me. Karla & Steve went on their way, as I was too easily distracted by shiny objects and plates on walls, they would never get things done if they stuck with me!
I wanted an Apple Cider Freeze and had my dollar ready, but beware people!
I walked into the Crop Art display to find a line of people starting at the entry point, waiting to see the art. I am no fool. My Mother's wise words ringing in my ears "go to the left.." I veered down the other side and walked into the display backwards, snapping a few pictures as I could, of the funny. Beautiful, political and politically incorrect
I got a few pictures of the center floral displays. This year my favorite is the Assistance Dogs display.
There is a new plate wall in the "Food" Wing of the AG/Hort
I got a text from Stella letting me know she was on the grounds working on her first sign installation run and we could meet at the Admin building around noon. I found her, her "gator" cart and her supervisor Jordan working hard! We stopped to chat with Jerry Hammer and I told him the story about the first time Stella missed the fair, she was two and a half and had a fever. Randy told me I could't take her to the fair. I told him he could stay home with her, and I went to the fair! Jerry said he might use that story next year at the opening ceremony! LOL
We found Don & Carol lunching at The Peg
After Stella and parted ways, I waited in a very long line to use the restroom right inside Gate 5. There is no "going to the left" in a bathroom line...one must be polite and wait. This line was indicative of the crowds growing today!
Steve had graciously given me his extra water bottle. I filled up at Culligan and walked straight down the hill to the West End. I was hungry for lunch so I got myself a Hot Waffle from the West End Creamery.
I found the Holly's Christmas shop and got this years ornament. I was able to give him a personal thank you for fulfilling my order last year!
I knew Kathleen & Michael were here for Trader Joe's Day at the fair and were participating in a scavenger hunt. I remembered they needed a picture of the historic map with original buildings in it. When Jerry Hammer spoke to us at the Set up day on Sunday, he told us that cities are spending millions to tear down and build new, better buildings, and state fair is spending millions to preserve the old ones! I am grateful!
I took the obligatory pictures of the log cabin
It is STEM day at the fair and I went to look for anyone I might know at the Boston Scientific booth.
I already had 12K steps on my pedometer and my feet were a little sore (even with the new walking shoes) so I decided to take a chance on the Sky Glider to get to the north end. Lines...again. I don't ever remember waiting in a line down the sidewalk outside the ticket booth to get on this ride. I got to read ALL the rules as I waited.
The ride was uneventful. There was already a bra deposited on the roof of the Little Hands Farm shed. I wondered if the ride staff drops it, to just get it over with, as if to thwart a stripping free for all on the ride.
The Giant Sing Along is celebrating five years at the Fair.
I walked past the Kemps Cow booth where Stella Stella did make the signs and tried my luck at winning a cow. No Luck. There is a second chance option this year by tweeting your picture. I might need to figure out how twitter works now....
As I approacehed Randall Ave I realized the parade was in motion! Stella was possibly going to be riding shotgun in the Princess Mary Kay float. I asked a parade watcher and she informed me I missed it. I found out later, she was too busy to leave the shop.
I walked the edge of the crowd and saw the Eden Prairie marching band coming up the street! A shout out to Heidi and her family as her last daughter heads off to college after many years being a part of this band family.
I had a few minutes before my shift at the Forest so I popped into the Fine Art building. I got to see a few cool things and get a picture of the artist studio signs that Stella made, before the parade ended and the building began to flood with people.
I checked out "Math On A Stick" and there are LOTS of fun activities for kids.
The Coke display this year is offering free sample cups of Coke Zero.
I got to the Forest and donned my apron and immediately went to work in a very busy photo booth! I not only forgot a water bottle today, but I also left my special name tag and the "hashtag" sign I made at home on my table. My phone was dead and added a charger to the list of what to bring tomorrow and messaged everyone and turned it off.
I love to see kids reading here!The crowd thinned out a bit and I got a few minutes to relax on a bench in between photo shoots.
I was done working at 6pm and was feeling tired! I turned on my phone briefly to message Stella I would meet her on a bench at 7:30 outside the Admin building. It might just take me an hour and a half to walk down the hill!
The old Gloria Dei Lutheran Church booth has been replaced by tpt Public Television. I want to get a picture in the canoe!
I did not have to do a college research tour this year, so the the Education stop went quickly! I checked out the new fall catalog at the Pampered Chef booth and found a few reasons to have a party this fall! I stopped by the Wine Slushie shop and the gal remembered me.
I was early, and found a bench in from of Admin and realized I was a little hungry. I remembered I had the special snack that Joel gave me early in the day! It saved me and eaten together the bacon caramel and apple were really tasty!
With no phone power I just sat and watched people for a bit. Shortly, I saw Stella appear on the horizon! She needed a short rest and filled me in on her busy busy day and then we were off in search of dinner.
We agreed that the Ball Park cafe was our destination for a protien base before dessert. We walked up and got a table, and ate a great cheeseburger and enjoyed my first beer of the fair.
Mom showed up unexpectedly with an ear of corn, and joined us for a bit. Stella, having only been on the grounds for a short time all day, wanted to have a treat. I told her I wanted a destination plan before we moved, and she decided on a brownie!
Gaelic Storm was the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Tonight show and we found a bench at the back and sat for a song. We were all pretty tired and Mom was afraid she might fall asleep on a bench, so we decided to call it a night!
I started and ended the day with Irish music....with quite a bit sandwiched in between!
Winner of Best Dressed today was this couple! 
Best inflatable so far 
Carry On!And BTW, the Minnesota Highway maps are new! Found in the Education Building 
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