Out of 47 states that host a state fair, Minnesota topped the list by Thrillest of the Best State Fairs! We also are number 2 for attendance beaten only by Texas whose fair lasts a week longer. We sure do have amazing food like the New State Fair Foods and my age-old favorites like Sweet Martha's Cookies and the original Getny (It's the Minnesota Pickle) on a stick.

Here are 11 reasons dont'cha know why the Great Minnesota Get Together is truly the best.

1. Leinie Lodge

This is one of my FAVORITE traditions. We always have to hit this place up and sample the latest flavors while we catch some music. It's where I fell in love with Grapefruit Shandy!

2. The Grandstand is Grand

They have some of the best musical acts coming to town like The Beach Boys, Jason Mraz, Sugarland and so much more! Their event line up is one to check out for sure!

3. People Carved Out Of Butter

I don't think any other place on the planet has a talent quite like this. Over 500 sculptures of Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists have been carved out of 90 pounds blocks of butter over the years. Pretty impressive!

4. Pumpkins the Size Of Our House

Their amateur produce contests brings in pumpkin growers from around the Midwest. The record was set back in 2016 for the largest pumpkin weighing in at 1,918.5 pounds! That's a heck of a lot of pumpkin pie!

5. Everyone's GIANT Tradition

That Giant Slide is a must for every fair go-er. From being a little kid on that slide to being able to bring my kids its a family tradition that everyone can include in their Minnesota State Fair visit.

6. The most fried food anywhere

Deep-fried licorice and yes, even deep-fried avocado, they have it all! Deep fried bacon, green olives, cream cheese with ranch dip, YUM! Deep fried candy bars, yes please! Deep fried SPAM..... I might have to pass on that one!

7. Animals strut their stuff like Miss America

From Alpacas to Cows, farmers show off their prized possessions in a variety of shows and competitions. You can see an endless amount of every kind of animal all the way down to fish at the state fair.

8.Endless Cups of Milk

I guarantee you this has been a part of my tradition for YEARS! Sweet Martha's cookie container and All You Can Drink Milk! It's the perfect match. I'll just set up shop on that curb stuffing my face with cookies and washing it down with that Minnesota Milk!

 

9. The Mighty Midway

Growing up this was THE meetup place. The place were you scouted out people to meet. Now it's the place I bring my kids to tear it up for the afternoon. They have tons of rides and "challenges" like the

10. Everything On A Stick

Pronto pups, pickles and pork chops, oh my! You can even enjoy a deep fried Reese's Peanut Butter Cup on a stick. Summit Beer on a "stick" or a plank I should say is a popular one. They've even managed to somehow figure out Spaghetti and Meatballs on a stick. Now that's just amazing.

11. Becoming a Celebrity

Maybe not EXACTLY but it's your best chance to get on the local news. I remember as a kid waiting around for "Kare 11 At The Fair" to go live to see if I could get my face on the news for a good reason!

More From Quick Country 96.5