2025 Minnesota State Fair - Falcon Heights, MN

 This year, I had to do things a little different, as compared to previous years. I had a bad blood test and the doctor made some pretty significant threats that if I didn’t change a LOT about my diet, there would be some more permanent medication changes that I’m not interested in. I Wasn’t sure I’d even go to the fair this year, which is how serious I’m taking these ultimatums my doc gave me. That being said, I decided to cut out some of the more terrible things for me and scale back the amount of things I ingested. Let’s see how my second round of blood tests pan out in a few weeks to find out if this really was ok to do… 

I always like to give people an idea of how long it takes to get to the fair. I live 8 miles from the fairgrounds. On a Tuesday night at midnight, I can get there in like 18 minutes. On Fair Opening day, I left my house just before 7:00am. It took me 15 minutes to get within a mile of the fairgrounds and then I waited in traffic for like 55 minutes to go the last mile. Just be ready for that. It did seem busier this year’s opening day, but I did also take a different route than I usually do. And when I say busier, I mean.... this is my view on opening day at 8:00am. As you can see, it's totally packed. hahaha. Just wait a few hours and it will be shoulder to shoulder bodies.

 

The past year or two, I’ve heard about Peachey’s Baking Company – they have an “Amish Donut” that people wait in line for hours. I figured if I got there in the morning, I’d have a better shot at getting one of these things. I only had to wait 57 minutes in line for this donut. 

It’s a good donut – like a better than most mom and pop donut shops – but I’m not sure I’d tell you to wait in line for it. I suppose if you’ve eaten Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme donuts, then this is definitely going to be better than either of those. But don’t waste your time in line or your $6 for one plain glazed donut. 

I occasionally get hyped for a fun beverage at the Fair, but it’s usually one with booze in it. This year, I thought I’d better try the Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float from Tasti Whip – remember, I’m trying to do better this year. It’s cherry soft serve ice cream in a cup of lime-aid. It’s served with an umbrella, which automatically qualifies it for a tiki drink, as well. It’s pretty darn good, honestly. I could see this being a serious thirst quencher on a 90-degree Fair day. I was happy with this one, plus when you carry this thing around, it gets attention and people ask you about it. I left a trail of small children begging their parents for ice cream in my wake – you’re welcome.

I had my eyes on a non-fried item from Giggle’s Campfire Grill – the new Timber Twists. These are manicotti shells (yes, like the pasta tubes) stuffed with Italian sausage, mozzarella, cream cheese, and BBQ seasoning, then they wrap it in bacon and cook it in a woodfired smoker. It’s almost like an Italian sausage or brat, but instead of a brat skin, it’s a pasta shell. It is honestly delicious, but it does have a lot of weird textures going on. I saw people eating it with their hands, but they are covered in BBQ sauce, so I just speared mine with a fork and ate it like that. This one is worth getting, but again, be ready for some textural issues. 

By this time, the beer booths were open, so I headed to the West End Market to try a couple things from Schell’s. I started with the Blackberry Bramble. This wasn’t exactly what I thought it was, but it was ok. It drank more like a seltzer than a beer, which isn’t my jam, and there isn’t a ton of flavor in it. They serve it at the West End Brews booth and also LuLu’s Public House, so pick the shortest line to bet this drink. I wish it had more flavor AND more body, but I at least tried it.

I had initially planned to try the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Slushie from Lift Bridge, but whenever I see people with the Grainbelt Blu beer with the frozen beer foam topper, I just have no will power. I have it almost every year, and every year, it’s the best drink I have all day. This year was no different. It’s so delicious.

 

Honestly, folks, that’s the whole trip. I spent two hours at the Fair and more than one of those hours was waiting in line for a donut. That massive line made me realize that I pretty much NEVER stand in line for food at the State Fair, thanks to only trying new foods that people are scared of. Let’s hope the 3 miles I walked (yes, I turned on my walking app so I could balance out my calorie intake with my output) helped counteract enough of the carbs that I pass my upcoming blood test! Wish me luck…. 

Mainly, wish me luck so I can relive my 15,000 calorie usual adventures at next year’s State Fair!!!