Host your own state fair
Posted by by Craig Thomas, catering specialist
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Before you send the kids back to school, be sure to make a stop at the Minnesota State Fair!
There are more than 40 new foods for this year’s fair, including:
- Red Velvet Funnel Cakes – this funnel cake is flavored with a dash of cocoa, brushed with butter, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with a cream cheese glaze
- Bacon Ice Cream – real cooked and candied bacon in ice cream with a hint of maple flavor
- Duke’s Poutine – freshly cut French fries topped with piping hot gravy and squeaky white cheddar cheese curds.
Complete list of new foods at this year’s fair.
Looking for healthier options? You may want to try a refreshing salad at Veggie Pie, located in the Food Building, or fresh Minnesota Grown corn on the cob, located near the Grandstand. Also, be sure to check out the Minnesota Grown Family Fun area in the Agriculture building!
There are even gluten-free options such as Risotto Poppers from French Meadow Bakery and Chicago-style hot dogs at Chicago Dogs.
If you can’t make it to the fair this year, plan your own state fair themed party! There are three areas you have to cover for a state fair party to be a success: games, competitions and of course, food.
Games: I recommend setting up your own midway area with games like knock over the cans/bottles, ring toss, or dart boards. You can simply use items you find in your house, or you can ask friends to bring over any yard games they have. Inexpensive prizes can be purchased at most dollar store outlets, Party City or online.
Competition: Create a baking competition by having each of your guests bring their prized creation. If you have a large party, have different categories (cakes, cookies, etc.) Set up a judging area and have the tasty treats on display. Each of your guests can fill out a secret ballot and vote for their favorites. Be sure to have a supply of blue ribbons to pass out to the winners…and a big enough refrigerator for that one friend who submits a butter sculpture!
If you have really a really creative bunch, try a crafts competition! This is a great idea for groups with young kids. You can do a similar setup as the baking competition and give everyone a participation ribbon, along with the winning ribbons.
Food: Lastly, don’t forget the food! Anything on a stick…fruit, veggies, kabobs are all quick, do-it-yourself ideas. Cheesecake and cake pops can be purchased at your local store to satisfy that sweet tooth. Add in some mini pigs-in-a-blanket, sliders or wings and you’ll have the perfect party.