Step right up! In this episode, we wander through the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. From butter sculptures and bucket-sized cookies to unexpected traditions and hidden gems, the Minnesota State Fair is more than corn dogs and carnival rides, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and pure joy.

Joining the conversation are two people who know the fair inside and out: Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair, who helps steer the tradition into the future, and Kelsey Cunningham, longtime fan and dedicated fairgoer who shares her favorite rituals and insider tips. Together they bring both the behind-the-scenes and the on-the-ground perspectives of what makes the fair magical year after year.

2:00        Renee’s humble beginnings as a State Fair intern

3:30        A hi-wire walker, elephant trainer and midway manager walk into a…

5:15        Opening day excitement at the Fair

6:30        Kelsey shares her life-long passion for the Fair

7:45        What it takes to run the nation’s largest (and best) state fair

9:00        Voted the #1 Fair in the nation

14:45     The importance of continuously investing and improving the buildings

18:30     Bringing Mall of America to the State Fair, all the details

22:45     Tips for fairgoers beforehand and at the fair

Guests: Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair; Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at Mall of America (and life-long fair fanatic)

More information on Minnesota State Fair: www.mnstatefair.org

Be sure to download the official Minnesota State Fair app

Hosts: Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.