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Although I’ve been battling an uber-busy schedule this week, I still managed to find the time to squeak in a power-tour of the State Fair. With one of my l’etoile magazine contributors in tow, we hit up the great Minnesota get-together this

Mike Rosen / State Fair 2009

past Wednesday armed with enough cash to eat our way into food coma status, and the sheer will to do just that.

Our first stop was the Miracle of Birth Barn, where we pawed adorable little horses and lambs, and witnessed a baby pig come into the world — a world that was filled with screeching humans of course, as is the tradition at the MOB barn. Immediately following (and after a good hand-washing) we indulged in a grilled pork chop on a stick. Ironic? Yes. Intentionally so? No, but in retrospect, perhaps.

Our goal was to eat our way to the Fine Arts Building and back in the shortest span of time possible — I did after all have tickets to the Sample Circuit later that evening (more food, yes). With quick stops for salt water taffy, cheese curds, “Frickles” (fried pickles),  a pronto pup, bacon on a stick, and mini-donuts we finally arrived at our destination.

Judy Westergard / State Fair 2009

The Fine Arts Building at the State Fair is always a treat. Works by hundreds of artists of all mediums and styles adorn the walls of this sprawling building where one can easily lose track of time wandering. The art building, while definitely a major asset to the Fair, always has the power to really remind me that yes, we are actually living in the Midwest. I’m a contemporary art lover, most definitely, and I’ve never been one to particularly appreciate a hunting montage painted in oils or a portrait of a Loon. It’s not that the artists aren’t talented, the style is just not my thing. But when you step foot in the Fine Arts Building, it’s clear that there are hundreds of Minnesota artists who are really into it, and that the general public is even more into it.

While the show does a good job of balancing mediums, and there are even a large number of contemporary pieces on display, the artwork that really captures the hearts of fair-goers (and art show judges) is definitely the locally focused stuff. Painted landscapes, nature photography, State Fair-related ceramics, and yes, even hunting art can be viewed and likewise appreciated for what it is — Minnesota grown art.

So, if you haven’t yet braved the wilds of the State Fair this year, we suggest you step to it — there are only a few days left — but be sure to take a spin through the Fine Arts Building, and embrace our legacy as the purveyors of the finest cabin art in the country. Where else can you eat bacon on a stick and look at fine art at the same time, after all?

Extra Extra: The Ordway at the Minnesota State Fair

Visit Ordway’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair, located in the Merchandise Mart, and take advantage of Fair-only special offers! Tickets for all Ordway shows are on sale only at the Fair until Ordway’s public on-sale Sun., Sept. 13th. Tickets for Little House on the Prairie The Musical with Melissa Gilbert are on sale now!