The651.com

Planning your State Fair itinerary is key. This week on the651.com we’ll be cluing you in on some of our can’t-miss selections of some of the coolest stuff to see and do a the Fair, which runs this Thursday, August 26th through Labor Day.

One of our favorite “off the beaten path” attractions is definitely the International Bazaar. This bustling little world on the edge of the grounds is where we go to chill out for a bit and take in some non-deep fried foods and cultural music. In 2008, 14,000 additional square feet were added to the Bazaar’s expanse, making way for more food vendors and two entertainment stages. Take a siesta on the patio under the shade of vibrant cabana umbrellas while you sample tasty foods from Holy Land Deli, Panda Palace, Midtown Global Market, “Shanghaied” Henri’s Foods and Brews from Around the World and Bavarian Roasted Nuts. A small respite from the greasy, traditional Fair foods for those that want to try something a little different (or perhaps something a bit healthier). Not to say we’d ever argue against such delights as a deep fried corn dog or bacon on a stick. It’s the State Fair after all!

Maria Isa by B-Fresh Photography

The Bazaar also features to entertainment stages, sponsored by St. Paul-based beer giant, Summit Brewing. Check out dance, instrument and craft demos every day on the Festival of Nations stage during the day - a great (and dare we say educational?) activity for the whole family. Or simply sit back and enjoy live music by a slew of culturally-inclined live acts on the main stage including Hayor Bibimma African Dance, Jack Brass Band, Cafe Accordion Orchestra, Flor Y Canto and many more. When the sun goes down there’s always the Bazaar After Dark stage that includes live tunes from local luminaries such as Maria Isa, The Belfast Cowboys, Dosh, Alison Scott and more.

Another favorite cultural mecca at the State Fair? Heritage Square, which is located on the other side of the Fair Grounds by the Midway. Along with ethnic foods, culturally-related exhibits, and live music shows there are vendors galore. Score unusual treasures and sparkly trinkets from dozens of colorful booths, set up flea market style. Heritage Square merchants shill everything from delicate Chinese fans to handmade dreamcatchers and everything in between. A fun place to find a State Fair souvenir that you won’t throw away…or eat.

The International Bazaar is located on Judson Avenue and is open from 9am-10pm daily. Heritage Square is located on Dan Patch Avenue next to the Mighty Midway and is open 9am-10pm. For more info visit www.mnstatefair.org.

While we certainly hope the rainy gloom subsides, we’re preeetty sure the 100,000 or so people who plan on descending on St. Paul’s West side this weekend will figure out a way to heat things up! The first major street festival of the season, the 28th annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta will flood the streets with looky-lous and revelers of all stripes, castes and creeds — all lookin’ to celebrate the vibrant Latin culture of the Twin Cities.

A great event to take the fam, a date, or just a group of pals to, this “caliente” fest features an action packed two-day stint with numerous activities, performances and of course, food. Festivities kick off at 4pm on Friday with 6 blocks worth of various food and craft vendors, as well as live performances including a hip hop battle. The big attraction of Friday night, however, is the Lowrider Car Show, an annual Cinco tradition that showcases the coolest lowriders and hydraulic cars!

Saturday is the big day, of course, with the official Cinco de Mayo parade overtaking the streets with its colorful cultural flair, stunning floats and marching mariachi bands! Starting at Plato Blvd & Wabasha at 10am the parade will meander through the West Side, eventually making its way to the festival grounds at Ada St. & Cesar Chaves.  In addition to the parade, you’ll also enjoy a live performances and a huge lineup of great music on multiple stages, a Children’s Area, Cinco Sports Zone, Community Wellness Village, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Parade, People’s Choice Salsa Tasting Contest, Photo Contest, History Area, and craft vendors. Not to mention scads of authentic food vendors just waiting to give you a taste!

Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of Mexico’s “Battle of Puebla” in 1862 when a Mexican army defeated the invading French forces. Throughout the U.S. Cinco de Mayo festivals honor this leg of Mexican history, and also celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture and tradition.

Festivities run 4-9pm on Friday, May 7th & 10am-6pm Saturday, May 8th. The event is free and open to the public. For more info visit www.districtdelsol.com

A new exhibit at the Goldstein Museum of Design

They are often the under-appreciated or overlooked when it comes to the glue that holds a well functioning office together but now, thanks to a new exhibit at the Goldstein Museum of Design, secretaries will get their day in the sun!

The exhibit, How Secretaries Changed the 20th-Century Office: Design, Image, and Culture will run from February 6 through May 23, 2010 with an opening event on Friday, February 5 from 6-8pm.

The Goldstein Museum (364 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108)  is off the beaten path on the Saint Paul campus of  the University of Minnesota.

Some areas the exhibit will explore include:
•  During the 20th century women poured into offices all over the U.S. to work as “typewriter girls,” stenographers, and secretaries. New spaces, furnishings, and clothing emerged to meet their needs, while popular culture glamorized them
•  The exhibition explores transformations in the workplace and women’s lives and features office equipment, furniture, fashions, magazines, and much more
•  Co-curated by Midori Green (Ph.D. candidate, Art History) and Katherine Solomonson (Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Design) They mined archives from New York to Los Angeles, researched office design, and talked with scores of women who had been secretaries.
•  During the exhibition GMD will collect donations of gently used women’s office wear for Women Achieving New Directions
Related Programs

Along with the exhibit, there will also be a Curator’s Talk and a Coffee Break Series and information on that is below.

CURATOR’S TALK: SHAPING OFFICE CULTURE: SECRETARIES AND DESIGN, FROM “MISS REMINGTON” TO “MAD MEN”
Thursday, February 18, 6 PM, 33 McNeal
With exhibit curators Katherine Solomonson and Midori Green

COFFEE BREAK SERIES: THE OFFICE ON FILM
All films at 6:30 PM, 33 McNeal
April 20 Skyscraper Souls (1932)
April 21 The Best of Everything (1959)
April 22 Nine to Five (1980)

This exhibition and programs are supported in part by Friends of GMD, the College of Design, and the Fashion Group Foundation of Minneapolis/St.Paul, Inc. GMD funding provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and private funders
Gallery Details

The Goldstein Museum Gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 10am – 4pm, Thursday 10am – 8pm and weekends 1:30 - 4:30pm. The Gallery is closed Mondays and all University holidays. The Gallery is on the second floor 241 McNeal Hall.