Posts by Joe Kimball
What’s a Little Trans Fat Between Fair Friends?
Not that healthy eating is a big part of anyone’s State Fair agenda, but some of the vendors are starting to actually think about it, even if we don’t.
John Brewer, a reporter for the Pioneer Press…
A Tribute to Speedy, King of the Foot-Longs
Today is Walt Spidahl’s 88th birthday, and we’re really hoping that he gets to spend the day at the Fair, as he has for most of the past 60 years.
Speedy, as he’s known, started coming to…
MN Newspaper Museum: A Tribute to the Old Tree-Killing Way of Distributing All the News That Fits
Way on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, inside Heritage Square, is the well-kept, informative and very clean Minnesota Newspaper Museum.
I don’t think the point is that newspapers are antiques — although some days, don’t we wonder?…
Everyone Loves a Parade, Unless You’re Trying to Get Across the Street
The daily parade through the fairgrounds starts at 2 p.m. and wends its way from the Haunted House, north on Cosgrove, west on Randall and south on Underwood. It’s very popular and most days there’s a huge crowd…
He’s Happy, He’s Coordinated, He’s a Bit Manic, and They Love HIs Funny Juggler Act.
Sean Emery, a former circus clown who now juggles and jokes and makes merry on stages across the country, has a devoted following who find him year after year at the State Fair.
This is his 17th year…
Pop Quiz: How Would You Rate the Kettle Corn Stands?
For many years, on my way home from the fair I’d always stop in Heritage Square and buy a big bag of kettle corn to take home to the kids. And for myself. The kettle resided under a…
State Fair Police Chief: Next Year Will Be Interesting. The Republicans are Coming.
Art Blakey, the longtime State Fair police chief, has handled a few public safety issues already this year: a guy stabbed an acquaintance on the Midway one night in a dispute over money and strong beer is…
News Flash for Midway Game Operators: Garnett Traded to Boston. Last Month
This water-shooting game on the far end of the State Fair Midway looks likes lots of fun, and there’s a winner every time! But I don’t think they are keeping up with current events.
Among the featured prizes…
How About a New Fair-Based TV Drama Called “Gyros?”
While researching yesterday’s item about food vendors who now use non-trans fats in their fryers, I met Jason Adamidis of the family that runs Dino’s Gyros on Carnes Av. (There are so many meat-sellers on this State…
For a Sausage Seller, He Really Doesn’t Get Much Respect
Lots of people notice Ed Ginsbach’s shirt, as he toils away inside the Sausage Station booth at the fair. You can’t help but laugh.
For Ed is, shall we say, an experienced fellow, but his pals at…
