Minnesota State Fair Announces New Attractions and Exhibits for 2014

ST. PAUL, MINN. (07/17/2014)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota State Fair is proud to announce more than two dozen new attractions and exhibits for the 2014 Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of the fair experiences debuting this year:

Note: A gallery of downloadable high-resolution photos featuring most of the attractions and exhibits is available for media use at the following link: http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info/media_galleries.html

West End Market – West End Market is a brand-new, one-of-a-kind destination. A welcoming neighborhood that celebrates the spirit of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the area includes:

• The Minnesota State Fair History & Heritage Center, showcasing treasured artifacts and photographs from throughout the fair's 150+ years of history.

• The Schell's Stage at Hugh & Margaret Schilling Amphitheater, a gathering place for intimate sets of free music and entertainment all 12 days and nights of the fair.

• Dozens of artisans, craftspeople and specialty merchants – many who have never exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair.

• Stellar food and beverage options featuring both fair classics and new establishments, including The Blue Barn, LuLu's Public House and more.

• New, plentiful, accessible restrooms for men, women and families.

Located at the west end of the fairgrounds, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (some vendors and attractions are open earlier or later).

Minnesota State Fair History & Heritage Center – A centerpiece of the new West End Market, the History & Heritage Center showcases the competition, entertainment, agriculture, food, merchandise, rides & games and Minnesota industry that have been the heart of the fair for a century and a half. Developed in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, the center reflects the progression of change at the fair. Exhibits bring to life the significant events, intriguing stories and inspiring traditions that have laid the foundation for the present-day Great Minnesota Get-Together. Free with fair admission.

Located at West End Market, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Minnesota State Fair Horse Show – New Competitions, Breeds and Demonstrations – One of the premier horse expositions in the Upper Midwest, the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show features more competitions, breeds and demonstrations than ever before–all free with fair admission.

• Multiday breed competitions lead up to the best of the best vying for thousands of dollars in prizes in the Supreme Championships.

• Adorned in Native American regalia, Appaloosas and their riders light up the Warner Coliseum for the Heritage competition, while in the Mounted Native Costume competition, majestic Arabians and their riders evoke images of desert nights.

• Cavorting in the Warner Coliseum, horses without riders or restraint flaunt their moves to music, yearning for crowd-appeal points in the State Fair debut of the Freestyle Liberty competition.

• Minnesota's own award-winning Northern Lakes Vaulters demonstrate gymnastics on horseback.

• The Supreme Six Draft Horse Hitch competition, the United States Hunter/Jumper Association Zone 6 Handy Hunter Derby, and encore performances by horse drill team and square dance winners also highlight the Horse Show.

Any day of the fair, guests will be treated to a showcase of a variety of breeds and competitions – all free with fair admission. For a full Horse Show schedule, visit mnstatefair.org.

Located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum and at AgStar Arena throughout the fair's 12 days.

Bull Riders of America – This action-packed event features 30 competitors from throughout the Midwest riding on bucking bulls for eight seconds and vying for coveted points and thousands of dollars in prize money. Jerry Wayne Olson, his truck-jumping Palomino and his trick pony provide the evening's special entertainment. Part of the 2014 Minnesota State Fair Horse Show. This event is free with fair admission.

Located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

The Common Table – This new and interactive exhibit will provide space for community conversations about intentional food choices. By collaborating with 17 partner organizations, it works to engage Minnesotans in conversations about the ecological, social and economic effects of food choices as well as teach about a sustainable, community-based food system and how to create it. The exhibit will showcase an 80-foot Season Wall featuring a collage of Minnesota's year-round bounty. Fair guests have the opportunity to view displays and demonstrations and are welcome to share their own seasonally inspired food story.

Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day).

University of Minnesota Driven to Discover – The University of Minnesota opens the doors to its new Driven to Discover exhibit, marking a new level of collaboration between researchers and thousands of fair guests. More than 30 university departments are seeking adults and children for studies on such diverse topics as genetics, jury decision-making, bullying, heart disease, physical fitness, distracted driving and more. Guests can participate as part of a research study, meet with researchers and learn about their work.

Located on Cosgrove Street across from the Education Building, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show – Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show is The North Woods' newest attraction featuring talented rescue dogs. These former pound puppies conquer big-air stunts, catch Frisbees mid-air, race through weave poles, compete in a one-of-a-kind triathlon, and showcase their incredible high-jumping skills. Free with fair admission.

Located in The North Woods, shows at 11 a.m., 2 & 4:30 p.m. daily.

Mighty Midway & Kidway – Eight Thrilling New Rides

New at Mighty Midway

• Crazy Dance: This attraction takes riders on both twists and turns at the same time.

• Hurricane: The Hurricane lifts into the air, speeds up and takes riders for a spin.

• Rock It: Riders zoom upside down and side-to-side.

• Stinger: High-flying spins and swings give riders an adrenaline rush.

New at Kidway

• Hog Rally: This biker-themed ride lets children jump on their favorite cycle or sidecar with wheelie action along the way.

• Mini Indy Bumper Cars: Pint-sized race-themed bumper cars for young fair guests.

• Monster Truck: Young fair guests get behind the wheel of their own truck for a rally around a circle track.

• Wave Swinger: A tilting carousel of swings awaits riders.

Located on the Mighty Midway and at Kidway (Sponsored by Sensodyne & DISH).

Eco Experience: New Highlights – An array of new exhibits highlight the latest in easy, everyday conservation how-tos; environmentally focused living; innovations in green technology; and topics on reduce-reuse-recycle, transportation and healthy cooking. A sampling:

• Attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Wad of Paper, this exhibit calls attention to the fact that every year Minnesotans throw away a billion pounds of paper that could be recycled.

• The outdoor, multisensory, exploratory Nature Adventure Play Yard is especially for 2-12 year-olds.

• Experts share how our gardens can support the all-important work of bees and other pollinators.

• Life-size models illustrate how to improve your home, save on energy costs and reduce environmental impacts.

• Fair guests can learn how mercury gets into fish, how to make healthy fish choices and what is being done to reduce mercury emissions.

Eco Experience is a partnership among the State Fair, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and more than 150 organizations and businesses across the state. It is the largest environmental event of its kind in the country.

Located in the Progress Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Military Appreciation Day – Salute to Military Kids – This year's Military Appreciation Day, presented by USAA on Aug. 26, honors the children of military members and veterans and the sacrifices they make while their loved ones serve. Hundreds will parade from the Leinie Lodge Bandshell to Carousel Park at 11:30 a.m. for a day of kids entertainment on stage. The Promo Place block on the north end of the fairgrounds will feature activities by organizations that support military families, military vehicles and more.

Located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Carousel Park and Promo Place (Murphy Avenue and Cooper Street), Aug. 26

Special Exhibits – More than 20 traveling exhibits will make a stop at the fair this year. Highlights include:

• World Vision Experience: Kisongo Trek – This virtual bus takes fair guests on an off-road adventure to 13-year-old Babayetu's home in Tanzania. Through state-of-the art cinematography, the World Vision Experience provides interactive, meaningful ways to get a glimpse of poverty in the developing world and engage with the needs of children and families. (Aug. 21 – Sept. 1).

• Mayo Clinic: 150 Years of Serving Humanity – Through video, artifacts and hands-on activities, discover Mayo Clinic's history, as well as new research into disease prevention and treatment; its care for members of the military; stories of patients and families whose lives have been transformed; and its enduring impact around the world. (Aug. 29 – Sept. 1).

• Pig 3D: All Sides of the Story – Activities, photo opportunities, recipes and tips on how to prepare pork encourage understanding about values important to both consumers and pig farmers. Stop by for free samples of grilled pork and enter for a chance to win free bacon for a year! Minnesota pig farmers will donate a pound of ground pork to local food shelves for each question asked about pigs, pig farming or preparing pork. (Aug. 29 - Sept. 1).

• Careers in Welding – This exhibit encourages the exploration of the many careers available in the field of welding. Opportunities include virtual welding, welding trivia and learning what it takes to become an expert in the field. (Aug. 21 & 22).

• Project Supercar: Vapor (Air Force) – Equipped with night vision, stealth exhaust, a 360-degree surveillance camera, high-tech jet instrumentation and a computer system that enables unmanned remote access, this tricked-out Dodge Challenger pushes the limits of mechanics and technology. (Aug. 29 – 31).

Located throughout the fairgrounds.

Arts A'Fair – New Lineup and Locations – Back by popular demand – pop-up showcases celebrate the performing arts in Minnesota. This year's lineup features these groups making their fair debut: Black Storytellers Alliance, HUGE Improv Theater, Open Eye Figure Theatre, Theater for the Thirsty, Theatre of Fools, Theatre Unbound, Voice of Culture Drum & Dance, and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz. Returning for an Arts A'Fair encore are: COLLIDE Theatrical Dance Company, Duniya Drum & Dance, Green T Productions, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, and Minnesota Centennial Showboat.

Located at the Education Building Courtyard and West End Market.

History Walking & Cell Phone Tour – Two New Stops – From the fairgrounds, a cell phone or home computer, Minnesotans can embark on a free self-guided tour of the state's history. 2014 features two new stops:

• The newly restored 1930s-era Streetcar Arch at the new West End Gate showcasing the transformation of transportation to and from the fair.

• The growth of print, broadcast and television and their significant role in the fair experience

Located throughout the fairgrounds.

Minnesota Newspaper Museum – New Location – The sights and sounds of an old-time newspaper office come alive in this living-history exhibit operated by the Minnesota Newspaper Foundation. Ink-stained volunteers produce souvenir issues of the daily "Maynard News" using linotype (a process of forcing hot lead into a casting box to form a "line of type"), a large cylinder press and a folder. The museum offers insight on the importance of Minnesota community newspapers, the opportunity to visit with "Editors of the Day," free newspaper hats, hot-off-the-press merchandise and more.

Located next to the main entrance of the 4-H building, open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. on Labor Day).

Blue Ribbon Picnic Area – New Location – Groups have a new place to gather at the State Fair. The ever-popular Blue Ribbon Picnic Area is now located at Heffron Park, just east of the Grandstand. This tented area is a great place for company picnics, appreciation dinners, family celebrations and fair-time weddings and is available by reservation only. The new, year-round Heffron Park is named for former State Fair General Manager Mike Heffron.

Located at Heffron Park, just east of the Grandstand.

Creative Activities Competitions – Two Creative Activities competitions debut in 2014:

• Cookie Recipe Challenge (Ginger Snaps): All competitors will use the same Ginger Snap Recipe. No additions or substitutions can be made to the recipe. Cookies will be judged on appearance, texture and flavor.

• StateFairRecipes.com Stadium & State Fair Food Homemade Recipe Contest: Competitors make all types of homemade versions of classic foods at baseball games, football stadiums, outdoor festivities and State Fairs. Taste, presentation, creativity and recipe clarity are the top judging criteria.

For contest requirements and information on how to enter these and other Creative Activities competitions, click here: http://www.mnstatefair.org/competition/creative_activities.html.

Located in the Creative Activities Building.

Transit Hub, West End Gate and Streetcar Arch – Nearly half of the fair's more than 1.7 million guests travel to the fair via mass transit. Designed to meet current and future transportation demand, the new Transit Hub provides easy, safe access to Park & Ride and Express Service buses. Whether arriving by bus, car or bike, guests will kick off their fair experience at the new West End Gate, where several guest services are housed in one convenient location – gate tickets; wheelchair, electric scooter, stroller and wagon rental; an information booth; a State FairWear Gift Shop; and more. Just inside the gate, the beautifully restored 1930s-era Streetcar Arch will welcome guests to the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Located at the west end of the fairgrounds.

Media: A gallery of downloadable high-resolution photos featuring most of the new attractions and exhibits is available for media use at the following link: http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info/media_galleries.html

Public: For more information on new attractions, exhibits and other elements, visit mnstatefair.org.

The 2014 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 21 - Labor Day, Sept. 1.