Minnesota State Fair Announces New Attractions for 2015

ST. PAUL, MINN. (07/22/2015)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota State Fair is proud to announce dozens of new attractions for the 2015 Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of the fair experiences debuting this year:

Math On-A-Stick - The brand-new Math On-A-Stick experience is a welcoming space where kids and grown-ups can explore fun math concepts at the fair. Families can count their way through the fairgrounds on a Number Game scavenger hunt, play with geometric and reptile-shaped tiles to create designs and patterns, discover how math can be creative in special activities led by visiting mathematicians and artists who use math in their careers, and more. Supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Located at Family Fair at Baldwin Park, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

Hmong Minnesota Day at Carousel Park - Festivities celebrate the culture, history and arts of Hmong Americans and highlight their many contributions since first arriving in Minnesota 40 years ago. Hosted by American Legion 3H Post 1975 and the Minnesota Asian Peace Officers Association, the opening ceremony honors Hmong veterans of the Secret War and represents a passing of the torch from these veterans to younger Hmong now serving in the armed forces and police and fire departments. Traditional Hmong music and dance transition to hip-hop, break dancing and spoken word as the daylong program on the Carousel Park Stage portrays the evolution of Hmong art forms. Entertainment highlights also include the winners of Hmong New Year talent competitions and a fashion show fusing traditional and contemporary dress. Highlighting Hmong culture and community, these activities for the whole family are presented by Hmong Resource Fair, Hmong American Partnership, Center for Hmong Arts and Talent, Community School of Excellence, Midwest Hmong Outdoors, Little Mekong businesses and others. Located at Carousel Park on Monday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

History On-A-Schtick - Minnesota history comes alive in this brand-new, original show written and directed by local actor and playwright Beth Gilleland with music direction by Kevin Dutcher. The mosquito, a blueberry muffin, wild rice, a walleye and other state symbols hold a fashion parade, and Betty Crocker hosts the Cereal Bowl trivia contest with special guests Paul Bunyan, Dough Boy and Snoopy. Fair guests can test their Minnesota know-how and win prizes. This show is brought to the State Fair by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Located at the Schell's Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at West End Market. Shows daily at 9:30 a.m. ASL interpreted.

Two New Mighty Midway Rides -

• New York New York Fun House: With wacky walkways, mirrors, obstacles and slides, this is a four-story bonanza of Big Apple fun.

• Super Nova Roller Coaster: This brand-new ride makes its Minnesota debut. Agile cars fly up, down and all around the track.

Located at Mighty Midway

Free Sunscreen for the Whole Family - Free SPF 30 Vanicream Sunscreen will be available in dispensers at each information booth. This is a partnership of the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Vanicream and the Minnesota State Fair. Located at all information booths

Poultry Barn Activities - Despite the absence of birds, the Poultry Barn will be filled with activities and exhibits related to the poultry industry. This opportunity emerged after the cancellation of the poultry competitions due to H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI), which spread through the state earlier this year. Fair visitors can browse interactive displays and see presentations on topics ranging from biosecurity and nutrition to animal health and poultry careers; listen to talks by poultry producers, veterinarians and educators about the influence of avian flu and food production challenges; sign and send well wishes and thank-you messages to those whose livelihood depends on the poultry industry; and meet poultry farmers and members of the Minnesota Turkey Growers and Chicken and Egg associations. Located in the Poultry Barn

The Willis Clan - For the first time in nearly two decades, the State Fair is showcasing a musical act on the Bandshell stage for the fair's full 12-day run. The Willis Clan, a 14-member band featuring siblings ranging in age from four years to 23, are accomplished singers, songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and in the case of the older kids, internationally ranked competitive dancers. Now stars of their own TLC show (aptly titled "The Willis Family") and known for their run on "America's Got Talent," this Nashville-based family merges its Irish roots with American music and dance genres to create a unique blend of old and new. Free with fair admission. Located on the Bandshell stage, performances daily at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. (no Sept. 3 10:30 a.m. performance)

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

• The 25-foot tall plastic tornado "Bagnado" calls attention to the fact that Minnesotans throw away 500 tons of plastic bags and packaging every day – more than 12 pounds every second.

• The first 800 kids each day who complete the kids activity receive a YOXO toy made in Minnesota from recycled materials.

• Demonstrations of DIY reuse projects and repair techniques: Turn T-shirts into grocery bags and milk jugs into light fixtures, wipe data from your computer before donating it, repair your bike and more.

• Discover how much water we consume, "hidden" in the products we use – it takes 2,000 gallons to produce a pair of jeans, 660 gallons for a cheeseburger, and 37 gallons for a cup of coffee.

• What would Minnesota be without wild rice, lefse and pho? Fair guests can visit "agriCULTURE: From First Peoples to New Immigrants" for daily cooking demonstrations, displays and food samples.

• A Minnesota-made eco-friendly alternative to the RV camper that uses a solar-charged battery, LP tanks for lights and cooking, and can be pulled by a small car.

• Fair guests can climb into a larger-than-life sink, "flush" themselves down a drain slide, and learn what happens when chemicals are put down the drain.

Eco Experience is a partnership of 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, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Figure Skating Day at Carousel Park - The artistry and athleticism of wintertime's most glamorous sport come to the fair on Aug. 31 to celebrate Saint Paul's hosting of the 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Olympic Gold Medalist and World Figure Skating Champion Kristi Yamaguchi and national figure skater, choreographer and Minnesota native Rohene Ward will sign autographs and answer fan questions. Local figure skating clubs will perform on a plastic ice sheet, and an ice carver will create a figure skating masterpiece. Fair visitors can meet U.S. Figure Skating mascot Snowplow Sam, take "Kiss & Cry" selfies, play games and register to win prizes. The 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships are Jan. 15-24 at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. Located at Carousel Park on Monday, Aug. 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Competitions -

• Non-Traditional Materials Contest in Creative Activities: Using recycled or upcycled materials, competitors make an outfit for an adult to wear for a "Day at the Minnesota State Fair."

• Decorated Cookie On-A-Stick in Creative Activities: Competitors depict their favorite State Fair animal in cookie form and put it on-a-stick.

• Honey Beverages in Ag-Hort-Bee: Competitors concoct a lemonade sweetened with 100 percent honey.

• Supreme Champion Ram & Ewe in Livestock: The grand champions from each of the sheep breed shows compete for Supreme Champion titles. (First rotation: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. Second rotation: Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m.)

For contest requirements and information on how to enter these and other competitions, visit:

http://www.mnstatefair.org/competition/how_to_enter.html

Located throughout the fairgrounds

Special Exhibits - Nearly 20 traveling exhibits make a stop at the fair this year. Highlights include:

• Journey 2050: How will we sustainably feed 9 billion people by 2050, when food production needs are expected to rise by 60 percent? Through virtual simulation, this exhibit has fair visitors interact with farm families in Kenya, India and Canada, and discover how our decisions impact the environment, economy and the community. Part of the Seed Survivor exhibit at Little Farm Hands (Aug. 27 – Sept. 7)

• B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe): Founded after a father lost two sons in a car crash, this nonprofit teaches teens and parents proactive skills and defensive reactions to avoid collisions and drive responsibly. Fair visitors can try "drunk goggles" and take part in other simulations. (Aug. 28 – 30, Sept. 4 – 7; presented by Minneapolis Area Kia Dealers)

• Les Paul's Big Sound Tour: Celebrate the 100th birthday of this creative genius and father of the electric guitar. Visitors explore music, sound and technological innovations in a hands-on, entertaining and interactive experience. (Sept. 4 – 7)

• Almay Simply American Tour: Stop by for makeovers, photos, giveaways and prize drawings. Each day, a military veteran will be treated to a makeover. (Aug. 28 – 29)

• PAW Patrol Tour: Green screen fun, product showcases and giveaways promote the pups of PAW Patrol, as well as Little Charmers, Sick Bricks and other Nickelodeon properties. (Aug. 29 – 30)

Located throughout the fairgrounds

New History Highlights -

• The State Fair History & Heritage Center features two new display cases – one highlighting the long and colorful tradition of fireworks shows at the fair, and the other celebrating 100 years of the fair's oldest attraction, Ye Old Mill. Located at the History & Heritage Center, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

• Ye Old Mill, owned and operated by four generations of the Keenan family, is also a new stop on the free self-guided History Walking Tour. Other new stops are the half-century-old Skyride, a 70-foot-high gondola ride with a bird's-eye view of the fairgrounds, and the Dairy Building, built in 1967 and now home to the famous butter sculptures, milkshakes, merchants and more. Fair visitors can pick up a tour brochure from the History & Heritage Center or at any tour stop on the fairgrounds. Located throughout the fairgrounds

The History & Heritage Center and the History Walking Tour are supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society.

Anniversaries of Ye Old Mill & Crop Art at the Fair - Celebrations of significant anniversaries for two storied State Fair icons:

• Ye Old Mill turns 100: The fair's oldest attraction – Ye Old Mill – is touted as the "original tunnel of love." Generations of anniversaries, marriage proposals and special occasions are marked here. Fair guests can take a selfie in front of the 100-year-celebration photo backdrop and buy a once-in-a-century commemorative T-shirt. Located on the southwest corner of Carnes Avenue and Underwood Street

• Crop Art at the State Fair turns 50: The competition and display of magnificent mosaics made from Minnesota seeds is a truly unique State Fair tradition. "The Seed Queen: The Handmade Legacy of Lillian Colton," a puppet performance celebrating the life and legacy of the State Fair Hall of Fame crop artist, will be performed three times daily in the Crop Art area of the Agriculture Horticulture Building. Plus, we'll celebrate the kitsch of crop art on Sept. 2, at 10 a.m., with a program in the exhibit area. Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building

The Common Table: Minnesota Eats - New Displays and Presentations - The action stations of the uniquely designed The Common Table: Minnesota Eats exhibit promote buying and eating local, growing food, nurturing soil and reducing waste. Visitors can stroll through a kitschy kitchen, see aquaponic and vertical gardens, and dirt and compost displays. Daily demonstrations spotlight community initiatives, organic and indigenous food, worksite gardens, immigrant farming, the future of food and more. Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day)

4-H App and Expanded Livestream - 4-H is integral to the life of the State Fair with nearly 6,000 4-H'ers exhibiting and competing each year. Come fair time, 4-H'ers and the public will have two high-tech tools at their fingertips:

• 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair app: Download the 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair app for complete judging results and schedules, an interactive map and more. Via the app, the public can watch the 4-H livestream 12 hours a day. The app can be downloaded from iTunes or Google Play.

• 4-H cam with livestreams 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.: The public can watch 4-H events online from home every day of the fair. More than 100 hours of 4-H events will be livestreamed, including the lama costume competition, musical acts, fashion shows and the dairy goat show. Use the app or go to z.umn.edu/4hlivestream.

34 New Merchandise Vendors - For 2015, the Minnesota State Fair welcomes 34 new merchandise vendors selling goods from upcycled gifts, home & garden decor and foodie fun to gadgets, pets and home & vehicle solutions. These vendors join the nearly 1,000 existing vendors who offer exceptional merchandise and stellar savings.

For more information about shopping at the fair visit: http://www.mnstatefair.org/fun/shopping.html

Located throughout the fairgrounds

Media: A gallery of downloadable high-resolution photos featuring a selection of the new attractions 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 visit: http://www.mnstatefair.org/fun/new_att/

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting 1.8 million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota's finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information. The 2015 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 27 - Labor Day, Sept. 7.

-MSF-