Kevin Doran & 5 at the Fair: Day 5

After a weekend away, Kevin Doran is back at the fair for day five – Monday edition. Kevin spoke with the fair’s butter sculptor, met a smiling Chester horse, and stopped by a staple of the great Minnesota get-together.

KSTP’s complete Minnesota State Fair coverage

Here’s a look at what he explored on Day 5 of the fair:

Fair Insider: Day 5

Kevin Doran started the day out by speaking with Mike Marcotte, executive producer of Minnesota Live, on cool experiences and deals at the 2022 Minnesota State Fair. 

Click the video player below to watch this segment.

Chester the Smiling Belgian

Kevin meets Chester, one of the giant Belgian horses participating in the team competitions with other horses from Living My Dreams Belgians (Rice Lake, WI). Chester is also unique because he has special talents — he will smile and bow. He’s been on stage in plays and is really a character and loves people!

Click the video player below to watch this segment.

Island Noodles

Award-winning Island Noodles has been at the great Minnesota get-together for years. They’ve moved to a new location, on the northwest corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street. Doran got a behind-the-scenes look at how they prepare their noodles… it involves big flames!  

Click the video player below to watch this segment.

Mental Health Awareness Day at the Minnesota State Fair

Kevin spoke with Dave Lee, committee chair for Mental Health Awareness Day a the state fair. This is the fifth year there has been a Mental Health Day at the Minnesota State Fair in Dan Patch Park. It’s filled with interactive, engaging, educational, and fun activities for fair guests to explore mental health resources and information.

Click the video player below to watch this segment.

State Fair Butter Sculptor

Doran interviewed Gerry Kulzer — this is Kulzer’s first year as chief butter carver. He’s carrying on a long legacy, as carver Linda Christensen carved some 500 faces out of butter over the past 50 years before laying down her knife one last time last year.

Click the video player below to watch this segment.

The Dairy Goodness Bar

There are always long lines at the dairy goodness bar in the dairy building!  People live their shakes.  Announcing the 2022 Flavor of the Fair: Key Lime Crumble! This refreshing flavor will transport you to your own personal beach, right at the state fairgrounds. Rich vanilla ice cream or malt topped with lime syrup and graham cracker crumbles provides the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. You can find this treat at The Dairy Goodness Bar.

Fraser Sensory Building

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS takes a look at a space designed for folks to take a break from sensory overload. The Fraser Sensory Space will be staffed by Fraser-trained sensory support volunteers. They can help people regulate with tools and techniques, including calming music, floor cushions, fidget toys, and an exercise ball. The space welcomes anyone who is experiencing sensory overload is welcome to take a break.

Take a look at this segment via the video player below.