Rides, baking contests and Blue Ribbon Bingo: New state fair attractions, exhibits announced

As the 2022 Minnesota State Fair approaches, organizers announced new attractions Thursday morning.

Take a look at the new attractions and exhibits at this year’s fair below.

NEW RIDES

Two new rides are debuting at the fair this year. The Iron Dragon Coaster is a rollercoaster with plenty of hairpin turns, fast and sudden drops, and lots of air time. The Music Express, meanwhile, allows riders to fly at top speed forward and backward accompanied by a lights and music display. Both will be located at the Mighty Midway.

NEW EVENTS

Blue Ribbon Bingo: Bingo makes its debut at the fair, with proceeds gathered going to help support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Bingo sessions include five games and last about 30 minutes. Packets of five sheets are $10 each and each sheet contains three cards to play per game. Prizes will include two admission tickets to the winner’s choice of either the 2022 or 2023 state fair and a blue ribbon. This event is located in the Ramberg Center.

This year’s fair sees the addition of four new contests: The Great Chocolate Cake Contest, Low-to-No Sugar Showdown, Salad Bowl Tournament and Supreme Sourdough Bread Contest. Find more information about these new contests, to be held at the Creative Activities Building, here.

There will also be a series of new livestock and agriculture competitions, including The Running of the Ducks, the Open Class Cow/Calf Supreme Competition, the FFA Agricultural Interactive Exhibit/Demonstration Competition, and the Miniature and Walking Horses competitions, among others. Find more details here. These events will be held in the livestock complex area and the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center.

There will be five new stops added to the History Walking Tour, a two-mile, self-guided exploration of some of the state fair’s most historically significant spots. Learn more about the tour, and the new stops, here. Tour brochures are available at any tour stop as well as the J.V. Bailey House or the History & Heritage Center. Those who visit at least eight of the 12 stops can collect a prize.

NEW EXHIBITS

Survival: The Exhibition: An immersive wilderness exhibit provides fun and science while showcasing some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations and asking exhibit visitors to “investigate, collaborate, problem-solve, build and collect their way to becoming the ultimate survival expert.” This exhibit is located in the North End Event Center.

Eco Experience: New features at this award-winning exhibit, includes displays, resources and demonstrations that highlight what visitors can do to help improve air, land, water and climate. A few of this year’s highlights include a Land of the Loon exhibit, a giant cardboard moose sculpture, a cellphone recycling station, and a community science program of the day, among others. This exhibit is located in the Progress Center.

NEW VENDORS

This year, the fair is welcoming more than 50 new merchandise vendors, selling home and garden décor, gadgets, pet supplies, hobby items, beauty care, accessories and more, as well as vendors representing local nonprofits and community organizations. Find more detailed information on the new merchandise vendors at this year’s fair here.

Additional information on new attractions this year can be found here.

The Minnesota State Fair will take place from Aug. 25-Sept. 5; here are this year’s updated hours:

• Fairgrounds Admission: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Labor Day
• Fairgrounds Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day
• Online Ticket Sales Fair Time: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Labor Day
• Gate Ticket Sales Fair Time: Tickets will be sold at the gates during the Fairgrounds Admission times, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Labor Day

KSTP’s complete state fair coverage