Fair Time - Airs Aug 28th

The Miracle of Birth by Ryan Dawes
Every year at the Minnesota State Fair, droves of pigs, cows, and sheep give birth before a live audience at the Miracle of Birth Center. In this piece, Veterinarian Florian Ledermann speaks about this one-of-a-kind agricultural education exhibit and perennial State Fair tradition.

Front Yard Almond Cakes by Rob McGinley Myers 

Rob has always been fascinated by the people who sell refreshments and other things on the streets outside the Minnesota State Fair. He went to talk to those neighborhood vendors - especially one woman who's been selling cake from her front yard for years. 

Parking on a Stick by Emily Bright

With about 110,000 people squeezing into the Minnesota State Fair every day, finding a place to park can be a drag. Sure, you can take the bus, visit a park-and-ride, or bike. But many people still drive. We will learn how some nearby homeowners rent out their lawns, driveways and garages to the sweaty, deep fat fried smelling masses. 

Why He Breaks Plates in the Daytime by Xan Holston

It takes hundreds of little bits and pieces of material to make a mosaic. But whether they come from old plates or cookie tins, sometimes taking things apart to make something new can also introduce fresh hazards. We'll hear how Michael Sweere, a master mosaic maker, goes about creating his art. In 2015 Michael spent his visit to the Fair collecting garbage which became 2016's Official Commemorative Art.

This Summer's Mashup: The Picnic Operetta by Dixie Treichel

Theater-in-the-park often means Shakespeare, not a mashed up operetta that serves food. But that's what Mixed Precipitation has been presenting to Minnesota audiences for the past ten years. This year's production features beets, a lecherous drunk and taconite tailings.