Photo: MN State Fair

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - July 9, 2024


It's an important day for many people across the state: the Minnesota State Fair's new food and vendor list has officially been released for 2024. 

Perhaps the most Minnesotan thing on the list is the deep-fried ranch dressing, at least when it comes to State Fair foods. A specialty from LuLu's Public House, it can be described as "Ranch dressing filling made with ranch seasoning, buttermilk, and cream cheese in a panko shell, deep-fried and dusted with ranch powder. Served with a side of hot honey sauce crafted with Cry Baby Craig's hot sauce."

 Photo: MN State Fair

The dill pickle tots from Tot Boss are described exactly as you would expect. Will they join the new fan favorite dill pickle lemonade as a "must-eat" this year? Time will tell. 

 Photo: MN State Fair

Hamline Church Dining is back with something most Norwegians are bound to enjoy - Swedish 'Sota Sliders. Described as "Hamline Church Dining Hall's Cranberry-Wild Rice Meatball formed into patties, paired with dill Havarti cheese and a red relish of beets, red onions, red peppers, lingonberries and cranberries, served on two brioche buns."

 Photo: MN State Fair

 

For those looking for a slightly more adventurous option (but maybe not too adventurous), Nordic Waffles is introducing the Wrangler Waffle Burger, which includes a "Fresh all-beef patty and signature Whataburger® Patty Melt Sauce layered with American cheese and served in a caramelized onion-infused Nordic Waffle."

 Photo: MN State Fair

If you're looking for a new vegan or gluten-free option, French Meadow Bakery has you covered. New this year, the restaurant is serving up Shroomy "Calamari", which is "Oyster mushrooms hand-breaded and deep-fried. Served with a side of chipotle sauce. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)".

 Photo: MN State Fair

Any Minnesota State Fair food list would not be complete without some sort of ice cream treat. This year, the Blue Moon Dine-In Theater has an interesting frozen offering in the form of a Sweet Corn Cola Float. Described as "Minnesota-made sweet corn cola and sweet corn ice cream in a cup, finished with whipped cream, popping candy, and house-made frozen caramel", it could be a fun and different option to try.

 Photo: MN State Fair

New Vendors

Six new vendors join over 300 concession stands (and over 500 different food items) this year. 

Chan's Eatery

Photo: MN State Fair 

Chan's Eatery serves Korean corndogs, Mochi donuts in eight varieties, and fruit and milk boba teas.

El Burrito Mercado

Photo: MN State Fair 

El Burrito Mercado serves Quesabirria Taquitos, Esquites, and Agua de Sandia Loca. 

Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine

 Photo: MN State Fair

Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine serves Koshari and caffeine-free iced hibiscus tea.

Loon Lake Iced Tea

 Photo: MN State Fair

Loon Lake Iced Tea serves Official New Food Cotton Candy Iced Tea, plus a variety of brewed flavors including blood orange, blueberry, peach, strawberry, and unsweetened.

Midtown Global Market's Indigenous Food Lab

 Photo: MN State Fair

Midtown Global Market's Indigenous Food Lab serves Official New Food Nixtamal & Wild Rice Bowl with Wóžapi & Bison Meatballs or Sweet Potato Dumplings.

Paella Depot

 Photo: MN State Fair

Paella Depot serves Chicken & Chorizo Paella and aguas frescas in six flavors. 

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair runs from Aug. 22 – Labor Day, Sept. 2.

To see the full list of new fair foods, visit the website here.