BIPOC business owners at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is a great opportunity for fairgoers to explore new foods. It’s also a way for small business owners—including BIPOC business owners—to showcase their existing business or kickstart a new business. Here are some examples from this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together!

• New this year
• One new booth that arrived at the 2025 State Fair was from Lumpia City. Lumpia, Filipino fried spring rolls, come in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet variety, a banana French toast lumpia, created a lot of buzz amongst fairgoers.
• Another new vendor in 2025 was Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa. Offerings included street fries, sambusas (both mini and full-size), and slushies. The Midtown Global Market is a great way to check out more food, events, and global goods all year round!
• An old favorite
• Union Hmong Kitchen is an old favorite of the DEI committee. Their offerings this year included Galabao with Kua Txob, Shrimp & Pork Toast On-A-Stick, as well as a coconut lychee cocktail.

ASR Staff Engagement August 21 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about your seasonal preferences. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey asked about your state fair plans and favorites. There was an even split between those who are going to the state fair and those who are not (40.7% each). When asked about their favorite state fair foods, pronto pups received the most votes (23.1%), followed by cheese curds (19.2%), and Australian battered potatoes (7.7%).

Finally, we asked if you have a favorite show, concert, or event that you’ve attended at the state fair. Many folks mentioned live music, including Boyz II Men, Weird Al, and The Chicks. Other events such as tractor pulls and horse shows were also mentioned. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

August 7 survey results

Are you planning to go to the state fair this year?

• Yes (40.7%)
• No (40.7%)
• I’m not sure (18.5%)

What is one of your favorite state fair (or any fair) foods?

• Pronto pup (23.1%)
• Cheese curds (19.2%)
• Australian battered potatoes (7.7%)
• Sweet Martha’s Cookies (3.8%)
• Cheese on a stick (3.8%)
• Fried pickles (3.8%)
• Pickle dog (3.8%)

Do you have a favorite show, concert, or event that you've attended at the state fair (or any fair)? If so, what was it?

• Los Lobos at the bandshell!!!
• Sonny Landreth and Buddy Guy @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell
• Boyz II Men and Chaka Khan
• Demo derbys!
• The Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum horse shows
• Vanilla Ice, Belinda Carlisle, and Depeche Mode :)

ASR Staff Engagement August 7 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about the upcoming Minnesota State Fair. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey assessed your road trip preferences. Most say they enjoy going on a road trip (64%). Chex mix/trail mix and donuts were mentioned most frequently as favorite snacks to purchase at a gas station.

Finally, we asked where you would take a road trip to in the US if all expenses were covered. Many folks mentioned national parks such as Glacier National Park and Denali National Park. Driving along the East or West Coast was also a popular answer. Thanks all for your continued participation!

July 24 survey results

Do you enjoy taking road trips?

• Yes (64%)
• No (4%)
• It depends (32%)

What's one of your favorite snacks to purchase at a gas station?

• Donettes mini donuts—a road trip staple. They’re not great but on a road trip they are perfect.
• Doughnut & Coffee
• Milky Way Dark chocolate bar
• Nerd gummy clusters
• Chex mix!

If you could take a road trip to anywhere in the US with expenses covered, where would you go?

• Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah
• The Grand Canyon or Yellowstone!
• North Carolina coastline
• All along the West Coast.
• Anywhere with mountains!
• Cedar Point Ohio Amusement Park