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Fairchild, Minnesota State Fair's Mascot, Turns 50

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A member of the Minnesota State Fair family is celebrating a milestone.

Fairchild, the mascot, turns 50 this year.

He joined the fair in 1966 after he was named in a statewide contest.

Do not confuse him with his nephew, Fairborne, who joined the fair in 1983. Fairchild is always in the green-pinstriped suit. Fairborne wears the blue pinstripes.

"We're long-time fairgoers and we absolutely think that [the mascots are] the biggest parts of state fair," said Shoreview resident Jane Kramlinger.

Minnesota State Fair Mascot Fairchild
(credit: CBS)

Each day, the 50-year-old Gopher meets and greets on the visitors plaza.

"I really wanted to meet him every time we've been to the state fair," said Nicholas Boldt of Eagan.

Fairchild hands out buttons while visitors pose for pictures, and families often bring their young children to meet the legendary fair ambassador.

"We don't miss it," Kramlinger said. "Every year we come here at 11 o' clock just to say hello."

Fairchild will not say a word during interactions with visitors, but he is still incredibly expressive.

He let WCCO know his secret to looking and feeling young is a healthy diet of grains and adequate exercise.

Some of the biggest changes he has seen over the last half century are the style of clothing, the size of the fair and the introduction of cellphones.

His plans for the next 50 years would be some type of mascot contest with his nephew, Fairborne.

Minnesota State Fair visitors can pose for photos with the birthday boy daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Visitors Plaza.

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