Vendors Getting Ready With State Fair Just 1 Week Away

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – There's now just one week until the start of the "Great Minnesota Get Together." This year, there will be new attractions and food to try out.

For 22 years, John Stinchfield has dealt with opening day jitters as a food vendor at the Minnesota State Fair.

"If you forget the forks, you're out of business," said Stinchfield, who owns Andre's Watermelon Stand.

This year is proving to be more stressful than years past.

"It's pretty hyper. We're running around with our heads cut off," said Stinchfield.

Not only is Andre's Watermelon Stand expanding its seating capacity, Stinchfield is also adding a new item.

"It's chocolate covered jalapeno peppers on a stick," he said.

Like any good fair food it offers a creative combination, in this case heat with sweet.

"One is named Senor Macho, which is very spicy. In Spanish, it's mucho pica.  We also have senor timido. It's for the more timid, the more mild, in other words the American," said Stinchfield.

The chocolate jalapeno is just one of a couple dozen new goodies featured this year, everything from a breakfast lollipop to a crab fritter. From food to fun, fairgoers will also see a new extreme ride in the Adventure Park.

"It's called Maxxx Super Flyyy and it's coming from Europe. It's brand new. Riders at the fair are going to be some of the first to experience it. It's a giant looping swing ride," said Brienna Schuette, who is the communications manager at the Minnesota State Fair.

Other attractions include a trampoline stunt show called "Flippenout" and a karaoke attraction called "The Giant Sing Along."

"It's really exciting. This is what we work for all year long," said Schuette.

For everything you need to know about the fair, head to the Minnesota State Fair's web site.