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2013 Minnesota State Fair Milestones

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) - Every year at the Minnesota State Fair marks an anniversary for some food vendor, an exhibit and even a phrase.

Be it 75 years or just 10 years, it's the longevity of some of these attractions that make the fair so great.

The fair's slogan, "The Great Minnesota Get-Together," sums up all the fun of the Minnesota State Fair. And though it may seem timeless, the slogan is much younger than the fair's 159 years old. It's only 35 years old, created in 1978 by an ad company.

This year also marks a milestone for the Little Farm Hands Exhibit. For the last 10 years, the exhibit has provided future farmers with hands-on learning of the ins and outs of agriculture.

From raw potatoes to the deep fried, you will always find a line near the French fry stand. Who would have guessed 40 years ago that this would become one of the top-selling foods.

If a 40-year milestone sounds significant, that's nothing compared to the years Jim Peters has put in.

"Seventy-five years at the Minnesota State Fair," Peters said.

His secret to his hot dog stand's success over three-quarters of century? A simple recipe and a low price.

"Just plain old hot dog that we've had for years," he said.

It's a combination for success that Jim plans to continue for years to come.

"I'm just happy I'm up here kicking around," he said.

Another milestone involves Fairborne, the nephew of the first mascot Fairchild. He's celebrating his 30th year at the fair.

And the first milking machine was up and running at the fair 100 years ago.

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