Scholarship table
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny. Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.
I have lived in MN for 18 years, and have never had any desire to go. For people in rural areas, I guess it makes sense as a good place to show off your prize-winning livestock. Otherwise, I don't get the appeal.
Had no desire or haven't gone. If you haven't gone you should give it a try before forming an opinion. I found the 'great MN get-together' to be quite fun and well done.
Haven't gone because I have no desire.I don't doubt that it's well done for what it is. But when I looked at the map and listing of things to do, it's obvious that most of the stuff - animal displays, midway rides/games, greasy food - has no appeal to me. I'm willing to deal with traffic jams and big crowds for things I really like - and I'm sure I'd find a few fun things and/or good food there - but I doubt it would be worth the hassle of getting there and fighting the crowd. Maybe if they moved it to November and hosted a MU-U of MN game....
TAMUI do know, Newsie is right on you knowing ball.
All three are charitably run....sending generations of kids to colleges on scholarships...many Aggies
So two positives and one negative?
Teaxs State Fair has its grounds in Dallas, east-side...over by the old Cotton Bowl, rougher side of town nowadays...yet,...it still drew 2.8 million...but few from Houston attend (mostly DFW and East Texas rurals). Houston's Livestock Show and Rodeo each February instead draws 2.6 million....By far and away its the money maker/more influential partner than are the NFL Texans on matters involving the Dome and Reliant Stadium property decisions.San Antonio Rodeo (the one that forces the Spurs out on the road for 3 weeks every year) also drew 2.1 millionIn many ways the rodeos are like state fairs too...given the way the rural folks come in, the trailrides, BBQ cookout weekend, the big acts playing during rodeos, the carnival grounds, and the livestock shown/auctioned.All three are charitably run....sending generations of kids to colleges on scholarships...many Aggies
I would rather go to the Wurstfest in New Braunfels than any of the above you list. If your looking for meat on a stick, beer and polka, not a better place to go.
The MN State Fair is indeed a cultish phenomenon, it sets the bar high. The WI one is .. fine.I did go to the WI fair this year. What I'd like to know is .. why do farmers go to fairs?Going thru the livestock areas, you see these farm families, sitting around for hours and hours (and days?) watching all the city folk walk thru, or even sleeping there, amongst the cow poop and flies. Is that fun?I mean, I get it, it's kind of their business category's convention. But it would seem that other conventions are waaaay more fun and interesting, and don't require what has to be a hassle of packing up animal(s) in trailers, moving them around, grooming them for the show (?) et cetera. I get it if you're 12 and you raised Bessie and this is your idea of fun .. but the adult farmers? What's the payoff?
Part of the problem with the Wisconsin State Fair is that it isn't located in a central location. While putting it in the Milwaukee area makes sense because of population, its simply not convenient for a good portion of the state.
Cityslicker talk.Farmers going to county fairs and advancing to state fairs is the central historical raison d' etre of state fairs. It isnt strictly monetary....and thats the charm of it. Pride, socializing, awards, increase reputation and breeding income. A highly decorated bull generates semen fees of great value,..... but ultimately....like the quilts, jellies and pies....there is fun in just being the best.
And .. I get that, I guess. But are all those cows, horses, pigs, goats, bunnies .. are they all entered in "best of" competitions? (I would have guessed that only some of them are.)