State Fair

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 2. For all of the events at the MPR booth and Dan Patch Park, go to mpr.org/statefair.

The definitive history of the corn dog (er, Pronto Pup)
It's been a Minnesota State Fair staple since 1947, and it's about to be sold there for the 25 millionth time. It's quintessentially Minnesotan. But the Pronto Pup isn't from here — and its origin story is batter-dipped in mystery.
Missing parts, broken and dislocated bones: What are they judging?
For some, the Minnesota State Fair is all about competition. There are ribbons given out for everything from barrel racing to beeswax carving. Every day this week, All Things Considered is asking: "What's being judged?" With a few hints, can you figure it out?