Carnival & Fair Buzz

St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair presented awards to 12 of the very best of the State Fair's nearly 1,000 commercial exhibitors, concessions, attractions and food and beverage vendors at the 2025 Great Minnesota

Get-Together. In a ceremony held at 10 a.m. today on the Summit Stage at the Bazaar, State Fair CEO Renee Alexander presented Best Awards to the following:

Australian Battered Potatoes – Serves battered and deep-fried potatoes with several different toppings.

(Located in a new location this year on Judson Avenue west of the Dairy Building)

Giggles' Campfire Grill – Celebrating its 25^th anniversary at the fair, they are famous for walleye cakes, duck bacon wontons and their extensive selection of craft brews and specialty sips like Dill Pickle Kölsch and S'Mores Beer. (Located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue & Cooper Street at The North Woods)

Just Beautiful by JB – Sells playful, vibrant accessories like headbands, bags, apparel and more that make kids feel special and confident. (Located in the Grandstand, lower level, north wall)

Kiddie Bumper Boats – This ride, owned and operated by Fair Ride Entertainment, has provided joy and fun at the Minnesota State Fair for several years. (Located at Kidway)

The Kracken – This ride, owned and operated by Iconic Midway Rides, is an 80-foot-tall pendulum swing ride with arms that stretch out 147 feet. It was a new Mighty Midway ride in 2024. (Located at Mighty Midway)

Lake Superior Drift Co. – Sells Lake Superior driftwood art, driftwood mobile kits, mobiles, ornaments and more. They are based in Wabasha, Minn. (Located at the International Bazaar, northeast section)

Libby's Ice Cream & Co. – Sells soft serve ice cream in 16 flavors, frozen bananas dipped in chocolate on-a-stick, shakes, sundaes and more. (Located south of the Grandstand Building, under the Grandstand Ramp)

Manny's Tortas – Serves a variety of Mexican tortas, tacos al pastor, non-alcoholic piña colada served in a

hollowed-out fresh pineapple and more. (Located in the Food Building, northeast section)

Minnesota Native Landscapes – Sells native species of live plants and seed packets for habitat restoration and pollinator gardens. This is their first year at the fair. (Located west side of Underwood Street between Murphy & Lee avenues)

NordicSol – Showcases frameless, retractable glass walls for outdoor spaces such as decks, porches, patios and balconies. (Located in the Home Improvement Building, south wall)

Roll-A-Ball Racer – This popular game on Mighty Midway is owned and operated by Boguey Concessions. (Located at Mighty Midway)

That's Invintage – This western women's boutique sells unique handmade items like women's apparel and jewelry. (Located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum)

These recipients were selected because they exemplify these characteristics:

• Provide exceptional, efficient customer service and an outstanding experience for fair guests;
• Knowledgeable staff with positive attitudes who are courteous, thoughtful and professional;
• An amazing visual presentation and positive image;
• Present a premium quality product/service;
• Offer great value.