Carnival & Fair Buzz

The Minnesota State Fair recognized 12 outstanding commercial exhibitors, concessions, attractions, and food and beverage vendors with its 2026 Best Awards.

State Fair CEO Renee Alexander presented the awards during a ceremony at the Summit Stage at the Bazaar. Recipients were selected from nearly 1,000 businesses and attractions participating in this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together.

The 2026 winners included the 230-foot-tall America Wheel honoring America250; Big Dog Corndogs; Thornberry Concessions’ Break a Plate; Cowboy Santa; Faithful Contracting; iPierogi; Prime Pacific Entertainment’s Lady Bugs ride; Origami by Kannika; Peachey’s Baking Company; the Starship ride; The Straub Store; and Strawberries ‘N Creme and Loon Lake Iced Tea.

Award recipients were chosen based on customer service, staff professionalism, visual presentation, product or service quality, and overall value provided to fairgoers.