THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET TOGETHER!
This week the Minneapolis Star Tribune ran an article about all the grandly healthy fair food a gal can eat and they were so kind, they broke down all of the calories and fat grams and the number miles one would have to walk to burn off the calories. SUPERB!
Do the math: The calories add up
The calories add up. And the fat. Which means, of course, so do the miles needed to walk off the excess.
By LEE SVITAK DEAN, Star Tribune
Yes, it's State Fair time, and by the end of today (or any of the 11 following days), many of us will have to pay for the extra baggage that comes with the fair (and we're not talking about free literature and shopping bags). You know what I mean. That roasted ear of corn with butter that dribbles down your arm comes at a cost. So do the French fries dangling from your fingers. As for the cheese curds? Well, eat them slowly, because it will take plenty of time to burn them off. So enjoy your once-a year treats from the Great Minnesota Eat-Together. And then get walking. Here are the believe-it-or-not statistics on the top-selling fair foods.
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
8 to 10 (1/2- oz. each) 580 calories, 26 g fat, 6 miles to walk.
PIZZA
5 oz. pepperoni, 404 calories, 17 g fat, 4 miles to walk
CORN DOG3.7 ounces (regular size), 350 calories, 25 g fat, 3.5 miles to walk
ICE CREAM
Single scoop (vanilla or strawberry), 290 calories, 18 g fat, 3 miles to walk
CHEESE CURDS
7 oz. (1 container), 1,140 calories, 81 g fat, 11.5 miles to walk
FRENCH FRIES
25 medium, with ketchup, 310 calories, 14 g fat, 3 miles to walk
MINI-DONUTS12 (11/2- in. diameter), 720 calories, 37 g fat, 7 miles to walk
FOOT-LONG HOT DOGWith bun, condiments, 540 calories, 31 g fat, 5.5 miles to walk
ROASTED CORN-ON-THE-COB
1 large ear with 2 tsp. butter, 200 calories, 9 g fat, 2 miles to walk
PORK CHOP ON STICK
4 ounces, 290 calories, 17 g fat, 3 miles to walk
Calculations based on 180-pound individual burning 100 calories per mile at a brisk walk. From "Compendium of Physical Activities," Medical Science Sports Exercise, 2000:32 (Suppl): S498-S516. Nutritional information from Bea Krinke, registered dietitian, St. Paul.
I am a very fortunate woman because, unlike me, my husband DESPISES the State Fair. Therefore, I have made the executive decision that each and every single year of our wedded bliss, he has the superb privilege of staying with the lovely, absolutely perfect little angels while I partake in everything 
Throughout the day I like to snap photo of "all things Minnesotan". And seriously, what is more Minnestoan than Walleye on a Stick or deep fried Spam curds??? For all of you who need an education about all things Minnesotan -- the SPAM MUSEUM (yes, you heard right -- MUSEUM) is located in Austin, MN and no, I have not visited yet.
Unfortunately, I missed catching a picture of the chocolate-covered bacon on a stick, so we had to settle with posting pics of the deep fried candy bar stand. Never tried one, however I am sure since it is deep fried and includes insane amounts of melted chocolate that I would love it, given half a chance.
There is always a stop in the Agricultural building where you can see freakishly large produce, as well as "seed art", which really is quite a sight.
And you can't possibly forget to mention or see the politics or livestock while at the state fair. My mom and sisters could skip this part, but it just wouldn't be natural! The pictures speak for themselves.
