Get together time- Minnesota State Fair of a Lifetime in 1976

I spent a considerable amount of time at the Minnesota State Fair in my formative years. I even lived and worked at the Fair a few years 1990s. I am not sure when I first attended the fair but it must have been the early 1980s, well after this promotional program was broadcast on WCCO TV. 

One of my earliest memories at the fair was getting lost. I still cannot believe my parents found me- but I ended up turning myself in to the fair lost and found in the evening. 

It is rare these days if a station spends this much time on a local event. A whole half hour was dedicated to showing the highlights of the Fair during the Bicentennial in 1976. But WCCO was known for local content during this time period. The venerable Dave Moore had a hand in a lot of it. 

On this program another noted WCCO anchor and also a Minnesota native, Bill Carlson, takes the helm as he wanders through the fair and experience the sights and sounds.  

Not much has changed. The bones are intact with the the Horticulture Building, Grandstand and Space Tower anchoring the skyline. The Midway, the Haunted House (which actually has a name), the butter sculptures, free stage shows, grandstand headliners, tons of food, the Sky Ride are all still there. My old stomping ground, the 4-H Building, is still hosting thousands of youth and buzzing with exhibits and entertainment. 

A few things have passed away or have been altered. Auto racing is gone. So is the Mexican village- which was transformed into the International Bazaar. Heritage Square, which was first introduced in 1976, is gone- transformed into the West End. Live animals at the DNR building are no longer there but the fish pond remains. Machinery Hill has ebbed away and made way for a Pet Center and an Eco Experience.

Nonetheless,  the fair still is that familiar place for Minnesotans and serves as host for a slow 12 day farewell to Summer.