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"Mastermind" of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case

"Mastermind" of largest COVID fraud  scheme gets 41 years

Prosecutors say Aimee Bock was at the center of a scheme to steal over $240 million from a federal program.

Politics & Policy

A judge has ordered the Minnesota &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mastermind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" target="_blank">mastermind</a>&quot; in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case</a> to serve 41.5 years in prison — the harshest sentence to date in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.Why it matters: Prosecutors say former Feeding Our Future executive director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aimee Bock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" target="_self">Aimee Bock</a> was at the center of a scheme to steal more than $240 million from a federally funded child meals program during the pandemic. <ul><li>The case sparked intense scrutiny of the Walz administration&#x27;s oversight of state-run programs and fueled broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about fraud under his watch." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">concerns about fraud under his watch.</a></li></ul>

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

The growing violation rate denies the system toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.

Transit

MnDOT&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-ZPass system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" target="_self">E-ZPass system</a> has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report.Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.Stunning stats: MnDOT estimated that 29% of vehicles using the lanes had neither a passenger nor an E-ZPass tag in FY2024, according to the annual report for that year.<ul><li>But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more recent field observations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" target="_blank">more recent field observations</a> suggest that vehicle &quot;violation rates&quot; have crept up across the system. On I-35W in the south metro, they&#x27;re now pushing past 50%.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-fallback.png" width="1200" height="788"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-apple.png" width="750" height="740"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MnDOT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" target="_blank">MnDOT</a>; Note: Totals from all observation points along each corridor during tolled morning and afternoon commute periods; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Between the lines: The toll lanes&#x27; primary goal isn&#x27;t to make money; it&#x27;s to improve traffic flow during peak times — just like a ramp meter, according to MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.<ul><li>Even with high violation rates, E-ZPass lanes maintain higher traffic speeds than general lanes and reduce trip times by as much as 10 minutes during peak times, according to the latest annual report.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: A February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" target="_blank">report</a> from consulting firm AECOM detailed how MnDOT could use more automated tools — such as license plate readers and passenger-detecting cameras — to reduce E-ZPass violation rates.<ul><li>The report noted that the rollout would be costly — and could face legal hurdles and objections on privacy and civil liberties grounds.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Axios readers come clean on E-ZPass</h2>Axios reader Steven learned his lesson in 2016.<ul><li>While commuting into downtown Minneapolis, he occasionally merged into the E-ZPass lane to cut through the congestion.</li></ul>Finally, a state trooper pulled Steven over and asked why he had no pass. <ul><li>&quot;I matter of factly replied, &#x27;I didn&#x27;t think I would get caught,&#x27;&quot; he told us in an email. &quot;The officer stifled a big laugh.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The Minnesota State Patrol dedicates teams of troopers to E-ZPass enforcement.<ul><li>In 2024, those patrols pulled over nearly 6,000 vehicles, and cited or warned about half of those drivers for tolling violations, Meyer said.</li></ul>&quot;E-ZPass lane enforcement is no joke along 394,&quot; wrote reader Kyle F., who says it&#x27;s typical to see two or three people each week pulled over in the E-ZPass lane.Reality check: Most scofflaws aren&#x27;t caught. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 violators used the lanes every day,<ul><li>&quot;There doesn&#x27;t seem to be any penalties for not being a paid user,&quot; wrote Marg P., who uses an E-ZPass to shorten her drive time to Lino Lakes.</li></ul>Follow the money: Violators are dodging tolls that can jump as high as $8 per trip. (The average is about $1.14.)<ul><li>&quot;It can be expensive on high congestion days,&quot; Teri I. said, &quot;so it sucks getting charged for that convenience and others are jumping in hoping to not get caught.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: Law-abiding E-ZPass users still praise their passes.<ul><li>&quot;Just eases the travel issues significantly!&quot; Rick said, adding that the modest cost is worth it &quot;to gain the ease of driving in that lane when traffic sucks!&quot;</li></ul>

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

François' chef's kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes."

Real Estate

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë François" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" target="_blank">Zoë François</a> just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef&#x27;s kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë Bakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" target="_blank">Zoë Bakes</a>.&quot;

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million

Despite the perfect weather, State Fair attendance was flat

News

Despite near-perfect weather, Minnesota State Fair <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attendance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="cfdc930a-6488-48f0-ae82-0af2339d866f" data-vars-headline="State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" target="_self">attendance</a> failed to reach 2 million this year and barely surpassed last year, when heat and storms slowed the turnstiles on a couple of days.Why it matters: The State Fair can serve as a gauge of Minnesotans&#x27; economic mood, and this year was surprisingly lackluster considering that highs in the 70s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="usually bring big crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/20/best-day-attend-minnesota-state-fair-data" data-vars-content-id="cfdc930a-6488-48f0-ae82-0af2339d866f" data-vars-headline="State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/20/best-day-attend-minnesota-state-fair-data" target="_self">usually bring big crowds</a>.

New foods to try, skip at the Minnesota State Fair

We actually liked the Uncrustaburger, even if it fell apart in our hands.

It might have been a mistake to eat the Uncrustaburger from Coasters first thing in the morning.

Tips, hacks and hidden gems: How to make the most of the Minnesota State Fair

You might even be able to score free Sweet Martha's.

State Fair

Break out the stretchy pants (or shorts): The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="facb7c06-8055-4c3a-9179-5457f0a8a587" data-vars-headline="Tips, hacks and hidden gems: How to make the most of the Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a> starts Thursday.Why it matters: The 12-day fair might as well be a state holiday.

The best day to attend the Minnesota State Fair, according to data

We crunched the numbers to find the ideal day.

Looking to beat the crowds at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/03/minnesota-state-fair-2024-attendance-new-post-pandemic-high" data-vars-content-id="e2d8f6f8-8ebc-4e5d-acbb-7a0982c1c42a" data-vars-headline="The best day to attend the Minnesota State Fair, according to data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/03/minnesota-state-fair-2024-attendance-new-post-pandemic-high" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a>? Get there on opening day, probably.The big picture: Since 1994, the first Thursday of the 12-day fair has averaged the lowest daily attendance — around 103,000 visitors, according to an Axios analysis.<ul><li>Labor Day weekend sees the biggest crowds — most frequently peaking on the fair&#x27;s final Saturday, with 217,000 attendees on average.</li></ul>

Minnesota State Fair attendance sets new pandemic-era high

Fairgoers set five daily attendance records, overcoming two days of sparse crowds.

Attendance at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/new-foods-minnesota-state-fair-best-worst-weirdest" data-vars-content-id="fdce9902-6917-4721-9821-c4bbf87c7bec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair attendance sets new pandemic-era high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/new-foods-minnesota-state-fair-best-worst-weirdest" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a> topped 1.9 million visitors this year, marking the largest turnout since the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic, organizers announced Tuesday.The big picture: Fairgoers reveled in the mostly mild weather during the Get-Together&#x27;s 12-day run.<ul><li>They set five daily attendance records — all on days with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s.</li></ul>

Newborn lambs at the Minnesota State Fair's Miracle of Birth Center

About 100 people witnessed a mini veterinary drama at the Minnesota State Fair. Don't worry! It has a happy ending.

About 100 people witnessed a mini veterinary drama at the Minnesota State Fair earlier this week.<ul><li>Don&#x27;t worry! It has a happy ending.</li></ul>What happened: As an ewe gave birth to triplets at the Miracle of Birth Center, the second lamb emerged looking a little limp and stained yellowish-brown.<ul><li>Meconium staining is a sign the lamb was stressed on its way out.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A veterinary student wearing dark-green coveralls bends down in a straw-lined pen and rubs a yellowish newborn lamb." height="3024" id="ac46bb9d-b9af-4562-9a37-61c7d11f8675" src="https://images.axios.com/bpUYLcSqzrACoPWW10I0g7XtodE=/2024/08/28/1724854269676.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>See how the little guy looks about as yellow as the straw? That&#x27;s the meconium staining. Photo: Kyle Stokes/Axios </figcaption></figure>Vet student helpers got to work vigorously rubbing the lamb, whose breathing was less regular than that of his siblings.<ul><li>After a few minutes, all appeared to be well!</li></ul>The big picture: Around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="200 animals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mvmfcares.org/public-education/#:~:text=The%20Miracle%20of%20Birth%20Center%20is%20the%20birthplace%20of%20more,to%20the%20historic%20livestock%20area." data-vars-content-id="07e839f5-688f-481b-8ebe-1022e66f4d4a" data-vars-headline="Newborn lambs at the Minnesota State Fair&#x27;s Miracle of Birth Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mvmfcares.org/public-education/#:~:text=The%20Miracle%20of%20Birth%20Center%20is%20the%20birthplace%20of%20more,to%20the%20historic%20livestock%20area." target="_blank">200 animals</a> are born at the fair every year.What&#x27;s next: Choosing names for the triplet lambs.<ul><li>Members of the crowd suggested Gus, Jacob, Teddy, Scout, and Bob.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A baby lamb rests its chin on its mother&#x27;s back in a straw-lined pen" height="3024" id="d2d461e2-de03-403f-99c7-5750f233872b" src="https://images.axios.com/Y80zoF89qAuORUfrCEeUQRj6YCU=/2024/08/28/1724854446024.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Photo: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure>

How the Minnesota State Fair became a "craft beer haven"

The wacky beers add to the State Fair's allure, but also raise awareness for Minnesota's brewing industry.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Minnesota Get Together" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" data-vars-content-id="dc8aee42-90e7-4d8d-a988-501d2f1fc65c" data-vars-headline="How the Minnesota State Fair became a &quot;craft beer haven&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" target="_self">Great Minnesota Get Together</a> has become the Great Minnesota Drink Together over the past dozen years, and the state&#x27;s craft breweries are reaping the rewards with their exclusive, themed, stunt beers.Why it matters: The wacky beers both add to the State Fair&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2024/08/18/a-day-at-the-fair-in-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="dc8aee42-90e7-4d8d-a988-501d2f1fc65c" data-vars-headline="How the Minnesota State Fair became a &quot;craft beer haven&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2024/08/18/a-day-at-the-fair-in-minnesota" target="_blank">allure</a> and raise awareness for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s brewing industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/largest-breweries-minnesota-schells-summit-surly-castle-dange-fulton-indeed" data-vars-content-id="dc8aee42-90e7-4d8d-a988-501d2f1fc65c" data-vars-headline="How the Minnesota State Fair became a &quot;craft beer haven&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/largest-breweries-minnesota-schells-summit-surly-castle-dange-fulton-indeed" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s brewing industry</a>.

Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money

Last year was a big bounce-back for State Fair food vendors that survived a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wiped-out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/02/24/minnesota-state-fair-2021-is-it-happening-canceled" data-vars-content-id="907f4c41-022b-4e71-a8d0-8b966ae8f026" data-vars-headline="Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/02/24/minnesota-state-fair-2021-is-it-happening-canceled" target="_self">wiped-out</a> 2020 fair, smaller crowds in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/04/04/minnesota-state-fair-vendors-sales-decline-2021" data-vars-content-id="907f4c41-022b-4e71-a8d0-8b966ae8f026" data-vars-headline="Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/04/04/minnesota-state-fair-vendors-sales-decline-2021" target="_self">2021</a> and a labor shortage in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/06/minnesota-state-fair-attendance-18-million-2022" data-vars-content-id="907f4c41-022b-4e71-a8d0-8b966ae8f026" data-vars-headline="Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/06/minnesota-state-fair-attendance-18-million-2022" target="_self">2022</a>.State of play: The fair now boasts seven vendors that exceeded $1 million in sales last year — the most ever.

Photos: Seed art at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, up close

The lines to get an up-close look are usually long — but worth it.

Things to Do

Favorite bars. Catchy slogans. Literary luminaries. Good dogs — and cows.The big picture: This year&#x27;s Minnesota State Fair crop art contest features depictions of all of these and more, made with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota-grown seeds" data-vars-click-url="https://assets.mnstatefair.org/pdf/competition/24-ahb-crops-pb.pdf" data-vars-content-id="db63f73f-7efe-4de9-8f95-14e264b758c6" data-vars-headline="Photos: Seed art at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, up close" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://assets.mnstatefair.org/pdf/competition/24-ahb-crops-pb.pdf" target="_blank">Minnesota-grown seeds</a>.

Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods

The Fried Bee-Nana Pie and Quesabirria Taquitos were among the hits

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deep-fried ranch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/09/minnesota-state-fair-2024-new-food-vendors" data-vars-content-id="05e75f10-4bfb-4891-b11f-767f48c47e69" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/09/minnesota-state-fair-2024-new-food-vendors" target="_self">deep-fried ranch</a> dressing at Lulu&#x27;s Public House was actually pretty good. <ul><li>We&#x27;re serious. </li></ul>Driving the heartburn: The Axios Twin Cities crew — with the help of special guest Claire Reilly from our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/axiossf/" data-vars-content-id="05e75f10-4bfb-4891-b11f-767f48c47e69" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/axiossf/" target="_blank">San Francisco team</a> — tried almost all of the 33 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new foods and six new vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" data-vars-content-id="05e75f10-4bfb-4891-b11f-767f48c47e69" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" target="_self">new foods and six new vendors</a> on Thursday.

🌾 🖼️ 1 croppy controversy to go

Minnesota State Fair moves to ban quinoa from its crop art competition

🎙️ Weird Al's return to the Grandstand

Weird Al to rock 2026 Minnesota State Fair

A column chart that shows Minnesota State Fair attendance from 2019 to 2025. Attendance dropped from 2.1m in 2019 to 1.3m in 2021. It then rose steadily, reaching 1.9m in 2025, still below the 2019peak.

Annual Minnesota State Fair attendance

Data: Minnesota State Fair; Note: The 2020 State Fair was canceled due to COVID; Chart: Axios Visuals