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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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Six holiday markets in the Twin Cities to shop this season

Dozens of pop-up holidays shopping events feature local makers and plenty of festive fun.

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Minnesota panel selects six finalists for state flag redesign

Submissions featuring the state bird failed to make the cut.

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Billion-dollar storms are getting more frequent in Minnesota

Hail and drought are the main causes of damage.

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The best Christmas light displays in the Twin Cities

Put on winter gear and grab the hot chocolate.

First weekend of Minnesota State Fair attracts record-setting attendance

Friday's attendance set an all-time record.

The first weekend of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="1e52cf48-6809-46ee-9e06-5ba04b173ce4" data-vars-headline="First weekend of Minnesota State Fair attracts record-setting attendance" 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">2023 Minnesota State Fair</a> got off to a busy start. Driving the news: Friday&#x27;s attendance —164,741 — set a record for that day. Saturday and Sunday both easily topped benchmarks set in 2021 and 2022.

Review: Ranking every new pickle food at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair

Our reporter ate seven pickle items in the name of journalism.

Food and Drink

The polarizing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/24/minnesota-state-fair-foods-best-new-2023-review-guide" data-vars-content-id="675e65ff-f066-4c2f-a6bb-3af39fd5a635" data-vars-headline="Review: Ranking every new pickle food at the 2023 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/2023/08/24/minnesota-state-fair-foods-best-new-2023-review-guide" target="_self">new food</a> trend at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/11/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-list-2023-pickles" data-vars-content-id="675e65ff-f066-4c2f-a6bb-3af39fd5a635" data-vars-headline="Review: Ranking every new pickle food at the 2023 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/2023/07/11/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-list-2023-pickles" target="_self">pickles</a> — and even as a pickle fan, I had my doubts about some items.<ul><li>Fudge? Popsicles? Doughnuts?! I figured I&#x27;d try one or two things, but some of them seemed too out there.</li></ul>Yes, but: When I <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted on X" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/_AudreyKennedy/status/1678772276756615169" data-vars-content-id="675e65ff-f066-4c2f-a6bb-3af39fd5a635" data-vars-headline="Review: Ranking every new pickle food at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/_AudreyKennedy/status/1678772276756615169" target="_blank">posted on X</a> (formerly Twitter) in July asking if I should try and rank all of them, the collective answer was a resounding yes.

A pickle popsicle, pickle donut and pickle fudge.

The best, worst and weirdest 2023 new Minnesota State Fair foods

Cookie dough pie and cheese curd tacos are among the standouts.

State Fair

I journeyed to the Minnesota State Fair on opening day Thursday with three detailed maps, two friends, and a goal: beat my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022 record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/08/26/2022-minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-review" data-vars-content-id="b19ce488-5d0a-4eeb-86b2-1c349515ef23" data-vars-headline="The best, worst and weirdest 2023 new Minnesota State Fair 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/2022/08/26/2022-minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-review" target="_self">2022 record</a> by trying at least 20 of the new foods and drinks.<ul><li>That includes every single new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickle-themed food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/11/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-list-2023-pickles" data-vars-content-id="b19ce488-5d0a-4eeb-86b2-1c349515ef23" data-vars-headline="The best, worst and weirdest 2023 new Minnesota State Fair 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/2023/07/11/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-list-2023-pickles" target="_self">pickle-themed food</a> on the list, like lemonade, cheese curd tacos, and fudge.</li></ul>What happened: For better or for worse, I succeeded — and went above and beyond at 22 items. How I did it: I narrowed my list of what to eat based on the food&#x27;s originality but also picked some — like pickle tacos — because they had already attracted public attention. A few items were simply ones that I was personally interested in. Here&#x27;s what I thought, and be sure to check out our Instagram for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reviews of every item" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18006764608768186/" data-vars-content-id="b19ce488-5d0a-4eeb-86b2-1c349515ef23" data-vars-headline="The best, worst and weirdest 2023 new Minnesota State Fair foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18006764608768186/" target="_blank">reviews of every item</a>.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Get it</h2><figure><img alt="Photos of tacos, a small pie and a steamed bun." height="1080" id="13a50324-7cb0-4cd0-ac5b-e30689f5f4fa" src="https://images.axios.com/ezQ4n2GlxF1TtNirzc2AEBh25LY=/2023/08/24/1692905842998.jpg" width="1920"/><figcaption>Dill pickle cheese curd tacos, MinneCookieDough pie, and galabao. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios</figcaption></figure>MinneCookieDough Pie from Minneapple Pie ($10)<ul><li>The crispy fried hand pie came piping hot with melting cookie dough inside and was accompanied by a delicious cinnamon ice cream. It was our favorite dish of the day.</li></ul>Galabao from Union Hmong Kitchen ($12)<ul><li>The traditional Hmong-style steamed bun was pleasantly sweet and complemented by the savory ground pork, egg, and spices inside, though I did find myself wishing for more filling. </li></ul>Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos from Richie&#x27;s Cheese Curd Tacos ($14)<ul><li>I lauded the classic curd tacos as a fair staple when they debuted last year, and the pickle version might be even better. It has just the right amount of dill flavor without being overwhelming. </li></ul>Boozy Salted Caramel Milkshake at Andy&#x27;s Grille ($10)<ul><li>I couldn&#x27;t put this down. Though it&#x27;s 5% ABV, all you can taste is milkshake and the caramel spoon was a nice touch. (The Dreamsicle Slushy at the same stand was also a favorite.)</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Consider it</h2><figure><img alt="Tacos, ravioli and a lobster bowl." height="1080" id="a6155547-0f10-4a14-ba83-641b3cd4730b" src="https://images.axios.com/yL52R7hfb8OZ-DltuF68V9-wNjI=/2023/08/24/1692905897396.jpg" width="1920"/><figcaption>Crispy lutefisk steam buns, fried butternut squash ravioli, and loaded lobster fries. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios</figcaption></figure>Loaded Lobster Fries from Cafe Caribe ($15)<ul><li>The large amount of lobster throughout the bowl made up for the slightly soggy fries. </li></ul>Fried Butternut Squash Ravioli from Oodles of Noodles ($10)<ul><li>The sweet and creamy dipping sauce (whipped ricotta) brought this dish from good to great, though $10 for only four small ravioli was hard to stomach. </li></ul>Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun from Shanghai Henri&#x27;s ($14)<ul><li> But the lutefisk was crispy and flavorful, while the carrot slaw inside brought a welcome hint of sweetness. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Skip it</h2><figure><img alt="Lemonade, a charcuterie board and cheese sticks." height="1080" id="4bb9c059-f5df-4c63-95a5-390acc01fc34" src="https://images.axios.com/S1H_u5iBmIy_Bvd-z44k9sY87NE=/2023/08/24/1692905948087.jpg" width="1920"/><figcaption>Pickle lemonade, charcuterie, and hot honey cheese sticks. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios</figcaption></figure>Hot Honey Cheese Sticks from The Blue Barn ($11)<ul><li>The dry texture already ruined these, but paying $11 for only seven small cheese sticks made them even worse. </li></ul>Pickle Lemonade from Nordic Waffles ($6)<ul><li>The drink wasn&#x27;t mixed properly, so it tasted like regular lemonade until it turned to pickle juice at the very bottom. Both were bad. </li></ul>Sorta-cuterie Board from Sabino&#x27;s Pizza Pies ($14)<ul><li>Great presentation, mediocre execution, high price. Plus, a charcuterie board isn&#x27;t the easiest thing to eat at a state fair. </li></ul>Dill Pickle Donut from Fluffy&#x27;s ($8)<ul><li>This was an unofficial new food that I wish I had never tried. The donut tasted like bread, the pickle slices were soft and the room-temperature cream cheese on top was nauseating and the only fair food I&#x27;ve ever spit out. </li></ul>

A cookie slinger hangs up her apron after 24 years

Nick interviews his mom about her decades as a night manager at State Fair icon Sweet Martha's.

For 24 years, my mom worked at Sweet Martha&#x27;s Cookie Jar as a night manager. She hung up her apron after last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="d1b97416-0118-43b2-a62d-0449de839c53" data-vars-headline="A cookie slinger hangs up her apron after 24 years" 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">State Fair</a>, so I decided to interview her about her retirement from the dough industry. Context: My mom, Jan Halter, was recruited by her high school friend, the eponymous &quot;Sweet&quot; Martha Rossini Olson, to help out in 1999 when shifting school calendars meant fewer high school kids were available to work the popular booth.

Minnesota State Fair vendors hope this year marks return to normal

But fair-goers should expect to see some price hikes.

Que Viet&#x27;s massive egg rolls have become a <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="a10e5b5b-cb7e-4590-b0ad-b26df9de257d" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair vendors hope this year marks return to normal" 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> favorite, but the vendor&#x27;s quick success didn&#x27;t come without some bumps behind the scenes.What happened: Last year, a global shortage of rice paper caused by COVID shutdowns in Vietnam was so bad that co-owner Vy Bui and her partners had to buy a shipping container to ensure they&#x27;d have enough paper to make the 40,000 rolls they ultimately sold.

Charted: The most popular Minnesota State Fair vendors

With $4.5 million in sales last year, Sweet Martha's did more business than the next three vendors combined.

Sweet Martha&#x27;s is still the queen of 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="274b287d-7e51-4099-b489-115f14685e12" data-vars-headline="Charted: The most popular Minnesota State Fair vendors" 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>. The chocolate chip cookie empire did more sales last year than the next three vendors combined. Yes, but: That&#x27;s still down from Sweet Martha&#x27;s peak in 2019, when it did $5 million in sales at its three stands.

Charmer near Minnesota State Fair asks $425K

It's about a 20-minute walk from the fair's latest lineup of eats and drinks.

Real Estate

This Falcon Heights home is just around the corner from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fairgrounds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/17/minnesota-state-fair-tickets-to-increase-1-for-2023" data-vars-content-id="dfb1c539-867a-4baf-8ac9-b3e556049a76" data-vars-headline="Charmer near Minnesota State Fair asks $425K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/17/minnesota-state-fair-tickets-to-increase-1-for-2023" target="_self">Minnesota State Fairgrounds</a>.<ul><li>Listed for $425,000, the airy house is located at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1716 Pascal St." data-vars-click-url="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-722-zejgh8/1716-pascal-street-falcon-heights-mn-55113" data-vars-content-id="dfb1c539-867a-4baf-8ac9-b3e556049a76" data-vars-headline="Charmer near Minnesota State Fair asks $425K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-722-zejgh8/1716-pascal-street-falcon-heights-mn-55113" target="_blank">1716 Pascal St.</a></li></ul>Why we love it: You&#x27;re about a 20-minute walk from the Great Minnesota Get-Together&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lineup of eats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/11/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-list-2023-pickles" data-vars-content-id="dfb1c539-867a-4baf-8ac9-b3e556049a76" data-vars-headline="Charmer near Minnesota State Fair asks $425K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/11/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-list-2023-pickles" target="_self">lineup of eats</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drinks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/01/minnesota-state-fair-new-drinks-alcohol-seltzer-slushie-beer-list" data-vars-content-id="dfb1c539-867a-4baf-8ac9-b3e556049a76" data-vars-headline="Charmer near Minnesota State Fair asks $425K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/01/minnesota-state-fair-new-drinks-alcohol-seltzer-slushie-beer-list" target="_self">drinks</a>.

Apple pie cider, anyone? Minnesota State Fair releases list of new drinks for 2023

Dozens of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new drinks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mnstatefair.org/general-info/specialty-brews-and-beverages/" data-vars-content-id="21de56b3-88d9-4d03-8553-911c0b11acb3" data-vars-headline="Apple pie cider, anyone? Minnesota State Fair releases list of new drinks for 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mnstatefair.org/general-info/specialty-brews-and-beverages/" target="_blank">new drinks</a> will hit taps, cups, and coolers at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/17/minnesota-state-fair-tickets-to-increase-1-for-2023" data-vars-content-id="21de56b3-88d9-4d03-8553-911c0b11acb3" data-vars-headline="Apple pie cider, anyone? Minnesota State Fair releases list of new drinks for 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/17/minnesota-state-fair-tickets-to-increase-1-for-2023" target="_self">2023 Minnesota State Fair</a>. Driving our thirst: On Tuesday, the fair released a list of 65 new beverages that vendors will debut when the fairgrounds open on Aug. 24.