provided by Minnesota State Fair
The Great Minnesota Get-Together kicked off its 166th year yesterday, and apart from its 33 new foods, eight new food vendors, and typical everything-on-a-stick fanfare (check out our Food Editor Jason DeRusha’s new foods review here), there were plenty of new and returning local shopping vendors to peruse. From handcrafted Scandinavian goods to sentimental hand-engraved jewelry, here is our Style Editor’s comprehensive guide to this year’s state fair shopping must-hits.
Fashion Hot Spots
While shopping vendors are scattered all over the State Fairgrounds, there are a few recurring markets that you can weave through for hours on end. Here are three key players, and where to find them:
West End Market
Shop from a dynamic array of handmade and upcycled goods, Minnesota-themed apparel, and home goods. Located at the corner of West Dan Patch Avenue and Liggett Street.
Merchandise Market
True to its name, this market assembles a wide selection of merchandise ranging from home goods, home improvement products, hardware tools, local art, gourmet foods, and more. Located at the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cooper Street.
International Bazaar
A global shopping experience assembling jewelry, bags, purses, and apparel from all over the world. Located on the south side of Judson Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets.
provided by Minnesota State fair
Returning Favorites
Among the list of brands to look out for this year, you’ll recognize some locally loved names, including I Like You, Paisley Park, Stellar Handcrafted Goods, and more. Here are a few returning favorites to visit on your fair shopping spree.
Akua’s Boutique
What’s better than a hand-woven raffia statement bag? A hand-woven raffia statement bag that benefits a great cause. When you shop from Akua’s Boutique’s handmade creations, you are directly benefitting poverty-stricken communities across Madagascar, a cause close to founder Theresa Akua Fenn’s heart. Fenn and her team source sustainable raffia materials directly from communities of women in Madagascar, helping build multicultural relationships and boost the community’s welfare.
Where: The northwest section of West End Market
Paisley Park
What Would the Great Minnesota Get Together be without an ode to Minnesota’s most iconic and beloved musical legend? Paisley Park, Prince’s estate, has an annual presence at West End Market, assembling a variety of Prince-themed merchandise including sweatshirts, jerseys, tote bags, hats, jackets, magnets, pins, and CDs. Pick up your purple merch in time for the world premiere of “Purple Rain” at State Theatre in October, a musical inspired by Prince’s iconic album.
I Like You
A Minneapolis icon of its own, I Like You’s vibrant multicolored mural in Northeast Minneapolis is an instantly recognizable scene of the Twin Cities. It’s only fitting the postcard-like handmade gift shop has a presence at the state fair. Shop a quirky and eclectic range of apparel, home goods, baby and kids’ items, stickers and stationery, and skincare and beauty products at its location in West End Market.
Where: The northwest section of West End Market
photo by Emma Enebak
Lake Superior Drift Co.
Find a taste of the North Shore at International Bazaar, where Lake Superior Drift Co. sells its enchanting, nature-inspired creations straight from the shores of Lake Superior. Founded by North Shore-based husband and wife team Fred and Birdie, their treasures are composed of raw materials sourced from the rugged beaches along the world’s largest lake, each piece carrying echoes of its mystery and whimsy.
Where: Northeast section of the International Bazaar
Origami by Kannika
The ancient Japanese art of origami is put on full display at Origami by Kannika, a local jewelry brand that crafts wearable origami and nature-inspired creations, including real flowers preserved in resin. Founder Kannika finds solace in origami’s balance between fragility and function and her love for the craft shines through in her colorful one-of-kind creations, each piece distinct and with a story to tell.
Where: Northeast section of the International Bazaar
Steller Handcrafted Goods
The clean and minimal allure of Scandinavian design takes center stage at Steller Handcrafted Goods, a local Nordic-inspired apparel and lifestyle shop that sells upcycled wool sweater products, authentic Nordic braids, and other design-forward snippets of Nordic life. Stock up on Steller’s colorful array of knit sweaters before the Minnesota fall temps start to set in—no one does sweater weather quite like Scandinavians.
Where: South center section of the International Bazaar
Nazka’s Handmade
Celebrate the tradition of Native American craftmanship by browsing the handmade offerings at Nazka’s, a Native American-owned brand that crafts traditional sweaters, blankets, ponchos, hats, gloves, mittens, beaded jewelry, and kids’ items.
Where: The center aisle of the Merchandise Market
New This Year
There are seven new vendors making their State Fair debut this year, bringing an exciting mix of vintage, upcycled, handmade, locally focused, and culturally diverse shopping opportunities. From hot dog-printed swimwear to hand-stamped jewelry, see a few of our anticipated picks below.
B Fresh Gear
Vibrant colors and funky designs characterize this casually cool streetwear brand that has partnered with brands like Mountain Dew, Jack Daniel’s, and Cigar City. From fanny packs and bucket hats to tiger-printed swim trunks and heart-shaped shades, B Fresh harbors that statement boat day piece you never knew you needed.
Where: International Bazaar, Southeast Section
That’s Invintage
Horse girls, unite. Whether you’re searching for that perfect suede cowgirl hat or a quality fringe leather jacket, That’s Invintage will be your go-to destination for standout western wear with equal parts whimsy and style. Comb through one-of-kind handmade pieces to find gems like a repurposed cowboy boot purse or a set of luxury cowhide luggage that will imbue your wardrobe with western charm.
Where: In the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum
Designs by KaraMarie
Few gifts stand out quite like customized jewelry that tells a story. Local jewelry brand Designs by KaraMarie specializes in these personal mementos, crafting lifelong treasures on-site with hand-stamped messages that will tug on your heartstrings. Get a head start on holiday shopping, snag a spontaneous gift for someone special, or personalize matching pieces to remember your day at the Great Minnesota Get-Together for years to come.
Where: In the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum
Designs by KaraMarie on Etsy
HejLöv
Minnesota’s deep Scandinavian heritage shines at HejLöv, a Scandinavian decor and lifestyle brand that produces handmade bags, wallets, totes, and home good items from 100% wool design felt and vegetable tanned leather. Known for its bold pops of colors and minimalistic designs, a HejLöv piece is sure to bring harmony and vibrance to your home or wardrobe.
Where: The west section of West End Market
Made in Minn
The distinctly local spirit of the Great Minnesota Get-Together is infectious at Made in Minn, a quirky, Minnesota-themed apparel shop with custom and hand-embroidered offerings. Shop diverse collections that ooze state pride, from the Minnesota State Fair collection (featuring food-themed puns like “minne donuts” and “shuck yeh”) to the marron and gold Row the Boat collection.
Where: Southeast section of West End Market
photo by Emma Enebak
