Minnesota State Fair Announces New 2016 Attractions

The Great Minnesota Get-Together just added even more things to do at this years State Fair. From garden kaleidoscopes to draft barrel horse racing, there will be more than enough fun things to do this year.

With over 15 new attractions at the State Fair this year, here are some of the highlights:

Hen House - Located in the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, you'll find two flocks of hens taking up residence in this brand-new exhibit showing modern housing designed for the egg-laying feathered friends. You'll also learn more about how farmers use different egg production systems to produce safe and wholesome food, and see a backyard chicken coop up-close. This attraction will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and 3 p.m. on Labor Day.

Recipe Card Roundup -  This year’s Recipe Card Roundup giveaway features six top recipes from 2015: Zesty Salsa, Strawberry Jam, Banana Bread, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars, Apple Pie (filling and crust) and Chocolate Brownies. A limited quantity of these collectible cards will be given away at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day in the Creative Activities Building.

National Park Service Centennial Day -  All six of Minnesota’s national parks come together to host a fun-filled day celebrating the National Park Service Centennial. There will be hands-on activity stations by the parks and their partner will educate, entertain and inspire fair guests to get to know the national parks a little better. You can also enjoy stage entertainment by The Lost Forty, Asian Media Access, Mark Twain and Trivia Mafia. Located at Carousel Park on Monday, August 29th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Garden Kaleidoscopes & Floralpalooza - Check out garden kaleidoscopes and see flowers transform into mesmerizing images of color and movement. These three unique metal sculptures and spinning flower bowls are created by artist Robert C. Anderson of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. “Floralpalooza: Color Your World” is a collection of botanical couture designs by the Minnesota State Florist Association. Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building Rotunda. Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Labor Day.

4-H Minnesota Grilling Contest - teams of 4-H'ers are given 30 minutes to prepare and grill Minnesota-grown meat and are judged on taste, appearance and knowledge of nutrition. Their final product, incorporating competitors’ choice of processed rubs and seasonings, can be the grilled meat itself or the grilled meat worked into a salad creation. This will be held Friday-Sunday, Aug. 26-28, outside the northeast corner of the Warner Coliseum and the times will vary.

Draft Horse Barrel Racing - Making it's debut at the State Fair, draft horses will stretch out their stride and thunder around barrels in this competition. See this fun competition Known for being regal and majestic, draft horses will stretch out their stride and thunder around barrels in this competition making its debut at the State Fair. See these fun competition 8 a.m. Sunday, August 28th in the Warner Coliseum.

Fairchild's Anniversary - It's the 50th anniversary of Fairchild who was named in a statewide contest in 1966. Fairchild the Gopher wears a green pinstriped jacket. Pose for photos with the birthday gopher daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Visitors Plaza.

Selfie Spots: Any modern day fair wouldn't be complete without a few selfies taken. There will be five iconic fairground spots and will be marked with a Selfie Spot badge on the ground. Stand on the badges and start taking those selfies.

See the entire list of new attractions here and let me know which ones you are most excited for in the comments below.