Meet The 12 Minnesota State Fair ‘2024 Best Award’ Winners

A GREAT PLACE FOR FIRSTS

The Minnesota State Fair is a place for a lot of firsts. First foods that you've never tried before. First-time performances by amateur talent contestants and maybe just your first visit to the Minnesota State Fair.

'2024 BEST AWARD' WINNERS

While we are busy enjoying the midway rides, the grandstand performances, and eating our way through the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair has released in '2024 Best Award' winners.

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THE HONORS

The Minnesota State Fair honors only 12 of the thousands of exhibitors, vendors, and attractions that are at the fair each year; so it's a pretty exclusive list.

CRITERIA TO BE THE BEST OF THE BEST

The 12 winners are chosen based on criteria such as:

• Exceptional customer service
• Knowledgeable staff
• Visual presentation
• High-quality products and services
• Value that their presence brings

This year winners were announced at a ceremony on the fairs International Bazaar Stage earlier this week.

THE '2024 BEST AWARD' WINNERS 

The winners are:

1. Anderson Bros Outdoors- A business that designs and builds outdoor living spaces that are family-owned.
2. Blue Barn - A food vendor that has been at the fair for a decade. This year they were serving PB Bacon Cakes, one of this year's new foods at the fair.
3. Caricatures by Cindy -Since 1977, people have been enjoying getting their caricatures drawn. Caricatures by Cindy has surely become a staple at the Minnesota State Fair and deserves some recognition.
4. Crazy Mouse- You know what this is! It's one of the most popular rides at the Minnesota State Fair since 200. It's a spinning roller coaster that comes to abrupt stops and turns and is located in the midway.
5. Demitri's Fine Greek Food -Demitri's serves chicken in a pita, and gyros and added a new item this year called Greek Fries. Demitri's celebrated its 25th year at the fair this year.
6. Homespun Gifts and Decor - This great gift store sells Minnesota-themed gifts like jewelry, kitchenware items, and apparel and works exclusively with Minnesota-based small businesses.
7. Milk Can Game -The Milk Can game has been a part of the Minnesota State Fair for 56 years! Owned by Coy Heatherly Concessions, this game was specially designed for the Mighty Midway.
8. Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Where would we be without important information available at our fingertips? The state agency's booth shares important information regarding traffic safety, job opportunities, and vehicle services.
9. Orange Treet - Who doesn't enjoy a refreshing beverage? Orange Treet offers up delicious whipped Julius-style beverages, as well as lemonade and smoothies.
10. Pria Handmade Accessories - Colombian artists who are mostly single mothers, create jewelry, hats, and bags that are hand-made and hand-beaded.
11. Puppy Express - This is a fun ride for children that has been at the fair for 14 years. It is owned by Prime Pacific and is located in the Kidway.
12. Tot Boss - Tot Boss serves up delicious Tator Tots in chili, nachos, and poutine. This year they had one of the new official foods; Dill Pickle Tots.