Governor Tim Walz Visits Minnesota State Fair
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made a special appearance at the Minnesota State Fair Sunday morning. This year was particularly significant for the governor as he is now a vice presidential nominee, making his visit different from previous years.
The news of Governor Walz’s visit spread quickly, creating excitement among fairgoers. “It’s just getting around,” said 11-year-old Dahlia Galle, who was waiting for the governor outside the Dairy Building. Many attendees were curious and hopeful to catch a glimpse of the governor enjoying the fair. Tim Totenberg from Apple Valley expressed his anticipation, sharing, “And so we decided, let’s see if that’s what’s actually going on. Now, maybe we’re going to get some ice cream with the guy.”
An Eventful Morning at the Fair
During his visit, Governor Walz made a quick stop to enjoy a classic fair favorite: a pork chop on a stick. He was accompanied by Minnesota’s First Lady and their daughter, Hope, as they explored the fair’s offerings. Brittany Arnold, a manager at the Dairy Goodness vendor, commented on the governor’s tradition of engaging with fairgoers, saying, “We have definitely had him for past fairs come by and giving him the tour. But this is a lot different than, obviously, the previous times you’ve had him here.”
After a bite of pork chop, Walz relished a vanilla malt that he kept close for the rest of his 45-minute visit. The governor also took the opportunity to meet Rachel Visser, this year’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way, and check out the intricate butter sculptures, including one of her likeness. The crowd enjoyed their moment with the governor, especially with his background in Mankato. “I said, ‘Mankato’ and he’s like, ‘finally everyone is learning to pronounce Mankato correctly’,” shared Darin Mays, a vendor in the Dairy Building.
A Moment of Reflection
While Governor Walz embraced the attention, he acknowledged the changes that his new role as a vice presidential nominee has brought. He expressed some concern about how his presence might disrupt the experiences of other fair attendees. “I’m more concerned, obviously, about the disruption to the other folks, but it’s exciting,” he said. The governor highlighted the potential benefits of his candidacy, stating, “I think people are saying that we’re getting to talk about Minnesota across the country and talk about the economy here, talk about things like the state fair, talk about agriculture.”
Looking Ahead
After wrapping up his visit at the Minnesota State Fair, Governor Walz is scheduled to speak to labor leaders in Minneapolis on Labor Day. Following this event, he will return to campaigning for the upcoming elections. His brief but meaningful visit to the fair allowed people from all backgrounds the chance to connect with their governor in a relaxed, festive atmosphere, showcasing the spirit of Minnesota.
