By Lindsay Dickson, Minnesota State Fair Foundation

In celebration of arts in Minnesota, State Fair guests were entertained by drumming, dance, theater and music with surprise 10-minute pop-up showcases throughout the fairgrounds. This was the inaugural year for the Arts A’Fair program at the Minnesota State Fair, with plans for more performances during the 2014 State Fair.

One of the four pop-up venues was outside AgStar Arena. This arena houses judging competitions for equine and livestock, providing a great contrast to performing arts. Here is a clip of a crowd gathered for the History Theatre’s performance, “Christmas of Swing,” paying tribute to the Andrews Sisters and men and women of the Greatest Generation.

2013 participants were:

• Stages Theatre Company
• Minnesota Centennial Showboat
• Minnesota History Theatre
• Mu Performing Arts
• In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre
• TigerLion Arts
• Summerset Theatre
• Live Action Set
• Zorongo Flamenco
• Collide Theatrical Dance Company
• Duniya Drum & Dance
• Green T Productions

Arts A’Fair is supported by contributions made to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation from individuals and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. It was created by the Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota State Fair Foundation and the MAYER Company.

About the Minnesota State Fair Foundation The Minnesota State Fair Foundation provides capital and program grants to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, grounds and programs in the areas of art, education, agriculture, environment and history. For more, visit http://www.msffoundation.org.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Step right up and enjoy the show!” A “barker” was used to draw a crowd for each performance.

Arts A’Fair booth inside the Education Building, connecting artists with fair guests

A performance near the main entrance of the fairgrounds by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theater