Upcoming highlights from the new Star Tribune Stage at the Minnesota State Fair

Mini Sconuts aren't the only new thing at the State Fair.

The Star Tribune will debut its tricked-out new booth, expertly designed with energy-efficient lighting, Cambria countertops and improved signage.

Minnesota's largest media company will also debut the "Star Tribune Stage," an open-air amphitheater adjacent to the remolded building with bench seating for fairgoers.

In addition to stopping by the booth for Star Tribune 150th anniversary merchandise or the coveted free lip balm (it's "stick" this year, by the way) check out the stage for a range of guests in sports, culture, politics and other professions.

Think you know your Minnesota history? Trivia Mafia tests smarty pants participants on historical happenings in the land of the loon with some questions pulled from the pages of the Star Tribune. Meet the creator of the Editorial pages' snarky cartoons when the Star Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Sack talks about his career and signs copies of his book, "The First and Only Book of Sack." There's no shortage of news, laughs and music on the stage during the Great Minnesota Get-Together with appearances by:

Aug. 24: Lori Sturdevant with Gov. Mark Dayton, 11 a.m.; Baking at the Fair with Kim Ode and blue-ribbon winning bakers, 1 p.m.; Chris Riemenschneider with Curtiss A, 3 p.m.

Aug. 25: Star Tribune meteorologist Paul Douglas, 11 a.m.; Patricia Lopez with Congressman Erik Paulsen, 1 p.m.; Trivia Mafia, 3 p.m.

Aug. 26: Jennifer Brooks: Farm animals and the kids who show them, 11 a.m.; Neal Justin with Ernie Hudson from "Ghostbusters" and "Grace and Frankie," 1 p.m.; Trivia Mafia, 3 p.m.

Aug. 27: Explore the Star Tribune Digital Archives, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; Trivia Mafia, 1 p.m.

Aug. 28: Book signing with Star Tribune Pulitzer-winning cartoonist Steve Sack, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; La Velle Neal with Twins general manager Thad Levine, 12:30 p.m.; Jerry Zgoda with Timberwolves Coach Tom Thibodeau, 3:45 p.m.

Aug. 29: Trivia Mafia, 11 a.m.; State Fair Favorites with Rick Nelson and Melissa Walker, 1 p.m.; Food & Drink Insider Tips with Tom Horgen and Amelia Rayno, 3 p.m.

Aug. 30: Tom Horgen and Peace Coffee talk about the new Star Tribune coffee, 11 a.m.; Minnesota Wild preview with Michael Russo and Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher, 1 p.m.; Trivia Mafia, 3 p.m.

Aug. 31: Trivia Mafia, 11 a.m.; Beers of the State Fair with Michael Agnew and John Garland from the Growler, 1 p.m.; Chris Riemenschneider with Romantica, 4 p.m.

Sept. 1: Vikings preview with Ben Goessling and Chip Scoggins, 11 a.m.; Minnesota United Update with Megan Ryan, Loons general manager Manny Lagos and sideline reporter Jamie Watson, 1 p.m.; Gail Rosenblum on taking the high road with life's tricky situations, 3 p.m.

Sept. 2: Trivia Mafia. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Explore the Star Tribune Digital Archives. 3 p.m.

Sept. 3: Trivia Mafia. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Explore the Star Tribune Digital Archives. 3 p.m.

Sept. 4: Trivia Mafia. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Explore the Star Tribune Digital Archives. 3 p.m.