Minnesota State Fair named best in nation by USA Today readers

Deep-fry this and put it on a stick, folks.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together has been named the best state fair in the nation by readers of USA Today's 10 Best website.

Already known as the largest in the U.S. judged by average daily attendance, the fair packed in 1.78 million visitors over its 12-day run at the State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights this year, slightly below the 2014 record of 1.82 million fans.

For the past month, USA Today's "10Best" readers have voted for their favorites from around the nation. Fairs could be considered tops for their weird foods, thrill rides, entertainment lineups, giant vegetables and animal exhibitions — and, evidently, their butter sculptures.

Reinforcing the Minnesota Nice notion, USA Today noted that our fair received a bonus award for ethics, "given to companies with exceptional customer service and integrity."

Completing the top 10 were, in descending order: Iowa State Fair in Des Moines; Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass.; State Fair of Texas in Dallas; Great New York State Fair in Syracuse; California State Fair in Sacramento; Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis; Ohio State Fair in Columbus; Arizona State Fair in Phoenix; and North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.

The New York fair in Syracuse was the nation's first state fair, held more than 170 years ago, according to Fodor's travel writers. And the Texas fair holds the distinction of having the tallest Ferris wheel — the Texas Star, at a towering 212 feet high.

But when it comes to milk princesses, tubs of hot cookies and all things on a stick, we beat the rest hands-down.

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