FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - For many people, the Minnesota State Fair is all about cheese curds and other sinful foods. But for those with food allergies, some foods could actually be deadly.
Jeff Schaefer of the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA) said it can help those who have food allergies find fun at the fair without the food.
In fact, it provides some of that fun in the Health Fair building. Every year, Mad Science is a part of the AFAA booth.
Stephen Lindemer with Mad Science blows bubbles filled with carbon dioxide and places them on fairgoers' hands. When the bubbles pop, they release a white smoke. Lindemer also has a device that when you place your hands on it will send a current through your body making your hair stand on end.
AFAA holds an annual conference and expo, coordinates special allergen-free sections at local events and provides support and resources for those with food allergies.
Here are the AFAA suggestions for fun at the fair.
Non-Food Activities at the Minnesota State Fair!
1. Mad Science activities at our booth!
2. Butterfly House!
3. Minnesota fish and animals at DNR Building!
4. Kid pretend farming at Little Farm Hands!
5. Rides! (Kidway for little kids, and Mighty Midway for taller and older kids, Skyride, Space Tower, bungee slingshots, etc.)
6. Lumberjack demonstrations like log rolling & competitive sawing at The North Woods!
7. Free concerts (Heritage Square, International Bazaar, Bandshell, Family Fair Baldwin Park, DNR Pond, Senior Center)!
8. Shopping (Grandstand, Colesium, Merchandize Mart, International Bazaar, etc.)!
9. Learning (Health Fair -where the AFAA booth is located, Agriculture Building, Education Building, 4-H Building, Heritage Square, DNR, Pet Center, Progress Center/Eco Experience, etc.)!
10. Fun history (Heritage Square Exhibits and Train, Pioneer cabin, MN Press Building, and Blacksmith; Log Post
Office Building on Underwood Street (yes, you can send mail there), statue of Minnesota Pioneer Women, etc.)!
11. Shows (nightly Grandstand shows, Colesium Horse Shows, 4H Shows, Senior Center Shows, etc.)!
12. Tree carvings - how many are there???
13. Animal Barns and Children's Miracle of Birth Center (baby animals)!
14. Live newscasts - be in the audience!
15. Games (Mighty Midway & elsewhere)!
16. Daily parade.
17. Historical Walking Tour of the Fairgrounds.
18. Healthfair - get your cholesterol checked, try a Wii, check your hearing, talk to allergists and other doctors!
19. Horse Shows at the Coliseum - see English jumping, 2 or 6 horse draft teams with old-fashioned wagons, Western riding, jumping, and more!
21.Free Dog Shows by Pet Center (north part of fairgrounds).
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)