Fairchild, the original State Fair mascot, has ties to a Minnesota family
In 1966, Fairchild the gopher was born, and was later joined later by his nephew, Fairborne, in 1983.
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In 1966, Fairchild the gopher was born, and was later joined later by his nephew, Fairborne, in 1983.
There are more than 200 police officers, sheriff's deputies and state troopers from more than 60 law enforcement agencies at the fairgrounds this year.
There’s a record number of law enforcement personnel all around the fairgrounds this year at the Minnesota State Fair. Investigative Reporter Jonah Kaplan gives a behind the scenes look.
Hours spent digging back through the WCCO archives give a special, nostalgic look at the Great Minnesota Get-Together from years past.
The Minnesota State Fair is no stranger to massive crowds, and for some, the sights, sounds and smells of the fair can be as fun as they are overwhelming.
The Minnesota State Fair is no stranger to massive crowds, and for some, the sights, sounds and smells of the fair can be as fun as they are overwhelming.
Thursday is Seniors Day at the Minnesota State Fair, with a discounted admission price of $13 for visitors 65 and older.
Take a brief look back in time to see what the Minnesota State Fair looked like in 1960s -- compared to the same spots in 2023! From the Grandstand to the WCCO Booth, it's a unique look back in time.
One of the most iconic rides at the State Fair will be closed for the rest of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Among the winners this year at the fair were two high-profile recent food vendors with an eye toward giving fairgoers a truly international culinary experience.
From pronto pups to cotton candy, everything seems bigger at the Minnesota State Fair. But there's a new attraction that lets you cut the competition down to size!
A major malfunction at the Minnesota State Fair grounded a popular ride on Wednesday.
The Space Tower is an iconic attraction and landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Built in 1964, it's hundreds of feet of history.
The Space Tower is an iconic attraction and landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Built in 1964, it's hundreds of feet of history.
Sandwiched in between the food and rides at the Minnesota State Fair, you'll find political signs, booths, and politicians. Esme Murphy talks to voters at the GOP and DFL booths.
It was another packed barn for the best in show Wednesday at the Minnesota State Fair Rooster Crowing Contest.
If you go to see Yia Vang and the Union Hmong Kitchen crew at the fair this year, you'll be treated to a few new items, including a five-spice coconut Thai tea and a steamed bun made with love by Vang's mother and the rest of her church crew.
A very special fan joined the WCCO gang at the fair Tuesday. Hollywood star Josh Duhamel came by to tell us about his new show on CBS called “Buddy Games.” And the 4 crew had a chance to try some Buddy Games for themselves!
Landing a spot at the Minnesota State Fair as a vendor can catapult a business. But getting there is a process that can take years.
Landing a spot at the Minnesota State Fair as a vendor can catapult a business. But getting there is a process that can take years.
The giant pumpkin competition at the Minnesota State Fair may be the most well-known, but there’s about 150 different categories in the vegetable and potato competition.
You've probably heard about the largest pumpkin competition at the Minnesota State Fair. But there are actually 150 categories in the vegetable and potato competition. They're on display in the Agriculture Horticulture Building.
Tuesday is Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair. Veterans from all over the state gathered at the fairgrounds to be honored for their service, and to reunite with their comrades.
"I started crying. I was so excited to see this mission to bring human dignity to Minnesota, and now to be able to bring it to the State Fair was like we are really doing something, we are making it happen," Sarah St. Louis said.
They're adorable, they're energetic, and they're amazing athletes! The All-Star Stunt Dogs are here -- you won't want to miss them!
Minneapolis has softened an ordinance that prohibited obstructing entrances and driveways to abortion clinics after anti-abortion activists sued to challenge it on free-speech grounds.
A Montrose man has pleaded guilty in connection to a deadly multi-vehicle collision involving a stolen truck earlier this year.
If the snow can stick around, they could get back on track. But across the industry there is concern about what the Arctic Cat news means for snowmobile dealers.
In south Minneapolis, there's a tree that doesn't ask for much — just a little kindness and the willingness to connect.
A Hennepin County man is back in jail nearly a week after he was mistakenly released just hours after being sentenced to years in prison on drug-related charges.
Minneapolis has softened an ordinance that prohibited obstructing entrances and driveways to abortion clinics after anti-abortion activists sued to challenge it on free-speech grounds.
In south Minneapolis, there's a tree that doesn't ask for much — just a little kindness and the willingness to connect.
A Hennepin County man is back in jail nearly a week after he was mistakenly released just hours after being sentenced to years in prison on drug-related charges.
A 38-year-old woman is facing four charges in connection with a north Minneapolis crash that killed two people and injured three others.
A DFL state representative-elect did not meet residency requirements for the district he won and is not eligible to serve in that office, a judge ruled Friday.
A Montrose man has pleaded guilty in connection to a deadly multi-vehicle collision involving a stolen truck earlier this year.
A 61-year-old man is dead after the vehicle he was driving collided with two semi-trucks on Interstate 94 during Thursday's winter storm.
An investigation is underway after a man and woman were found dead in a vehicle parked at the Duluth airport.
A one-year extension of federal farm programs, around $30 billion in economic relief and a break for the ethanol industry were part of a bipartisan deal that collapsed Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump denounced it.
An investigation is underway after a woman was killed in a hit-and-run in northern Minnesota earlier this week.
The Centers for Disease Control says no person-to-person transmission has been detected and the risk to the general public remains low.
The man was flown to a hospital in Minnesota, but the department gave no word on his condition. No one else was hurt.
Xcel says the project is intended to replace the energy that will be lost when its coal-fueled power plant near Stillwater closes in 2028.
Minnesota and Wisconsin leaders are responding to the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Roughly 70,000 gallons of oil from a pipeline spilled into the ground in Wisconsin, officials said.
Army veteran Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car for six months.
It looks like any other grocery store, but when you check out at Today's Harvest in Maplewood, shoppers aren't spending a dime.
The Buck Hill slopes played host to "Carve for a Cure" on Sunday, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
As an equestrian with years of experience, Jen Kelly has taken a tumble or two — until a tumble in September 2020 where she broke three vertebrae in her neck and crushed her spinal cord.
A Vikings Hall of Famer is experiencing all kinds of emotions. Cris Carter is dealing with the announcement by Randy Moss of his cancer condition. Saturday night he surprised kids on behalf of the Salvation Army with a gift bag that lacked for nothing.
Minneapolis has softened an ordinance that prohibited obstructing entrances and driveways to abortion clinics after anti-abortion activists sued to challenge it on free-speech grounds.
A judge's ruling could shake up control of the Minnesota House.
A DFL state representative-elect did not meet residency requirements for the district he won and is not eligible to serve in that office, a judge ruled Friday.
Under the new law, aerosol dusters will need to be kept behind store counters, and can only sold to people 21 or older starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
If the snow can stick around, they could get back on track. But across the industry there is concern about what the Arctic Cat news means for snowmobile dealers.
For generations, it's been an iconic part of the Twin Cities, and now it has its very own song, thanks to one of Minneapolis' own.
It looks like any other grocery store, but when you check out at Today's Harvest in Maplewood, shoppers aren't spending a dime.
Heating your home in the winter can take a toll on your pocketbook, but it doesn't have to with some easy tips to save.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
A Montrose man has pleaded guilty in connection to a deadly multi-vehicle collision involving a stolen truck earlier this year.
A Hennepin County man is back in jail nearly a week after he was mistakenly released just hours after being sentenced to years in prison on drug-related charges.
A 38-year-old woman is facing four charges in connection with a north Minneapolis crash that killed two people and injured three others.
Prosecutors said Friday a St. Paul police officer who shot a man while responding to a sexual assault call will not face charges.
A man is dead after he was shot late Thursday night in a north Minneapolis alley.
Minneapolis has softened an ordinance that prohibited obstructing entrances and driveways to abortion clinics after anti-abortion activists sued to challenge it on free-speech grounds.
Under the new law, aerosol dusters will need to be kept behind store counters, and can only sold to people 21 or older starting Jan. 1, 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control says no person-to-person transmission has been detected and the risk to the general public remains low.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Wednesday that it had detected presumptive positive human case of H5N1 in Barron County.
Kathy Ingebrand of Mahtomedi is one of the first people in the country to receive the infusion meant to slow down Alzheimer's disease by up to 35%.
Holidazzle is a free event with lights, stage performances, Santa, nearly 200 vendors and more. It runs Wednesday through Sunday.
For generations, it's been an iconic part of the Twin Cities, and now it has its very own song, thanks to one of Minneapolis' own.
Among the 25 films selected by the Library of Congress to be preserved for future generations are the Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men," "The Social Network," Cheech & Chong's "Up in Smoke," and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
Thirty years ago on Friday, the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington was demolished.
Hope Walz, daughter of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, took a swipe at influential podcaster Joe Rogan and the men among his fanbase after the host said he supported President-elect Donald Trump due to misstatements the former Democratic vice presidential candidate made about his past.
Two high-powered girls basketball teams in Delano and Centennial met on the court Friday. Plus, see how Prince and Hiawatha High School’s gym are heavily connected.
Kelly Pannek and Grace Zumwinkle each scored two goals and the Minnesota Frost beat the Ottawa Charge 5-2 on Thursday night.
Karl-Anthony Towns needed some extra time to prepare for playing against the team he always figured he'd be with his whole career.
You can take Karl-Anthony Towns out of Minnesota, as the New York Knicks did with an offseason trade, but Towns' comments ahead of his return to Target Center show the inverse is certainly not true.
After losing his job as the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins is promising to support rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins threw nine interceptions with one touchdown in the past five games.
Esme Murphy talks with Congressman Pete Stauber, who hopes to see President Biden’s 20-year moratorium on new mining near the Boundary Waters reversed by President-elect Donald Trump.
President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to reverse President Biden's 20-year moratorium on new mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on his first day in office.
In this election, Klobuchar faired much better than all other Senate Democrats — she won by a significantly larger margin.
For Democrats the postmortem continues on why Vice President Kamala Harris and her Running mate Governor Tim Walz performed more poorly with almost every demographic than Joe Biden did in 2020. In Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar did much better than Harris with some of those same groups.
As Election Day nears, experts say voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states will decide the 2024 presidential election winner.
During the first week of December, Little Falls holds Christmas tours around town. It's a chance for historic buildings to deck their halls and spread their cheer.
Duluth is known for its scenic views across the city, but one location stands out from the rest.
One family's creative design in central Minnesota allows guests to sleep under the stars — at any time of year.
"Thomas Dambo, he believes the trolls really help us kind of shine a light on how we can take better care of the environment and be better to each other," said Stearns.
There are a lot of quirky town names in Minnesota: Embarrass, Nowthen, Clontarff, Kiester. But the people of Nimrod believe their name stands out from the rest.
There are a lot of reasons to get distracted this time of year and to procrastinate.
It's a term that's being thrown around a lot these days. Some think it's a social thing, others a medical thing.
Every home has a distinct smell, and chances are your home smells just as strong to other people. Why can't we notice our own home's smell but we can notice everyone else's?
An important deadline is approaching, and we're not talking about Christmas shopping. End of semester exams are coming up for students of all ages.
Jeff Wagner dives into the cold-weather dating trend that has singles looking for love with a time limit.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Storms ripped through parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday evening. There were several reports of tornadoes and trees were downed in the metro and beyond, including in Cottage Grove, Anoka, Champlin and Fridley.
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday night, delaying Tuesday's opening.
If the snow can stick around, they could get back on track. But across the industry there is concern about what the Arctic Cat news means for snowmobile dealers.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says this weekend will feature temperatures in the 20s and 30s, with warmer temps forecasted next week.
The weekend will start out quiet and cold, but we'll be milder by the end of it.
A reminder to watch where you park on the streets in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says this weekend will feature temperatures in the 20s and 30s, with warmer temps forecasted next week.
A tree in the Bryant neighborhood of south Minneapolis is connecting people of all ages through thoughtfully-crafted words and phrases.
The Black Hart of St. Paul has been named one of the best soccer bars in America by the Men in Blazers podcast, and people have a chance to vote it to the top spot on the list.
If the snow can stick around, they could get back on track. But across the industry there is concern about what the Arctic Cat news means for snowmobile dealers.
The weekend will start out quiet and cold, but we'll be milder by the end of it.