Hey, What Happened to Minneapolis Day? (Six Days in 1910)

We're all familiar with the State Fair's "Promotional Days" -- Thrifty Thursdays, Seniors Days, Read and Ride Day, and so forth. While the specific offerings change over time, the basic concept has long roots. Take a glance, for example, at the six promotional days for the Minnesota State Fair of 1910:

• Labor Day and President Taft Day
• St. Paul Day and Roosevelt Day
• Derby Day and G.A.R. Day
• Territorial Day and Conservation Day
• Minneapolis Day
• Automobile Day

"President Taft Day" was no long-distance nod to the sitting president; the president himself addressed the crowds. He was accompanied by Teddy Roosevelt, who had delivered his famous "speak softly and carry a big stick" speech at the Minnesota State Fair in 1901.