"Super-Spectacular" Vomit Inducer, aka "Tango"

New to the Midway roster in 2011, Tango looks like the perfect option for those of you who like thrill rides. Full disclaimer here: I don't. I don't mind a little whirl, but anything that brings me upside down is an automatic no-go. I get a headache just watching this ride. In other words, do not take this post as an actual review.

That said, this is one of the few rides on the Midway that caused our small group to stop and gawk for nearly the duration of the entire ride. My son, in particular, was VERY impressed. You'll have to see it in action for yourself to get the full picture (or better yet, try it out), but the gist of it is that the riders are strapped into open seats on three arms. The arms revolve, while at the same time the individual three gondolas (each holding eight people) simultaneously spin around on their own axes.

For those who like numbers, Tango weighs 26 tons, approximately 75 1/2 feet in height, and can be assembled in four to five hours by three people. It was designed and constructed by KMG, a Netherlands-based company specializing in what they describe as  "fun fair attractions." While riding Tango does not admittedly look like MY idea of fun, I had fun watching those with stronger stomachs try it out. And those of you who do enjoy such rides should make the trek down towards the far end of the Midway to try it out for yourself.

New Fair Food 2011: Northwoods Salad on a Stick

Looking for something relatively healthy, yet also screams "Minnesota" and "State Fair"? If so, get yourself over to Giggles' Campfire Grill (Cooper and Lee, in the log cabin near the water tower) and order up their brand-new 2011 offering: Northwoods Salad on a Stick. It's essentially a vaguely Minnesota-style kebab, with the "stick" loaded down with grape tomatoes and mozzarella, served over a bed of wild rice. It's not fried, but the chicken fried bacon (described by the owner himself as a "heart attack-on-a-stick") or the foot-long walleye sandwich also offered on the menu will help you up your calorie count.

Giggles' Campfire Grill doesn't have a non-Minnesota State Fair location, so eat up while you can.

Canine Carny Cowboys Coming Your Way in 2011

Like dogs? Like old-fashioned, western-themed vaudeville acts? Like to see dogs from rescue shelters get the chance to strut their stuff? If so, then you'll want to check out a new addition to the Minnesota State Fair's entertainment line-up: "Doggies of the Wild West," complete with a "Pooches of the Prairie" canine comedy act.

The show, run by Gary Noel and Giovanna Cardella, has the makings of a made-for-TV doggy rags-to-riches story. Down on their luck, stuck in a shelter, along comes dog trainer Gary Noel,  and -- voila! -- suddenly (well, presumably after many, many  hours of hard work and a lot of dog biscuits) these eight dogs are now canine celebrities, traveling the country with their now-expanded human and dog carny family. See them in person at the Minnesota State Fair at noon, 3:00, and 6:00, just east of Heritage Square, north of the Skyride.

New Fair Food 2011: Minneapple Pie

Fair eaters seem to be divided into two categories: those who like their favorites (and who have little room to add new options to the roster -- there's only so much one can eat in one visit!), and those who are always looking for the new and exotic, or, well, at least new. Those looking for new but with a familiar twist, or something as American as apple pie, can check out one of the new options for 2011: Minneapple Pie. "The Original Minneapple Pie" is exactly what one expects out of a fair-time apple pie: an individual apple pie battered and fried. The pies have been around for a few years now, and are currently making the rounds at smaller county fairs (and the recent Uptown Art Fair) before heading to the big leagues at their new space on the south side of Judson between Nelson and Underwood. And speaking of big leagues, you can also get a preview (or a post-fair fix) at the State Fair Classics stand at Target Field. You can also make a visit to Rogers, Minnesota, where the Minneapple Pie is just one of many tasty options cooked up by Minne's Diner. And, like any good business these days, you can also find them on Facebook.

Oh, and if you like the logo (and all related Minneapple Pie/Minne's Diner designs), thank local design experts Sussner Design Company.