Minnesota State Fair Welcomes Governor Tim Walz Amid Tight Security
St. Paul, Minnesota –
Governor Tim Walz made a quick and spirited visit to the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday morning, his first since being named as Kamala Harris’s running mate on the Democratic ticket. The governor’s 30-minute appearance was marked by strict security measures, including metal barricades and patrols by Secret Service agents and security dogs, reflecting his elevated national profile.
“I don’t get 12 days, which I normally get,” Walz mentioned, acknowledging the challenges of being in the national spotlight. “It’s a little bit more of a disruption…but it’s exciting. I think people are seeing we’re getting to talk about Minnesota across the country.”
Despite the hurried schedule, Walz did not miss out on some traditional fair activities. His first stop was the famous **_pork chop on a stick_** stand, where the governor took a brief moment to indulge in classic fair foods before continuing his tour. He made his way through the Dairy Building where he was met with enthusiastic fairgoers, many of whom were eager to snap photos with him.
Nathan Laible, a resident of Golden Valley, was among those who noticed the unusual amount of security. “We were going to come in and get a malt and we could see all the security and we just said, ‘It’s probably Walz,’” he said. Laible ended up taking pictures of Walz instead of getting his ice cream.
Accompanied by his wife Gwen and daughter Hope, Walz handed out **_soft-serve ice cream cones_** to fair attendees, embodying the friendly and approachable nature that the State Fair represents. He also engaged with 19-year-old Rachel Visser, the 2022 Princess Kay of the Milky Way, who proudly displayed her butter sculpture likeness to the governor.
Walz, wearing a “Minnesota Grown” hat and shirt, made a firm statement about the importance of agriculture in Minnesota, claiming that “agriculture is still king in Minnesota.” The governor emphasized that many people at the fair are bound to participate in agribusiness over their lifetimes.
As he circulated the Dairy Building, Walz stopped for selfies and handshakes with fans before purchasing a **_fishing reel koozie_** as a souvenir. His participation in the fair was a stark contrast to his last experience, where he could roam freely among the crowd, sampling fair foods and mingling without significant security measures.
Now, just weeks into his new role on the national stage, Walz has traveled extensively to battleground states for events and rallies alongside Harris. The Minnesota State Fair has become strategically significant, offering a platform for Walz to showcase his Midwestern appeal and connect with local residents. Observers online shared moments from previous fairs, including memories of Walz riding the slingshot with his daughter and even cradling a newborn piglet.
While many fairgoers showed their support by wearing Harris-Walz pins and T-shirts, not all attendees were in favor of the governor. A small protest presence was noted, with individuals carrying “Never Walz” fans distributed by local conservative groups, signaling the complex political landscape that surrounds such events.
This year’s fair sees politicians, like Walz, engage directly with the public to gain support. Historically, the state fair has welcomed notable figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders in 2019 and former President Theodore Roosevelt, who famously remarked, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Many fair attendees expressed excitement at seeing Walz in his new role. Wesley Poland, visiting from Blaine with his son Vincent, shared his admiration for the governor. “He’s a vice presidential candidate,” Vincent noted, expressing enthusiasm no matter the political views.
As Walz wraps up his brief visit, he is scheduled to meet with labor leaders in St. Paul before heading back to Wisconsin for more campaigning at the Milwaukee Area Labor Council’s Laborfest. His brief yet impactful engagement at the fair illustrates the balancing act between his gubernatorial responsibilities and the demands of a national campaign.
