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For Bill Carlson, Fair Was Home Away From Home

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― In an interview conducted in 2006, Bill Carlson was in his element, talking freely about the State Fair.

"There is no question that it is a gathering of Minnesotans and, in a very real way, a gathering of old friends," said Carlson.

His friends said it was his home away from home, and to prove it, he made it to 61 consecutive Minnesota State Fairs, a streak that began in 1947.

"Even the years I was in the army, for some strange reason I was able to be home for a couple days just to go to the Fair," said Carlson.

Bill and the "Great Minnesota Get Together" were made for each other. He is a part of its history, growing up across the street from the Fairgrounds.

"Before I was really eligible to hold down a job, I was collecting tickets at the merry-go-round here and the penny arcade," said Carlson.

Over the years he developed his personal favorites. A true animal lover, he enjoyed the horse barn, the pet center, and the reptiles. Pronto pups were his favorite Fair food. He wasn't crazy about the rides, but he was a frequent visitor to the State Fair Museum.

"It's a fascinating place because there are things you remember and things you never knew about the State Fair. And it's all gathered together in this one building," he said.

Fair general manager Jerry Hammer often saw Bill among the people. Hammer said he was classic, a fixture on the fairgrounds.

"You hate to lose good friends, and guys like Bill are really rare. He was classy, had a big heart and a good soul," said Hammer.

If there is a fair in heaven, friends said Bill will be stopping by and making new friends, like the thousands he made every year at the "Great Minnesota Get Together."

"It's changed, but it's still fascinating in many ways," said Carlson in 2006.

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