No free food samples given at the State Fair

No free food samples given at the State Fair On Tuesday, I mentioned some of the best freebies at the State Fair. One that I didn't mention is free food -- because it doesn't exist, at least in my experience. I asked for a free sample of alligator, wine and an apple slice and was refused, albeit nicely, each time.

A fair representative said that while free samples are allowed, the fair must be notified of the intent to provide samples in case the Minnesota Department of Health wants to inspect.

I can understand why vendors can't afford to give away samples, but I'd pay a quarter for a single cheese curd. To eat the whole tray, you'd have to pay me.

Here are other State Fair deals:

At the Spectacle Shop (southeast wall of upper grandstand), kids' sunglasses are only $1. Lens cleaner cloths are free.

Spending $15 on one item at the fair might seem like a lot, but it's a steal to get a one-year membership to Angie's List for that. A membership bought at the fair (lower level of the grandstand, near the back wall) gives the subscriber online access to ratings on local doctors and dentists, electricians, roofers, heating and air-conditioning contractors, plumbers and hundreds more.

Last year, the fair deal was $30 for a one-year membership, so this deal is the best I've seen. A membership is normally about $39 a year on sale, but when I called the company at 1-888-944-5478, a representative said she would honor the $15 rate over the phone after checking with a supervisor.

Big deals at outlet mall As the outlet-mall concept fades and the economy continues to slump, deals in malls such as Albertville Premium Outlets (6415 Labeaux Av. NE., Albertville, Minn., 763-497-1911, www.premiumoutlets.com/albertville) have improved. Some stores are offering wide-ranging discounts for Labor Day, including Kenneth Cole (31 or 41 percent off most items, 763-497-0876), Calvin Klein (40 percent off most items, subject to change, 763-497-8016), New York & Co. (30 to 50 percent off most items, 763-497-9721) and Coldwater Creek (30 percent off all items Friday through Monday, 763-497-0367). Coach (763-497-3951) has been handing out a coupon for "20 percent off your entire purchase today only" at the door but would not confirm if it will be offered over the weekend.

If you don't want to drive to Albertville, some local thrift stores, including Goodwill, Savers, Unique and Value Village, offer 50 percent off the entire store on Labor Day.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.