The Minnesota State Fair is all about stuffing your face, screaming on midway rides and petting cute little piglets.
But does any of that fun stuff actually happen if you don't Instagram it? OK, yes it does. But taking photos at the Fair makes everything that much more fun.
That's why we're hosting an Instameet at the Fair on Saturday, Aug. 29.
What's an Instameet, you ask? It's a gathering of local Instagram users who meet up to take photos and hang out. And we want you to join us. You'll be able to meet fellow social media lovers, geek out over clever shots and maybe get inspired. As an added bonus, there will be prizes and the chance to have your photo featured in a cover spread in the Star Tribune Variety section.
The Star Tribune is partnering with the local Insta-experts at @Minnstameets on this event, which we're calling the Great Minnesota Gram Together. On Aug. 29, we'll gather at 5 p.m. behind the Star Tribune's Fair booth, where you can meet local Instagram stars @shineonyoucraydiamond and @mamacita.rita and chat with Star Tribune photographer Jeff Wheeler (@jeffersonwheeler) and me, @tomhorgen.
The first 200 attendees will get free swag to commemorate the evening, and everyone will get a chance to win prizes that will surely beef up your mobile photos (such as a high-quality macro lens and bluetooth remote). At the end of the night, we'll take a big group shot. Join our Facebook event or follow the @StarTribune on Instagram for the latest updates.
Remember to include this hashtag on your photos: #TheGreatMinnesotaGramTogether. We're looking for photos that fit into five categories: food, faces, attractions, moments and something we're calling #SoMinnesota. The best shots will be featured in a Star Tribune Variety cover story the following week, and more of our favorites will appear on our website.
If you can't make it, you can still participate. We'll check that hashtag for great Fair photos until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 — so if you go the Fair anytime in the first four days, tag 'em for a chance to be featured in the @StarTribune Instagram feed, in an online gallery or even in the print paper.
The Great Minnesota Gram Together
When: 5-8 p.m. Sat., Aug. 29.
Where: Minnesota State Fair.
Details: Meet and greet 5-5:30 p.m. behind the Star Tribune's booth near the grandstand; spread out and take photos 5:30-7:30 p.m.; prize drawing and big group photo at 7:30 p.m. behind Star Tribune's booth.
Prizes + swag: There will be three prizes given away: An Olloclip 4-in-1 lens for iPhone 6/6 Plus, a HISY Bluetooth remote and a Joby iPhone tripod/mount. Everyone who attends will get one free drawing ticket. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing (after the group photo). In addition, the first 200 attendees will receive a StarTribune lanyard and custom name badge. The first 100 attendees are guaranteed the Star Tribune's limited edition mini-donut flavored lip balm.
