State Fair 2011: Fair shopping

The Great Minnesota Get-Together isn't just about the food and rides. Although many goods at the fair skew toward the folksy (cat paintings, crocheted afghans, beaded jewelry), some booths offer merchandise with an international flavor. Stock up on authentic lumberjack and cowboy shirts, batik-style patio dresses and western ponchos from Flora's Dress Emporium in Heritage Square. Guys can pick up a classic Guayabera shirt (aka the "Mexican wedding shirt") at Folklore Imports at the International Bazaar. Also at the Bazaar, Ghana Crazy has hats, fans, seed pottery and rope purses from Ghana. More African goods come courtesy of Global Mamas in the Bazaar, selling hand-batiked skirts, dresses, pants, sarongs and purses, plus Shea butter soap, jewelry and scarves.

Minnesota-made goods are also in the mix. Bella Braids in the Bazaar is selling the very-on-trend, gypsy-inspired feather hair extensions. Northeast Minneapolis boutique i like you will have a mix of handmade items by Minnesota artisans and crafters, including candles, perfume, stationery, body care products and T-shirts, in Heritage Square. And shhh. beauty is offering a State Fair exclusive: its three-way beauty bar -- which can be used for shampooing, showering and shaving -- on a stick.