A Family Affair at the Minnesota State Fair

Ellen Reinhardt has sold her tie-dyed clothing at the Minnesota State Fair for 20 years now.

Reinhardt, of Minnetonka, designs the color combinations for her pieces and then hires dyers to finish the job. Colorful Cotton Clothing is located in the Merchandise Mart building, on the corner of Dan Patch Ave. and Cooper Street.

“After 20 years, the people (customers at the fair) are like members of my family,” she said. “They come back year after year and buy from us."

Reinhardt is pleased to now have the help of her favorite daughter-in-law, Sarah Reinhardt, who is also the mayor of Spring Park.

Reinhardt’s bubbly personality shines through as she helps a customer.

“I’m looking for a skirt,” the customer says.

“Oh, I think we are all sold out already,” Reinhardt replies.

It’s only a few hours into the fair's opening day—illustrating how demand is for some items.

“Oh, what a bummer,” is the customer’s reply.

“Wait!” says Reinhardt. “I think there is one left, on the sale rack for $10.”

The customer smiles and pays her, very happy with the price and the product.

Minnesota Nice, at its best.

Fair goers can find the Spring Park mayor's colorful cotton clothing in the Merchandise Mart building, on the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cooper Street.