MINNEAPOLIS — Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz munched on a pork chop on a stick and washed it down with a vanilla shake Sunday as the Minnesota governor and his family visited his home state fair.

Flanked by his wife, Gwen, and their daughter, Hope, and with a security detail trailing behind, Walz eyed rows of food vendors offering all manner of fair delicacies, many served on a stick.

“For those not from Minnesota, just to be clear, there’s a lot of great state fairs in the country, this is the best one,” Walz said. “I can say that having tried pork chops in Iowa.”

Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to a crowd gathered at the Dairy building during his visit at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 1, 2024. (Clay Masters/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

The annual 12-day fair is an opportunity for Minnesota farmers to showcase their products. Walz highlighted the state’s agricultural sector as he made his way past booths with signs like “PUT SOME PORK ON YOUR FORK” and “#PORKPROUD.”

Cheering fairgoers crowded around to shake hands with Walz and snap photos.

Walz acknowledged that his status as Kamala Harris’ running mate may have caused more disruption that usual at an already packed fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, a Minneapolis suburb. But he said the increased attention gave him a chance to promote Minnesota’s economy and culture.

“I think people are seeing that we’re getting to talk about Minnesota across the country, talk about the economy here, talk about things like the state fair, talk about agriculture,” Walz said.

On Labor Day, Walz plans to meet with union leaders in Milwaukee.

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