New vendor at the Minnesota State Fair specializes in sober servings

Landing a spot at the Minnesota State Fair as a vendor can really put a business on the map, but getting there can be a process that takes years.

One of the eight new vendors says their slow and steady approach made their decade-long dream come true.

It’s all about inclusivity at Urban Glow Mocktails, with seven different non-alcoholic drinks that serve every taste bud.

“Everyone deserves to raise a glass to celebrate,” said Jill Pavlak with Urban Glow Mocktails. “You don’t have to drink alcohol to feel like you’re partaking in something.”

There’s pineapple upside-down cake for the sweet tooth, all the way to what’s called the “dirty no-tini” for those who just can’t get enough pickle and brine at the fair.

“Trying to find something that everyone will like,” said Deb Loch, with Urban Glow Mocktails.

And while this may be the first time this tent has been up on the state fairgrounds, this isn’t Loch and Pavlak’s first rodeo.

The duo has a taproom, Urban Growler Brewing, just down the road from the fairgrounds.

They’ve been dipping their toes in the state fair water for 10 years now, trying to prove they’re ready for their big shot.

“We have been strategic in our partnerships at the state fair,” Pavlak added. “We did kind of big dill lemonade, and we provided beer at a variety of vendors, and we thought after that type of success for others, why not give it a try with our mocktails?”

Even though the state fair is almost over, this is not the end of the road for these mocktails.

Urban Glow will carry the momentum from the fair into the taproom, where they will sell the fun flavors in a can real soon.