Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
For the last five years, Kristen Donaldson, Margie McCarron and Kathy Riewe have hosted “Info Booth Ladies,” an unofficial Minnesota State Fair podcast. Riewe worked at the fair for over 50 years — her first shift was at 8 years old at a diner her parents owned on the fairgrounds. On the podcast, her knowledge of the fair was front and center. The trio interviewed dozens of fair workers but in March, the unexpected happened, and they became the story.
Riewe died suddenly on March 24 at 63 years old. When Donaldson and McCarron got the call, they were stunned.
The two decided to announce on the podcast that Riewe had died to let their fans also grieve the loss. Riewe did not want a funeral, wake or obituary but the Info Booth Ladies still wanted a way to honor her so on Monday at the fair they held a remembrance for her. Around 50 people stopped by between their shifts at the fair to tell stories about Riewe.
Season six of the podcast is dedicated to Riewe. Donaldson and McCarron are still debating if there will be a season seven.
Story by Sam Stroozas
Video captured by Anne Guttridge and edited by Nicole Ki
For the last five years, Kristen Donaldson, Margie McCarron and Kathy Riewe have hosted “Info Booth Ladies,” an unofficial Minnesota State Fair podcast. Riewe worked at the fair for over 50 years — her first shift was at 8 years old at a diner her parents owned on the fairgrounds. On the podcast, her knowledge of the fair was front and center. The trio interviewed dozens of fair workers but in March, the unexpected happened, and they became the story.
Riewe died suddenly on March 24 at 63 years old. When Donaldson and McCarron got the call, they were stunned.
The two decided to announce on the podcast that Riewe had died to let their fans also grieve the loss. Riewe did not want a funeral, wake or obituary but the Info Booth Ladies still wanted a way to honor her so on Monday at the fair they held a remembrance for her. Around 50 people stopped by between their shifts at the fair to tell stories about Riewe.
Season six of the podcast is dedicated to Riewe. Donaldson and McCarron are still debating if there will be a season seven.
Story by Sam Stroozas
Video captured by Anne Guttridge and edited by Nicole Ki
