SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Every month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the price of hundreds of items, ranging from groceries to gasoline.

A University of Saint Thomas economics professor and his students are taking that idea to the Minnesota State Fair.

"It's going to be called the 'On a Stick Index,”' associate economics professor Tyler Schipper says.

The “On the Stick Index” tracks the price of around 30 popular items at the Minnesota State Fair.

Professor Schipper says the prices for each item will be tracked individually and also together as one large index that tracks the overall cost for a family of four to visit the Minnesota State Fair.

“It looks at tickets, transportation, rides and various food items,” Schipper explains.

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