Attend a state fair

“This was my first time attending the Minnesota State Fair, and I was pleased to find that it wasn’t all that different from my adored Wisconsin State Fair. I found fewer cheese stands to be still my beating heart, and fewer vendors, but overall the similarities were uncanny. One thing that seems to be true of both state fairs (and possibly all State Fairs) is the ability for adults to return to their childhood state of mind. Butter. Seriously. People play with butter at State Fair. When’s the last time your mom let you sculpt the butter? Full-fledged adults wander around wearing paper animal crowns, like it’s their Birthday at Burger King. I didn’t do a headcount, but I’m pretty sure I saw more adults toting silly crowns on their heads than little ones. They were walking about petting baby animals, talking to horses, competitively carving butter, eating dessert on a stick before their dinner on stick, and going on enough twirling, flipping, and dipping rides to shake the brain giggly.”

“Sunday was warm. I like the heat, but not as much when you’re elbow to elbow with people all vying for the shady spots. [...] The fair was so deserted for a Labor Day Weekend. It has to be the heat keeping people away, and cutting the day shorter. I don’t mind, as the lines are short and there’s more elbow room!”

“Yesterday for opening day, I parked on the grounds for the first time ever. Gate 10 was easy get into, but I did wait in line in my car to park there, so count that time too. (And the wait yesterday was MUCH less than it will be on weekends.) Shows and concerts are free with your admission into the fair. Some of the museums (i.e. Dallas Childrens Aquarium) did have an extra charge for certain exhibits, but nothing more than a few dollars (they dont accept coupons). Midway rides also range in coupons from 4-6 for the kiddy rides, up to 20 coupons for the most extreme ones in the "Thrillway." Games now use a "card" system where you purchase a card that you pre-load with money and then swipe at the games. You'll see the card kiosks close to the games. They can be fun, but they are your typical carnival games so expect for the house to win most of the time.”