Art Hounds: Llamas in costume at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," and as such offers some fabulous — and unique — cultural entertainment. We turned to the hounds to find out their favorites.

Laney Ohmans of the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs loves the State Fair, and one of her favorite events is the llama costume contest. 4-H kids make matching or coordinated costumes for themselves and their llamas.

Ohmans says it's bizarre and lovely and popular, so go early to guarantee a seat. This year the contest takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the AgStar Arena.

Prairie Fire Lady Choir's Brooke Nelson always brings her camera with her to the State Fair, and she enjoys snapping pictures of the scarecrows and the seed art in the Ag building. Nelson loves how the artists combine folk art with current events.

Every year, comedian Jen Schaal makes sure to check out the 4-H musical, known as the "Arts-In."

Kids work together to write and perform a new musical, making costumes and even composing their own music. There are several shows daily; Schaal says even if you don't think you're into musicals, go and show the hardworking kids some love.