Photos: Old ways, new generation meet at Minnesota State FairAugust 26, 2016 4:00 PMBy Courtney PerryThe State Fair experience has been a staple of Minnesota life for more than 150 years. Each year, a new generation embraces the fair's traditional — and not so traditional — joys. This year was no exception. Take a look.
Play2min 19secWhy the fair's haunted house greeter returns year after yearAugust 26, 2016 9:00 AMBy Max NesterakIf you've ever walked by the bright pink building, you may have been heralded by its veteran promoter.
Play4min 22secFood critics take on the State Fair's new eatsAugust 25, 2016 5:36 PMBy Tim NelsonPioneer Press food critic Jess Fleming, Mecca Bos from City Pages and the Heavy Table's James Norton ate their way through the old and new offerings at the 2016 fair.
Play3min 39secIt wouldn't be the State Fair without plenty of politicsAugust 25, 2016 4:39 PMBy Tim PugmireHillary Clinton and Donald Trump are unlikely to show up at State Fair this year, but their supporters are making the case to fairgoers, whether they want to hear it or not.
Play2min 47secNew at the fair: Recipe cardsAugust 25, 2016 4:24 PMBy Tim Nelson and Amanda FurruThis year, the fair is giving away a half dozen collectible recipe cards that feature Blue Ribbon-winning foods. Several of the featured chefs talk about their experience.
Play5min 00secTies that bind: It's Minnesota State Fair time againAugust 25, 2016 9:08 AMBy Tim NelsonThe fair has been a special place for millions of Minnesotans since 1859. Heartfelt stories and wide smiles were easy to find Thursday morning as the gates swung open on Day One, 2016.
Play4min 22secAt Minnesota State Fair, a last stand for ash trees?August 24, 2016 4:00 AMBy Tim NelsonFair officials are in the middle of one of the state's most intensive efforts to keep the tree-killing emerald ash borer at bay and the fairgrounds green. Here's a look inside the battle.
Play2min 21secPants or no pants? 50 years of Minnesota State Fair mascotsAugust 23, 2016 4:00 AMBy Nancy YangIn 1966, Fairchild the gopher became the official mascot of the State Fair and was joined by his nephew, Fairborne, in 1983. See how Fairchild has changed in his 50 years.
Iowa State Fair v. Minnesota State Fair: Outhouse categoryAugust 18, 2016 8:28 AMBy Bob CollinsWe must decide for ourselves which state fair is better, but you have to admit that the outhouse races in Iowa are, as we say in Minnesota, 'different'
Play3min 18secState Fair to check bags at all entry gatesAugust 16, 2016 8:32 AMBy Peter Cox and Nancy YangThe State Fair says bags, purses, coolers and packages will now be subject to search at each of the fair's 11 entrances.