Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Jeffrey Thompson
St. Paul, Minn.

First light at the State Fair

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Catching a morning nap
From left, Emily Stocker, 13, of Jordan, Minn. and her friend Erika Schneider, 16, of Belle Plaine, Minn. share a morning nap near their goats at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn. Thursday, August 26, 2010.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

Long before the streets are buzzing with activity or the buildings are are filled with visitors, the Minnesota State Fair wakes up.

Preparation for the masses begins early - competitors can found with their animals, vendors are busy cleaning, inspectors check the rides and only the earliest of risers enjoy the serenity of a nearly empty fairgrounds. This is a look at life during the first light at the fair.

Gallery
5 of 5
Exploring the fairgrounds
Visitors have a street to themselves at the Minnesota State Fair Monday, August 30, 2010.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
1 of 5
Catching a morning nap
From left, Emily Stocker, 13, of Jordan, Minn. and her friend Erika Schneider, 16, of Belle Plaine, Minn. share a morning nap near their goats at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn. Thursday, August 26, 2010.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
2 of 5
Getting ready for the day
Sandy Ahlman cleans the windows of a concession cart at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, Minn. Friday, August 27, 2010. The cart, owned by Schroder Concessions, Inc., sells snacks including caramel apples and cotton candy.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson