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?
Evan Frost
Falcon Heights, Minn.

Photos: First day of the 2018 Minnesota State Fair

Seventeen-year-old Payton Waage washes her cow, January.
Seventeen-year-old Payton Waage washes her cow, January, inside the cow barn at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn. on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
Evan Frost | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

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

The Minnesota State Fair kicked off today. Crowds were inside the gates before the sun came up and animals were still sleeping when eager fairgoers crept through the barns in the early morning.

It didn't stay quiet for long. By noon the streets were packed, the air was hazy and parking was hard to come by. A number of new foods and a third location for Sweet Martha's cookies were among the draws to this year's fair.

Gallery
15 of 15
A Clydesdale is led out of the horse barn.
A Clydesdale is led out of the horse barn.
Evan Frost | MPR News
1 of 15
Seventeen-year-old Payton Waage washes her cow, January.
Seventeen-year-old Payton Waage washes her cow, January, inside the cow barn at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn. on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
Evan Frost | MPR News
2 of 15
Fairgoers walk down the street in the morning light.
Fairgoers walk down the street in the morning light.
Evan Frost | MPR News