Minnesota State Fair 2016

We weren't planning on attending the Minnesota State Fair this year, but some friends were going for the musical acts and we hadn't seen them in a while, so we decided to brave the crowds and headed over to the fairgrounds at 4 pm yesterday [Saturday] afternoon. Parking lots close the Como Avenue entry were, surprisingly, not full, so we didn't have far to walk.

We'd been in the Agriculture Horticulture Building in previous years, but somehow had never noticed the Farm Crops wing of the building. There were award-winning ears of corn [don't ask me how they are judged, they all look the same to me too.]. Random corn facts - an ear of corn averages about 800 kernels in sixteen rows. There is one silk for each individual kernel. << I'm tempted to actually count the silk and kernels next time I shuck some corn...

Seed Art! Like I said, I can't believe we'd never noticed this quirky exhibition before! It's art made from individual grains of rice, wheat, beans, barley, et cetera seeds that are glued down. There was quite the crowd waiting to view these masterpieces; I was taking quick snapshots so unfortunately you don't get to see my blurry photo of the ribbon-winning Prince artwork. [Google to the rescue - click here for a pic of it.]

MN state love.

Trump as Chicken Little.

There were even 3D seed sculptures! Cacti and the iconic bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies.

Vintage grain sacks were also on display.

As well as scarecrows!

An armchair made of moss against a succulent backdrop.

We didn't ingest too much unhealthy food this year. Got my favorite little fried smelt from Walleye On-A-Stick in the Food Building, I swear the portions get smaller every year [for the same / higher? price, of course]. We also tried the Macaroni & Cheese Curds from Oodles of Noodles, which sounds better than it looks / tasted. Basically processed Velveeta mac & cheese with some cubes of fresh cheese curds. I'll spare you the unappetizing pic.  

Spent most of the day sitting and chatting and enjoying craft beer.

The number one thing that made the fair pleasant this year [in addition to spending time with friends] - the amazing WEATHER! It's been nice and cool [60s to 70s] for the past few days, we can definitely feel fall approaching.

The gorgeous sky as we were leaving the fair.