Your complete guide to Day 1 at the Minnesota State Fair

Like many Minnesotans, WCCO has its own fair traditions here at WCCO. So we kicked off opening day with a favorite: a race to the bottom of the Giant Slide!  

It's a tradition we look forward to every year. But there are always plenty of new things to do, see, and eat when those Minnesota State Fair gates open.

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For many, the Minnesota State Fair marks a strong turning point of the year.

Whether you consider it the last gasp of summer or the return to time-honored traditions, it's a chance to reflect on what's happened since you've last visited.

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The first day of the State Fair is all about anniversaries and milestones.

Little Farm Hands is celebrating 20 years at the Fair and the exhibit gets more popular each year.

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It's always good eating weather at the fair. But when it's this hot and muggy, how long will people wait in line for their favorite foods? Marielle Mohs did some investigating for us.

Though Thursday started out nice and cool, there are a string a hot summer days in the forecast. Dr. Aaron Burnett shared some tips for managing time in the heat.

The state fair is one of the first signs of the end of summer, and some people are looking forward to apple picking season. John Jacobson with Pine Tree Apple Orchard and Rachel Wandrei with Minnesota Grown share what exactly makes Minnesota apples so special.

MomoDosa is a new vendor at the Midtown Global Market's booth in the International Bazaar. Their Chicken Momo with Tomato Chutney is one of the official new foods at the state fair this year. 

It's a classic state fair game for these WCCO anchors - playing Heads Up! 

From SPAM to corn to the abundance of rides, the state fair has a little bit of everything. Erin Hassanzadeh and Derek James talked with fairgoers on Thursday to find out what's everyone's favorite thing at the fair?

Chris Kroeze is performing at the bandshell on Friday, but before his performance, he stopped by on The 4.

Every year, the Minnesota State Fair presents a panoply of new food items, and they range from very mainstream-on-a-stick to "might as well be from outer space." This year, Shayla Reaves jumped in the deep end right off by trying one of Minnesota's most notorious culinary asterisks: lutefisk!

See her review of the much-buzzed-about experience below. Also, you can check out our digital team's review of the buns in our overall new fair foods ranking!

Lots of people from all over the state are excited to get down to Falcon Heights for the fair experience. And as WCCO found out, a lot of them do this every year, and for good reason. They don't want to battle the heat or the huge crowds. 

Just like every year, no sooner did the gates open than people were clamoring to get inside. 

We heard parking lots were filling up fast, but arriving early means shorter lines and easier access to pretty much whatever you want to see or eat. 

Harmony Newman of Minneapolis arrives early, on the first day, every year. Then she lays out her maps and booklets and starts to plan out her day. 

"This is my game plan: I get my map, I go through my bargain book and figure out where I want to go. It goes wherever from there," Newman said.

"It's my favorite. It's not as busy. It's clean. Everybody is happy and friendly with all the workers," Barb Julius said.

"It's just really nice and there's room to walk. It's just nice when you come early on the first day," Gaylin Brown said.

A lot of those early birds also say they come first-thing but then they leave by 1 or 2 p.m. as the weather heats up. 

It's a Minnesota State Fair tradition, and we're pitting the WCCO Mornings freshman against the sophomore. Which one will win?

Just remember, all is fair in love and State Fair!

WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames (spending his first day ever at the Minnesota Fair) and A.J. Hilton spent Mid-Morning checking out everything new at the Hamline Church Dining Hall, including the Holy Hamloaf Breakfast Sandwich and the Mini Donut and Dill Pickle Paletas by La Michoacana Rose.

See their taste test below. As always, we look forward to A.J.'s food reaction shots every ... single ... time. But this time, it was Joseph's reaction that had A.J. and Heather in full ROFL.

Pauleen Le helped the folks at The Hangar prep their breakfast options for the first day of the Minnesota State Fair.

We're expecting heat like we haven't seen in a decade on the opening day of the fair. Spokesperson Maria Hayden gave us some tips on where to stay cool while you're at the fairgrounds.

Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton caught up with Sen. Amy Klobuchar outside of the State Fair gates on opening day.

Owner Nate Janousek talks about how he's getting ready for day one.

One family arrived Wednesday afternoon to ensure they were first in line for the fair.

Pauleen Le gives us a look at the fairgrounds before the chaos of the first day begins.

The 2023 Minnesota State Fair will mark its opening day on Aug. 24 and end on Labor Day, Sept. 4.

WCCO will be there at our booth at Nelson and Carnes avenues. Click here to learn more information about our booth and the fun new game "Plincco."

Click here for everything else you need to know about getting to the fair, how to get around, and how to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.