The Minnesota State Fair got off to a ripping start on Thursday, with bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine. The economy may still be unnerving, but that didn't stop people from turning up in droves on opening day to enjoy the state's biggest festival.

 

Here's the thing about the Fair, and why I love it so much: it really is for everyone. Pretty much every demographic group was in attendance, and many of them swinging buckets full of treats from this long-time Fair favorite:

 

Sweet Martha's Chocolate Chip Cookies. (I'll be posting more Fair food finds at my Web site, A Closer Look at Flyover Land.)

Where to start on a busy beautiful day at the Fair? For my family, it was breakfast, followed by an amble down the street towards the Mighty Midway. Along the way, we stumbled across Mr. Good Question himself, Jason DeRusha.

 

The Midway was fully up and running, and pretty well packed by 10:30 a.m.

 

We're not big into rides -- but we do love the Midway games.

 

And hey, not everything on the Midway needs a ticket to participate.

 

There's a wonderful exhibit of gardens across the Fairgrounds, especially by the Horticultural building. You can pick up a map with details about the gardens at the information centers.

 

What's a Fair without a parade, especially a parade with a princess?

 

Not to mention the miracles taking place at the Miracles of Birth Building. Here's one just waiting to happen:

 

It was also a perfect day for a ride on a river raft.

 

I've barely finished my first trip, and I'm already counting the minutes until I go back next week. What's your favorite thing to do at the Fair? Leave a comment!

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.