In all these years, I have never been to the Minnesota State Fair. There's a bus direct from downtown Minneapolis to the fairgrounds, so I took it.

Above, a crowd watches a magic show at one of the dozens of stages set up amidst the exhibits. 

Just as I arrived at the fairgrounds, a semi hit a power pole and knocked out power to most of the buildings. News helicopters flew overhead investigating the accident. 

The fair is overwhelming. It goes on and on and on. Unbelievable. Of course, there is the food: Pickles on a stick, deep fried twinkies, reuben pretzels and the legendary cheese curds. 

Overheard, a mother to her distraught child: "The power is out. No power, no cheese curds!"

The above horizontal ski lift ride covers the north-south axis of the fairgrounds while a gondola ride goes east and west. On a late Tuesday morning, both were filled to capacity.