I am always excited by the Minnesota State Fair. At one point I had attended every year for a 20-year stretch. I attended six days in one year; another year, I returned home from England early just so I could squeeze one day in.

I haven’t been to the fair since the height of the pandemic. The 150 miles feels farther, the hotels and parking feel more expensive, and the heat and crowds all feel even more overwhelming in my memory. (I loved the fair most when I could get there by 8 a.m.) I guess I just feel older.

But — I am still excited, and I am excited when others are excited too.

Local artist Holly Rose is counting down to the State Fair on her Instagram feed. Check it out and nerd out with me.