Nuri Ducassi, Star Tribune

Air fair: Much of the earliest flying in Minnesota was associated with the State Fair. An aviation meet at the fairgrounds in 1910 (admission 50 cents) introduced "aeroplanes" to many Minnesotans, though bad weather and iffy machinery meant short, dicey flights, the crowd shrieking and gasping as the craft rose and then disappeared beyond the grandstand: "That was the first taste of airship flying and it was an exhilarating moment." The crowds got to see auto-airplane races in 1915, where more than one aviator lost his brakes upon landing and smashed through the railings at the grandstand. From the more sedate pleasures of prize pickles and seed corn to witnessing "Death Cheated by Tiny Margins at Fair Races," there's usually something for every taste at the fair.Saturday Aug. 29

Fact Frenzy: The Minnesota State Fair may be canceled, but it lives on in our hearts — and in this trivia contest. Today's topic: How deep is your State Fair love? 9:30 a.m.

Grandstand/Nur-D: The Rosemount-raised rapper, whose stage name reflects his love for comics and video games, is churning out music at a pace that defies quarantine standards. Get ready to dance in the living room at noon.

Food Guide: Local restaurants have always figured prominently at the fair. This year, many are cooking up dishes like they would have had at the State Fair. Part 2 of our restaurant guide.

Conversations: How will schools manage reopening this fall and what happens if COVID-19 throws a curveball? Minnesota Commissioner of Education Mary Cathryn Ricker breaks it down with opinion writer Denise Johnson. 2 p.m.