lifestyle

The fair runs Thursday through Sept. 6. For general information call 651-288-4400 or go to www.mnstatefair.org. TTY: 651-642-2372.

Location

Within the city of Falcon Heights at Como and Snelling Avs., 1.5 miles north of Interstate Hwy. 94 and 2 miles south of Hwy. 36.

Parking

In fair lots, parking is $11 or one pre-fair discount ticket ($9). Across the metro area, many lots offer free parking and a free ride to the fair.

Gates open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 9 p.m. on Labor Day. The Fairgrounds close at midnight, 10 p.m. on Labor Day.

Regular admission at the gate: Adults (13-64) $11; kids (5-12) $8; seniors (65 & over) $9; and children (under 5) are always free.

Midway/Kidway tickets are $20 for a sheet of 30; $30 for a sheet of 50; individual tickets are 75 cents each.

Grandstand tickets are available through Wednesday at the pre-fair State Fair Box Office at the Como Loop Gate (#9). Hours vary. Call 651-288-4427 for more information. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or go to ticketmaster.com.

Vista Mobility provides wheelchairs and strollers for rent at four locations on the fairgrounds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Rental fees are $9 per day for strollers, $13 per day for wagons and $15 per day for manual wheelchairs. A limited number of electric scooters are also available for rent for $50 per day ($30 after 6 p.m.).

PARK AND RIDE HOT LINE

651-603-6808.

REGULAR METRO TRANSIT BUS SERVICE

612-373-3333. TTY: 612-341-0140

EXPRESS BUS SERVICE TO THE FAIR

All buses drop off and pick up at Fair Gate 20 (across Como Av. from Coliseum). Buses require exact change in dollars or coins. All buses are wheelchair accessible.

Hop On Transit Day: On Aug. 27 all adult fares are $3. Request a bus transfer or coupon to present at the gate for $2 off a regular-fare admission ticket bought that day.

LOCATIONS SERVED BY METRO TRANSIT

Service hours: 8 a.m. to midnight daily

Fares (excluding location 7, round trip): $5 for ages 5 and over, free for ages 4 and under

For more information: 612-341-4287, www.metrotransit.org

• EVERY 15 MINUTES DAILY

Northtown Mall - Blaine, University Av. NE. and old Hwy. 10

Brookdale - Brooklyn Center, Bass Lake Rd. at Shingle Creek Pkwy.

I-394 and Co. Rd. 73 Park & Ride - Minnetonka, Southwest corner of I-394 at Hopkins Cross Rd.

Dunwoody Institute - Minneapolis, I-394 and Dunwoody Blvd.

Bloomington - 82nd St. at 24th Av. S. (across from Mall of America east parking ramp)

Southdale - Edina, south of Hwy. 62 and east of France Av. (NE. corner of lot near 66th St. and York Av.)

Downtown Minneapolis - Metro Transit Route 960 travels to the fairgrounds in about 15 minutes. Regular metro transit fares apply. See www.metrotransit.org.

• EVERY 30 MINUTES DAILY

Signal Hills Shopping Center - West St. Paul, S. Robert St. and Butler Av. (near Kmart)

Oakdale Center Park & Ride - Oakdale, west of I-694 on 10th St.

Cottage Grove Park & Ride - Cottage Grove, west of Hwy. 61 on West Point Douglas Rd. between 80th St. and Jamaica Av.

• EVERY 30 MINUTES (WEEKENDS AND LABOR DAY ONLY)

Maple Grove Transit Station - Maple Grove, I-94 and Hemlock Lane

Foley Park & Ride -- Coon Rapids, off Hwy. 610 near E. River Rd.

LOCATIONS SERVED BY SOUTHWEST METRO TRANSIT

Fares (round trip): $5 for ages 5 and over, free for ages 4 and under, advanced sale tickets at SouthWest Station through Aug. 20.

For more information: 952-949-2287, www.swtransit.org

Hours of service vary.

• WEEKDAYS ONLY

Wooddale Church - Eden Prairie, 6630 Shady Oak Rd.

• WEEKENDS AND LABOR DAY ONLY

SouthWest Station - Eden Prairie, 13500 Technology Dr.

SouthWest Village -- Chanhassen, Hwy. 212 & Hwy. 101.

LOCATIONS SERVED BY MINNESOTA VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Fares (round trip): $5 for ages 5 and over, free for ages 4 and under

For more information: 952-882-7500, www.mvta.com

• EVERY HOUR (WEEKDAYS EXCLUDING LABOR DAY)

Burnsville High School - Burnsville, 600 E. Hwy. 13.

Burnsville Transit Station, 100 E. Highway 13.

• EVERY 30 MINUTES (WEEKENDS AND LABOR DAY)

Burnsville Transit Station - Burnsville, 100 E. Hwy. 13 (NE. corner of Hwy. 13 and Nicollet Av.)

Eagan Transit Station (3470 Pilot Knob Road)

Sources: Minnesota State Fair, Metro Transit, Southwest Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority

PARK AND RIDE TO THE STATE FAIR

One way to avoid parking hassles at the Minnesota State Fair is to take advantage of park-and-ride lots. Free shuttle buses travel between the lots below and the fairgrounds 8 a.m. to midnight unless otherwise noted. The fair runs August 27 through Sept. 7.

Note: Gate numbers listed refer to gates of arrival at the fairgrounds.

Gates 20 and 24 are just across Como Avenue, south of the fairgrounds.

Gate 5 is the main fairgrounds entrance on Snelling Avenue.

Gate 15 is on the west edge of the fairgrounds, by the Mighty Midway.

Gate 9 is at the taxi and mobility drive-through drop off area on the south side of the fairgrounds.

SERVICE EVERY DAY

8 a.m. to midnight, Aug. 27-Sept. 7 (* open Sundays at 1 p.m.)

1. Country Insurance: One block south of Cty. Rd. E on Pine Tree Dr.

2. Catholic Aid Association: Lexington Av., two blocks south of Co. Rd. E.

3. Presbyterian Church of the Way*: Lexington Av., three blocks south of Co. Rd E.

4. Trinity Lutheran of Lake Johanna*: New Brighton Rd. north of Co. Rd. D.

5. Roseville Covenant Church*: Hamline Av. & Co. Rd. C2.

6. Highcrest Park: Walnut & Co. Rd. B2 (Terminal Rd.)

7. Grace Church of Roseville*: One block east of Hamline on Co. Rd. B2.

8. Roseville Area High School: East of Hamline on Co. Rd. B2. Bike & ride lot

9. Church of Corpus Christi*: SW corner of Co. Rd. B and Fairview.

10. St. Michaels Lutheran Church*: On Co. Rd. B, west of Snelling.

11. MN Dept. of Education: East of Target, north of Co. Rd. B. (State Farm Rd. & Commerce St.) Bike & ride lot

12. North Como Presbyterian Church*: Larpenteur & Victoria St.

13. Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church*: Arcade (Hwy. 61) & Larpenteur

14. Oscar Johnson Arena: (Wheelchair accessible parking exclusively for persons with disabilities and their companions) North of Energy Park Drive, east of Snelling Av.

15. I-94 & Snelling Av.: Enter from St. Anthony (north frontage road of I-94).

16. Nova Classical Academy: Two blocks west of Snelling on Montreal. (Not available 8/27)

17. U of M Minneapolis Campus: Various surface lots, 4th St. ramp. Weekdays after 4 pm. All day weekends & Labor Day. Bike & ride lot

SERVICE WEEKDAYS ONLY (No Labor Day service)

18. Centennial United Methodist Church: One block east of Snelling on Co. Rd. C2.

19. Calvary Church: South of Co. Rd. B on Lexington.

20. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church: Two blocks south of Co. Rd. B on Hamline.

SERVICE EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAYS

21. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church: One block north of Ford Pkwy. on Snelling.

22. Bethany Baptist Church: East of Cleveland at Skillman

SERVICE WEEKENDS AND LABOR DAY

23. Thrivent Financial: East of Snelling between Co. Rd. C2 and Co. Rd. C.

24. Water's Edge: On Co. Rd. B2, east of Snelling.

25. Rosedale Towers: North of Co. Rd. B, west of Snelling.

26. Roseville Professional Center: On Hamline, south of Hwy. 36.

27. HealthPartners: SE corner of Como Av. & Hwy. 280.

28. Merrill Corp.: North of Energy Park Dr., east of Snelling Av.

29. ETC: South of Energy Park Dr., east of Snelling Av.

30. Bandana Square: North side of Energy Park Dr., east of Snelling Av. Drop off/pick up fair gate #24. Bike & ride lot.

31. Saint Paul College (Fridays also) South of I-94 on Marion St. Drop off/pick up fair gate #24-East Como Lot.

32. Broadway East & West (West of Industrial Blvd., South of I-35W, exit 22

Thrifty Thursday: Aug. 26 -- Adults (13 & over) $9; kids (5-12) $6. All-day discounts will be offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions.

Seniors & Kids Day: Aug. 30 -- kids (5-12) and seniors (65 & over) $6. All-day discounts will be offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions.

Ticket Deal Tuesday: Aug. 31 -- adults (13 & over) $9. Early Bird Specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions until 1 p.m.

Read & Ride Day: Sept. 2 -- Discount applies only to individuals presenting a valid public library card when purchasing admission at the gate. One card required for each discounted admission. Adults (13-64) $9; Seniors (65 & over) $6; kids (5-12) $6. All-day discounts are offered on Might Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions.

Seniors Day: Sept. 2 -- seniors (65 and over) $6. Early Bird Specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions until 1 p.m.

Kids Day and Last Chance Day: Sept. 6 -- kids (5-12) $6. All-day discounts will be offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions. Many vendors offer special last chance day deals on food and merchandise.

Thursday, Aug. 26: Thrifty Thursday

Friday, Aug. 27: Governor's Fire Prevention Day

Saturday, Aug. 28: 4-H Day

Sunday, Aug. 29: FAN Central Day

Monday, Aug. 30: Seniors, Kids, & MN State Patrol Day

Tuesday, Aug. 31: Ticket Day Tuesday

Wednesday, Sept. 1: Read & Ride Day

Thursday, Sept. 2: Seniors Day

Friday, Sept. 3: MPR Day

Saturday, Sept. 4: FFA Day

Sunday, Sept. 5: Foundation Day

Monday, Sept. 6: Kids & Last Chance Day

CHS Miracle of Birth Center: Annually, the CHS Miracle of Birth Center is the birthplace of nearly 200 lambs, piglets and calves, not to mention dozens of ducks, chicks and bunnies. The most popular free exhibit on the fairgrounds, the center allows visitors the opportunity to learn about animal agriculture production, veterinary science, and the birthing process. The complex is also home to the FFA Chapter House and Leadership Center. Located on Judson Avenue at Clough Street; open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (3 p.m. on Labor Day).

Eco Experience: Presented by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Eco Experience debuted in 2006 to rave reviews. The winner of numerous awards including the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Award of Excellence, the exhibit is designed to inspire people to lead healthier and more sustainable lives while improving the environment and quality of life. Interactive exhibits include a rain-garden, alternative energy, a green building, organic agriculture and whole foods. Located in the Progress Center on Randall Avenue; open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Family Fair: Family Fair features attractions, concessions and entertainment including: Fair-Do's; Friday Dog Cartooning; Sean Emery, a comedic juggler; Monster Shop Bump'n with the BC Characters, music and dance performance that includes breakdancing and costumed characters and Sheltered Reality, a percussion performance with audience involvement

Little Farm Hands: Children experience the agricultural process at this free, hands-on, make-believe attraction. Farm Hands, adorned with work aprons, help with farm chores, collect goods to sell at the Farmer's Market and then spend their earnings at the grocery store. Located on Lee Avenue across from The North Woods; open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parade: Daily at 2 p.m. The parade includes the High School Marching Band Competition, as well as numerous floats and marching performers.

ShenaniGuns Wild West Comedy Show: Law and order prevail when a Texas town comes to life in this family-friendly, live-action comedy show. ShenaniGuns features experienced comic actors, period costuming, a life-sized set and special audio and visual effects. ShenaniGuns provides free entertainment for the whole family at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. everyday. Located north of the SkyRide and east of Heritage Square.

Animals/Agricultural Education

Barn Tours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free guided tours of the livestock complex are conducted daily. Tours begin every 30 minutes and last 30 to 40 minutes. Barn tours cease 30 minutes prior to barns closing on changeover days. Tours begin at the east entrance to the Poultry Barn.

Moo Booth: Cattle Barn. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, closed during changeover

Milking Demonstrations: Milking parlor, northwest end of the Cattle Barn. 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. (No demonstrations at 2 p.m. on Sept. 3 or 6 p.m. on Labor Day.)

Moo Booth Hand Milking Demonstrations: Cattle Barn. 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Baa Booth: Open Aug. 27 to Sept. 3, Sheep Barn. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, closed during changeover

Oink Booth: Swine Barn. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, closed during changeover

Dairy Building

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

Princess Kay and all members of her court will have their likenesses carved into an 85-90 pound block of butter.

Fine Arts Invited Show

Fine Arts Center, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Each year the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Show features an invited artist, collection, genre or group. "Emerging: Textile Design in 2 and 3 Dimensions" is the 2009 Fine Arts Show's special exposition. The exhibit will focus on original 2-D and 3-D fiber, surface and apparel designs from the students in Design, Housing and Apparel in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota.

Creative Activities Center Display

Creative Activities Building, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"Reflective Splendor," a collection of fine art glass renderings by invited Minnesota glass artists will be on display daily.

Heritage Square

Log Cabin: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Blacksmith: Daily from 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m.

Woodturner: Daily from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m., 8 to 9 p.m.

Fairchild & Fairborne

Free photo opportunities and autographs daily at Visitors Plaza at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The mascots also appear in the daily parade at 2 p.m.

Sign Language Interpreters

During the fair, ASL interpreters will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Anyone interested in this free service should inquire at the Guest Services Office in Visitors Plaza. Also, the following events will be interpreted every day:

Ron Schara - The North Woods exhibit on Cooper Street between Randall and Lee Avenues: 10 a.m.

Ironjack Timber Team at The North Woods exhibit on Cooper Street between Randall and Lee Avenues: 11 a.m.

Pet surgery at the Pet Center on Murphy Avenue: Noon.

Sean Emery performance at Family Fair in Baldwin Park: 1:30 p.m.

Barn tour * at the east entrance of Poultry Barn: 3 p.m.

Milking parlor just outside northwest end of Cattle Barn: 4 p.m.

Live newscasts: 5 p.m. (8/27-8/29 - WCCO TV Channel 4; 8/30-9/1 - KSTP TV Channel 5; 9/2-9/4 - KMSP TV Channel 9; 9/5-9/7 - KARE TV Channel 11)

K-9 Demonstration at the Pet Center on Murphy Avenue: 7 p.m.

Schedule of interpreted events is subject to change, please consult a Daily Schedule for updated information.

*Barn Tours will not be available for ASL interpreting on Sunday, Aug. 30, Thursday, Sept. 3, and Monday, Sept. 7.

Livestock Changeover

After judging, animals go home, the barns are cleaned and new animals arrive to be judged. Major changeover days are Sunday, Aug. 29, Thursday, Sept. 2 and Labor Day, Sept. 6. Barns close at 3 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sept. 2) for changeover.