Get ready for the 2015 Minnesota State Fair with a preview party at Star Tribune headquarters in downtown Minneapolis. The festivities will include free food, vintage fair photography, mingling with Star Tribune journalists and even a few Midway games.

At the event, you can enjoy free samples of new and classic fair foods from vendors including the Birchwood Cafe, French Meadow Bakery, Fried Fruit, Minnesnowii, Sara's Tipsy Pies and Sausage Sister & Me.

Bonus: The first 100 event-goers will be the first to nab a tube of this year's Star Tribune lip balm.

Sept. 2, 1991 — Thanks to its illuminated rides, the Midway comes alive after dark.
Christy DeSmith — Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Sept. 2, 1991 — Thanks to its illuminated rides, the Midway comes alive after dark.

Also, we'll have a gallery of large-format prints featuring vintage Star Tribune photography from the Minnesota State Fair over the years. Highlights include a scene from a 1969 appearance by Vice President Hubert Humphrey and a shot of the dairy building from 1902.

Plus: We'll reveal the Star Tribune's exclusive 2015 fair merchandise — including this year's T-shirt designs.

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tues., Aug. 25

Where: #StribHQ, 650 3rd Av. S., Mpls. In the public atrium between the Star Tribune Building and Capella Tower.

Price: Free.