This year's innovations

Here are just a few of the new attractions the fair will be offering this year.

This spectacular walk-through sculpture of winding paths, enchanting coves and soaring domes saturates guests in the beauty of light and color. Though the attraction was new to the fair last year, this year's fairgoers will see a different structure, including 10 three-story "stained glass" windows. Inspired by natural geometry, Islamic architecture and Gothic cathedrals, Exxopolis is constructed of 32,000 square feet of plastic shaped into 9,000 individual pieces joined by nearly four miles of seams. Created by England's Architects of Air, the Luminarium Exxopolis is open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $4; children under 5 are free. (Sponsored by PreferredOne.) Located at the intersection of Cooper Street and Murphy Avenue.

This comprehensive horse exhibit features full-size skeletons and anatomy models, dental tools, tail-braiding and leg-wrapping activities, an 80-foot-long digestive tract, and stations with information on horse behavior, rider safety, careers and more. This free interactive education center for horse enthusiasts of all ages is presented by Equine Guelph, the horse owners' center at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Located in the Horse Barn.

A celebration of arts in Minnesota, drumming, dance, theater and music performances will be held in pop-up showcases throughout the fairgrounds. The inaugural Arts A'Fair will feature performances by COLLIDE Theatrical Dance Company, Duniya Drum and Dance Company, Green T Productions, History Theatre, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, Live Action Set, Mu Performing Arts, Stages Theatre Company, Summerset Theatre, TigerLion Arts, University of Minnesota Centennial Showboat, and Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre & School. Stop by the Arts A'Fair space in the Education Building to learn more about these groups. Arts A'Fair is supported by contributions made to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation from individuals and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

This interactive exhibit is designed to help visitors and caregivers facing the challenges of aging or chronic health issues to envision how they can transform their current homes into more user-friendly spaces. Each room of this "idea house" will showcase innovative products and services that help support independence, ranging from simple household goods to new wireless technology to meal services and more. The Front Porch Stage will feature speakers, demonstrations and entertainment. Wiser Living is a partnership of the Minnesota State Fair, Aging Services of Minnesota and Older but Wiser Living. Located on the street level of the 4-H Building.