The Minnesota State Fair is Open!

The Minnesota State Fair opened on Thursday. The first day began with hundreds of people lining up even before the gates opened at 6 a.m. to see Princess Kay of the Milky Way having her likeness carved in butter, and indulge in State Fair food that's as traditional, bizarre, and as calorific as ever.

The Star Tribune has a map of where to find all the best fair food, and here's something to make you hungry: a video of every food on a stick from the 2006 Minnesota State Fair.

Did you go to the fair today? Or are you planning your visit?

While it's possible to park at the fairgrounds, if you get there early enough, it's usually easier to take the bus to the fair.

The free Park and Ride lots fill up fast. The $5-a-ticket Express Bus Service lots are also popular, with lots around the Twin Cities metro area. An often overlooked bus service to the fair is Metro Transit's regular bus services. Three routes serve the Fairgrounds, with direct routes from downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and the Hiawatha Light Rail Line, all with buses approximately every 15 minutes.

We got one of the last spots in a park and ride lot at 10 a.m. on Thursday, so the least-hassle way of getting to the fair usually involves getting to the lots as early as possible. Then you can spend the whole day at the fair!