Minnesota State Fair Day 1: Robots, Discounts and a Sing-Along

To know: It’s Thrifty Thursday at the fair, with adult admission knocked down to $10 and children’s admission to $7. The weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 84 and about 50 percent humidity. Check out the fair’s website for a schedule of the day’s activities and events.

To watch: Robots. Technophiles will be out en masse for the Physics Force performances put on by Minnesota STEM, the educational initiative with the slogan, “Making Good Minds Great.” Carousel Park will be home to hands-on activities and robotics team demonstrations at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be presentations by Microsoft and the U of M Raptor Center.

To sing: You. Fair-goers can line up at a field of microphones in front of a jumbo screen for a karaoke Giant Sing Along. The Sing Along will be located on Murphy Avenue, across from the Pet Center, and run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the fair. Songs were chosen through an online vote on the fair’s website.

To meet: Minnesota children’s book illustrator Mike Wohnoutka. The “A Teacher for Bear” artist will be at the Alphabet Forest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each day at the fair, a Minnesota-native author will be available for fair-goers to meet and greet. A schedule of authors is available at the fair’s website.

To hear: Reba. The country music singer will be playing at the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $45 and $55. Ronnie Dunn—of Brooks & Dunn fame—will also perform.