Minnesotans dish on their State Fair must-do's

Suspend your diet for the day, don't miss the free giveaways and never — ever — wear heels.

That's the advice from experienced fairgoers of The Great Minnesota Get-Together, which runs through Labor Day. It's one of the grandest in the country, and on 320 acres with more than 300 food vendors, there's much to see, do and eat.

We asked young and old last week for their hot tips. Then we followed their advice and made a beeline for the cheese curds. Here are some other tips.

"The international bazaar is cool. There's small samples of many different kinds of people inside. It's an opportunity if you've never traveled to experience many different places."

–Arwa Zahind

"The Education Building is a must do because of the free bags."

–Kenzie Hale, 20, Forest Lake

"You have to see the livestock. You need to know where your food comes from — even if you don't eat [meat], it's fun to see them."

–Joline Gitis, 63, Minneapolis

"Wear sneakers because you walk around a lot. Don't wear high heels. Bring a hat because you will probably spend the whole day at the fair in the sun.

—Hoa Vo

"Bring Band-Aids for blisters and break in your shoes before you go."

–Deb Krieg, 61, Edina

"Come earlier. By 10 a.m. the Park and Ride lots are already full."

–Trista Nelson, Maplewood

"I've come to the fair with a double stroller and that didn't work. It was just too big."

–Sarah Farrell, 41, Eagan

Don't go on the very last day: "It's depressing. ... When you wait too long, you miss things like the butter sculpture."

–Chris Olsen, Chaska

Don't go when it's over 90 degrees or on a record-breaking attendance weekend. Last year, Beverly Parsatoon, of Eden Prairie, made that mistake with her daughter.

"It wasn't as fun because it was hard to move," she said. This year she took the day off to go when it was less crowded on a weekday.

"You only live once and you should let yourself eat whatever you want."

–Sarah Farrell, 41, Eagan

"Try all of the new foods. That's our goal this year."

–Cedric Holecek, 18, New Hope

"1919 Root Beer. It's the best. Period. And try the Nitro Ice cream. It's unbelievably smooth."

–Casey McCloy, 17, Mahtomedi

"Don't overplan your trip to the fair. Just come and enjoy the day."

––Lauren Grouws, 31, St. Louis Park

Liz Sawyer • 612-673-4648