2014 Minnesota State Fair

I expected the state fair to provide some good photo opportunities, and it didn't disappoint.  It was a perfect late summer day.

Wood carving of a gopher.  Minnesota is the gopher state, for some reason.

Crowd levels were about average.

Agriculture is always a big thing at the state fair.  Farmers bring their animals to the fair, and some give birth while they're there.

Newborn calf on his first day.

The baby animals always draw a crowd.

The amount of work that goes into preparing animals for showing is amazing.  No detail is overlooked.

Horse getting brushed.

Cow tail getting de-tangled.

I've never seen anyone so absorbed in his work.

There are thrill rides, of course.

The racetrack.

The rapids.

The giant slide.

And parades.

Flute player in the St. Peter marching band.

None too subtle float from the Minnesota Beef Expo.

Band leader for East Central High School.

A first for me:  electric bass in a marching band.
Requires two guys, one to play and one to push the amplifier.