Things to do at the Minnesota State Fair that don't involve eating fried food

Most Minnesota State Fair regulars, or even first-timers, already know the must-do's: Fill up on fried food, take a ride on a Midway coaster and maybe swing by the Miracle of Life barn.

But for those looking for something new, here are a few attractions and events that caught our eye:

1. The butter busts of "Princess Kay of the Milky Way" will be carved in person at the dairy building again this year. The finalists will wear face shields, but their butter likenesses will not.
2. Meet Plowy McPlowface, the state snowplow named by the masses. Warning: You might be disappointed.
3. Search for the secret message in this year's commemorative fair art.
4. You can't chase waterfalls in Minnesota due to the drought, but you can take in a show by 90s R&B band TLC this Sunday at 7pm.
5. Get a COVID-19 shot. The first 3,600 fairgoers to roll their sleeves up for a first dose at the free vaccination site get a $100 gift card on the spot.
6. Need a hiatus from the hubbub? A new space for visitors with sensory processing issues provides a refuge for those feeling overwhelmed.
7. And the timeless classic if all else fails: Just watch the people.

Need more ideas? The state fair rounds up all the new features this year here.