Thousands of fairgoers walk along Judson Ave. Thursday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Hundreds of people rush through the front gates on the first day of the Minnesota State Fair at The State Fairgrounds. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune A farmer trims the wool behind his sheep's ears inside the Sheep & Poultry Barn. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Fairgoers enjoy a ride down the Giant Slide. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Ben Mitchell spins cotton candy onto a stick Tuesday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Children enjoy the Wave Swinger on the Kidway Tuesday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune The SkyGlider moves past the Great Big Wheel Tuesday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune The Pleasant Vally Cloggers from Lindstrom, Minn. invite spectators to join them on stage for a dance Tuesday on the Cosgrove Stage. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune People walk past Ben Mitchell as he spins cotton candy onto sticks and into bags Tuesday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Workers hand roasted corn to a rush of customers around lunchtime at the Corn Roast stand. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Fairgoers enjoy a ride down the Giant Slide Thursday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune Fairgoers walk down Carnes Ave. in the early morning sunlight Tuesday at the State Fairgrounds. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune The SkyGlider moves above the heads of hundreds of fairgoers Tuesday. Alex Kormann, Star Tribune