FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The Minnesota State Fair officially opened its gates for the 2025 season Thursday morning.

A father and son, Scott and Nicholas Schwarz, were the first two people in the gate after arriving 24 hours in advance.

The two were celebrating Scott’s birthday and planned to toast with classic fair foods: mini donuts, cheeseburgers and malts.

They arrived at 7 a.m. Wednesday, just beating out Mary Jane Burgett and her parents, who had taken the unofficial first prize the last two years in a row.

The groups passed the time waiting with cards, board games and art.

For what to do first at the fair, both groups had the same idea.

“The food. We probably start off with some mini donuts, then move over to the Midway Men’s Club for a cheeseburger and some

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