Created: 09/07/2009 7:29 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email By: Vineeta Sawkar

SAWKAR: State Fair 2009 In Pictures

I dread and love the State Fair at the same time. I dread it because I know it means summer is over but I love it because.... well, it's the Minnesota State Fair and what's not to love?

We really enjoyed doing our live State Fair midday broadcasts this year. The weather was comfortable and the crowds were lively. It sure gave us a nice change of pace and got us out of the studio. It was fun meeting so many of you. Thanks to those of you who took the time to come out and wave, cheer or just eat all the free food we handed out!

This past weekend, my husband and I enjoyed Garrison Keillor's State Fair broadcast. If you haven't seen it before, it is worth seeing sometime. It is truly Minnesota!

My family and I also took some time this weekend to convince some "anti-State Fair" friends that the State Fair is really fun and worth going to every year. JoAnn and Tom are Minnesota natives with two wonderful boys. When they told us they avoid the fair and don't take their children, my husband and I were stunned. We make it point to take the kids at least once a year and the "State Fair-going" streak hasn't been broken since they were born.

Luckily, the weather was great for our brainwashing exercise and I think after some great fried food, fun and splashy rides and a little bit of the Minnesota farm experience, JoAnn, Tom and their kids are on board.

Here are some pictures from the Minnesota State Fair 2009. It was a wonderful run. Now bring on the snow.