It's a busy time at the state fairgrounds, where the big event opens Thursday. The changes this year include a new arena for livestock judging and pavilions for Minnesota-made wine and beer.

A group of native Minnesotans are celebrating the Great Minnesota Get Together Saturday ... in New York City. The organizers of fifth annual event are serving, among other state fair favorites, Sweet Martha's chocolate chip cookies and deep-fried cheese curds.

The rides, the politics, the sweaty teeming masses. And the food! Check out photos from the Great Minnesota Get-Together of 2012 on this Flickr photostream.

Police say two men are hospitalized after being stabbed at the Minnesota State Fair. A portion of the fairgrounds was closed after the incident near an arcade on Dan Patch Avenue. Police said it was not a random stabbing. There were no immediate arrests.

You already know the standbys. Now that the list of rookies is out, it's time to start planning your gustatory attack on the state fairgrounds. For the adventurous there's bacon ice cream, camel burgers, lamb testicle fries, and poutine. Or could try one of the new salads with some hibiscus iced tea.

A team of veterinarians was on hand to check up on the pigs that were checking in to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Wednesday. None showed signs of the new swine flu strain that's been known to spread to humans. The livestock arrival was part of a day full of preparation for Thursday's opening.

The River Raft was closed after it had malfunctioned three times Tuesday afternoon and once on Monday. Ride operators told patrons the issue involves an electrical short that is kicking on an automatic shutoff. Last week, the Stratosphere Tower was closed after it stalled several times due maintenance issues.