Expect to wait as long as 2.5 hours to see the crop art exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair this year.
Eric was nearing the doors at the 90-minute mark. He says he visits every year, but this year feels special.
"With all the ICE stuff and Olivia Miles, kind of those two things," he says. "An intersection of my specific interests, basketball and protecting our neighbors."
Chelsea from Los Angeles is in town visiting her friend Susie in Minneapolis. Further down, the pair were at the 80-minute mark. Susie says crop art is the one thing she must see at the fair and was excited to bring Chelsea along.
"I tried to walk in cold turkey, but it's hard, you know, being on social media, you see things just through the grapevine," Susie explains.
"Yeah, she told me not to look, so I've avoided everything," added Chelsea. "I've never seen crop art in my life, so I'm excited."
In the wake of Operation Metro Surge, there's a lot of political art this year.
"I know it's going to be hard, but I think there will be lots of art representing, kind of processing through what we have gone through," says Susie. "And like for me as a viewer that is also, also very therapeutic. So I hope I get to see some of those pieces."
Beyond politics, Assistant Superintendent for Crop Art and Scarecrow Marta Shore says common themes in this year's entries are the Minnesota Lynx, the show 'Heated Rivalry,' loving Minnesota, and loving America.
She advises to try stopping by later in the day for a shorter line.
The exhibit has not been without controversy, however. One piece is no longer on display after the artist requested it be removed due to harassment and doxxing.
The piece said “8647,” which is a reference to the 47th President Donald Trump. That message has been a political touchpoint with mixed meanings being attributed to it.
The phrase “86” is commonly used in bars and restaurants when a menu item is no longer available or a patron is kicked out. However, some have seen it as a threat to kill someone.
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted over posting a photo saying “8647.”
