A line holding close to 100 people cheered Thursday morning as gates opened to the 2021 edition of the Minnesota State Fair.
The fair returned for the first time since 2019 after COVID-19 concerns forced the cancellation of the 2020 Great Minnesota Get-Together.
"Heaven," said Ginger Johnson when asked how it felt to be back. "Get to see friends and people you haven't seen and met here that you've made friends with."
Johnson was among the very first people to go through the gates. In fact, Johnson got her spot at 11 p.m. Wednesday, seven hours before the she could even get in.
"I got here at 11 to beat Brian," Johnson said with a laugh. "He's always first and I wanted to be first, so I kept getting here earlier and earlier."
Johnson wasn't the fair's first "official" guest, but was among the first through the gates Thursday morning.
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Brian Motiaytis from northeast Minneapolis wasn't far behind.
"I got here at 4:30 and had to wait for cab," Motiaytis said.
Motiaytis said he planned to meet with friends at the Blue Moon for breakfast, which was sure to include bison bites at Giggles' Campfire Grill.
"People just like being at the fair," Motiaytis added.
As far as COVID-19 safety, the Minnesota State Fair is not requiring vaccines, or masks. Instead, fairgoers are asked to be mindful and use proper COVID-19 precautions when necessary, including masks.
"It's just like when COVID started you have trust your neighbor to do the right thing," added Richard Beaver of Woodbury. "We have our masks and will wear them inside and near large crowds. It's all good."
Thursday's state fair opening included the Minnesota State Fair Opening Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. A COVID-19 vaccination clinic is also happening from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the North End Event Center.