Series

Day One at the Minnesota State Fair and it's jammed packed! We start by seeing what grandparents pick as their nicknames. Then we check out the huge line at Peachey's. Plus Nordic Food Geek Patrice Johnson shares a Nordic barely bowl recipe. And how can you keep your make up from sweating off at the fair? Hilary Kline offers some tips. Plus, we see what our audience has in their bags!

The Federal Trade Commission approved a ban on posting fake online reviews, including ones generated by artificial intelligence. The rule aims to crack down on the deceptive practice that?s led to millions of misleading reviews online.

We're getting ready for all the excitement at the State Fair with a live look as they get the grounds ready. And we taste-test macarons from Nicolette's Macarons. If you want to try some fair-inspired food without going to the fair you can try some exciting foods at Potluck Food Hall in Rosedale Center. Plus, check out some fun items perfect for Back to School that are made by Minnesota makers.

FOX 9 Garden Guy Dale K gives a tour of the FOX 9 booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

Labor Day is typically the end cap on summer and that goes for the recreation equipment rentals through places like Three Lakes Park District. The kayaks, canoes and paddleboards will be put into hibernation after Labor Day weekend so if an open water adventure is calling, your time is limited. Three Rivers has rentals on a first come first serve basis. Call ahead to check hours and availability.

We're getting ready for the State Fair as Garden Guy Dale K makes some beautiful container gardens with Minnesota native plants. Plus, it's Taco Tuesday and we have a delicious recipe for you to try with ingredients from local farmer's markets. And later, some cool cars are in the FOX 9 parking lot, ahead of a special event raising money for a good cause.

A blooming celebration is underway in Lino Lakes as the sunflower fields are blossoming at the Joyer Adventure Farm. The fourth generation family farm is hosting a sunflower festival to celebrate, where visitors can wander the fields, cut their own sunflower and take advantage of the other offerings like the barnyard, kids playground, pick-your-own bouquet field and hayrides. Starting Sept. 21, the pumpkin patch will be open along with a corn maze as well. The Joyer Adventure Farm is part of the Waldoch Farm Garden Center and will be open Thursday to Sunday. The Garden Center is open Wednesday through Monday.

Do you volunteer for school events or donate? And what's the best way to split the check? P.J. Tracy's latest book hits bookstores this week, she joins us to talk about what has inspired her writing and what happens when characters take a different path. Plus, back-to-school snacks and lunches don't have to be a headache, a nutritionist joins us with some ideas. And finally, some llamas join us for a fun event this weekend.

Kids are getting high-tech when it comes to lemonade stands. Plus, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte opens up about what life looks like after winning gold at the games. Also, a deep dive into the most anticipated food and drinks this year at the Minnesota State Fair.

For the next seven weekends, you can go back in time to the 16th century. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival returns for its 53rd season in Shakopee. It?s the largest renaissance festival in the country with annual attendance of 300,000 people. The festival is open weekends, Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 17 through Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.

A nomadic lab is making art available to everyone in the Twin Cities. And it?s not just any art, the WOW Mobile Metal Lab specializes in metal casting. Local sculptor Sara Hanson purchased and renovated a Metro Transit city bus, which is now equipped with 14 workstations. Follow along with the bus locations and events on Instagram @WowMobileMetalLab.

Is tracking kids' location helpful or stressful? And we're one week away from the State Fair, Se gets a preview of the Butterfly House. A drag racer from Switzerland shares her journey ahead of making her NHRA racing debut at Brainerd International Speedway. Plus, Alix discusses menopause on "The Crisis Files" podcast. We chat about this important topic with the host Roshini Rajkumar and the Vice President of Women's Health at Allina. And Paul Wahlberg shows off what makes a good burger and how he got into cooking.

Do you have an older vehicle? Then you're part of a growing trend of people taking better care of their vehicles. And Indiafest is celebrating Indian culture, food, and traditions this Saturday at the Minnesota State Capitol. And Back to School shopping isn't just about clothes and supplies, toys can help your kids' education. Plus, cowboy culture is trending this summer and fall, we have some styles to add to your wardrobe and home.

There?s a mystery brewin? on the Mississippi and it?s taking place at Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. "Mystery on the Mississippi" is an immersive theatrical experience where the audience gets to walk through the picturesque park while watching a show unfold. This is the ninth year for the popular ?Mystery on the Mississippi? show. It?s an hour-long collaboration between Mississippi Park Connection and Fearless Comedy Productions. The shows are on Aug. 16, Sept. 27 and Oct, 12. Tickets are available on the Park Connection website.