Your complete guide to Day 7 at the Minnesota State Fair

Tuesday's attendance numbers at the Minnesota State Fair just missed the record set in 2019 by about 2,000 visitors — but they were a huge improvement compared to the last two fairs.  

From pronto pups to cotton candy, everything seems bigger at the Minnesota State Fair. But there's a new attraction that lets you cut the competition down to size!  

A major malfunction at the Minnesota State Fair grounded the popular Space Tower ride on Wednesday — which will be closed for the rest of the fair's run.

A fair spokesperson told WCCO they need to replace some special electronic equipment and it won't get here in time.  

The Space Tower is an iconic attraction and landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Built in 1964, it's hundreds of feet of history.

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It was another packed barn for the best in show Wednesday at the Minnesota State Fair Rooster Crowing Contest.  

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Caricature artists capture unique personalities and strong facial features of fairgoers, and the results are usually pretty hilarious.

What do you think? Did this artist capture the essence of Erin Hassanzadeh, Derek James and Jeff Wagner?

If you go to see Yia Vang and the Union Hmong Kitchen crew at the fair this year, you'll be treated to a few new items, including a five-spice coconut Thai tea and a steamed bun made with love by Vang's mother and the rest of her church crew.

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This year, our debate teams are tackling one of the most contentious, and long-standing debates on the fairgrounds: cookies or mini-donuts?

Esme Murphy and Mike Max did not hold back when endorsing their side of the debate, and our political reporter emeritus Pat Kessler was on hand to declare the winner. See who came out on top below:

You may not think it, but some of your back-to-school clothes shopping can happen at the Minnesota State Fair. Check out the video below for more info!

A favorite food item for many of WCCO's team members working at the State Fair are the Australian Battered Potatoes.

Why? Get a load of the video below to see just exactly why! Also, check out this list of some of our teammates' State Fair perennial faves, including more than a few references to fresh French fries and fried pickles.

Steph Olson with the Blue Moon talks about some of the booth's offerings.

Since it's State Fair time, the Kitchen Pantry Scientist showed us a few projects that illustrate the science behind some of the rides at the Mighty Midway.

Live theater at the fair? Head to Dan Patch Park to see "Madagascar."

Wednesday features a llama and alpaca costume contest, Yung Gravy at the Grandstand and more.

Pauleen Le takes you to a spot at the fair many never get to see.

A.J. Hilton stopped by O'Gara's at the Fair to taste some of their new offerings.