When you move to Minneapolis in July, the fact of the Minnesota State Fair is unavoidable.

Locals gush about the 80-plus different foods served on sticks, the beauty queens carved in 90-pound blocks of butter, the giant Ferris wheels and the 1,450-pound swine.

They urge (or, better yet, compel) you to watch the Llama Costume Contest; to avoid the Kidway, whatever that is; to wear comfortable shoes; to take the SkyGlider chairlift instead of the Skyride because it’s better for photos; and to bring along a trusted guide.

As a new resident and a first-time fair attendee, I welcomed the advice — even if I didn’t exactly follow it.