After experiencing the lines during the record-breaking attendance of the first two days at the Minnesota State Fair, I was excited to return for an annual date night with my husband — but I was determined not to stand in any lines.

And we did it!

We walked all across the Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon, eating and drinking some really fabulous stuff without spending half our time standing in line. My criteria was that there could not be more than three people ahead of me, but in all but one case, we walked right up to the counter and ordered.

This meant I did not get corn from the corn roast, which I really wanted, nor curds from Mouth Trap. But I really wanted to play this experiment through, so I might have to go back for another visit, because my fair-going is not complete without either of those.

Danielson’s & Daughters Onion Rings, $9 ($7 with Blue Ribbon Bargain Book coupon)

Outside of the south side of the Food Building

My love for these simple, uber crispy onion rings cannot be overstated. Is $9 a lot for a small basket of fried onions? Yes, but it’s the Fair, so it almost seems like a steal, and it definitely is if you have the Blue Ribbon book! We walked right up to the counter, but they did have to fry a fresh batch, so we waited about three minutes for these golden-brown beauties.

Pacifico beer at The Hangar, $7

On the northeast corner of Murphy Avenue and Underwood StreetAfter our annual beer tasting, it was beer-flavored beer only for this gal. We stopped by the Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibit from the Science Museum of Minnesota (fab, air conditioned, and the merch shop has some really cute stuff!), and felt like it was time for a beer after. We walked right up to the beer-only counter inside The Hangar and scored my favorite Mexican beer on tap! Crisp, refreshing and great on a hot day. And Sunday was a very hot day.

Gizmo, $15

On the South side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets

I was surprised to see the Gizmo stand move from its long-standing place in the North End to just outside of the Merch Market. Mainly, that just reminded me that it had been a while since I had this ground beef and sausage hoagie. And to my absolute delight, there was zero line for one on Sunday! The beef and sausage are mixed with a tasty marinara and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s simple, delicious and filling. And I’ll definitely be getting another one next year.

Coors Light at O’Gara’s at the Fair, $7

My husband walked right up to the patio bar at one of my favorite spots at the Fair, and grabbed me a light domestic beer. I told you I wasn’t drinking any flavored beers today.

Spam Burger, $10

Outside the Grandstand

I’d never tried a Spam Burger, and there was zero line, so I took it as a sign. This is basically a little slab of Spam, given a ride on a griddle and topped with burger toppings. Is it salty? Yes. Did I love it? Yes again. Was it a little on the small side for $10? Also Yes. See, Fair.

Pryes Royal Rasberry and Royal Peach twist soft-serve beer, $12

OK, so there were three people ahead of us in line for this one. But given that on days one and two of the Fair, the line stretched at least 100 people deep, I could not resist. Plus, my husband had never tried it. So we stood in line for 2 minutes, got ourselves a delicious cone and watched a one-man band perform polka and Katy Perry at the Pryes Stage. The show was almost as delightful as the soft serve, which does not taste like alcohol, but instead like a lovely sorbet. The peach and raspberry flavors go so well together! Honestly, even if there is a line, this one is worth the wait.

Whipped Feta at Dino’s Gyros, $12

I still wish the “toasted wild rice” was left off of this tasty, salty dip, with a little green schug sauce for some spice. The rice, if anything, should be popped so it’s not break-a-tooth hard. But I knew what I was getting myself into and whisked the rice to the side and enjoyed it. And there truly was no line, but it was getting closer to evening, when crowds tend to thin out.