What a difference a couple of years, or even one year, can make.

The Minnesota Vikings are embarking on their 43rd training camp in Mankato this week and fans are feeling genuinely hopeful. National pundits, who had dismissed them as also-rans since head coach Brad Childress assumed command two years ago, are actively courting the idea they just might overtake the Packers and make a genuine playoff run.

As the Vikes began training camp last year in this city, future star running back Adrian Peterson hadn’t yet arrived. They also didn’t have star defensive end Jared Allen, whom they traded for last spring. So with the Vikings already in possession of them, and a rock-hard run defense, let the Packers deal with their Brett Favre soap opera and let the Purple faithful dwell on better things.

The Vikings have always been a big story for Mankato, a tourist attraction as well as a source of civic pride. Perhaps even more so this year, as fans welcome the team’s realistic postseason chances.

If not for the price of gas, we could anticipate an uptick in fan attendance at Minnesota State University’s and Blakeslee Stadium. An increase may occur, anyway, because most fans don’t want to let such things get in the way of picture-taking and autograph-seeking. Last year, more than 50,000 fans attended practices in the last three weeks.

There will be daily opportunities for autographs. Peterson and Allen will be highly sought after. As for the rest of the routine, it will seem ... well ... routine. Many of the Vikings will complain there’s not much to do in Mankato (but, of course, they’ve come here to get in shape, anyway) and local authorities will share a heightened awareness of what might go wrong when so many adoring fans are brought in close proximity to pro athletes who enjoy a little “down” time when they can get it. With a little luck, the Vikings will come and go without unfortunate incident, they’ll acknowledge MSU and the Mankato area as helpful to their needs, and continue coming back year after year.

MSU upgraded its practice field to the tune of $241,000 in time for the 2007 camp, and we trust there will be no disagreements on the facilities that Childress openly admired last summer. This year, there will be added bonuses for fans — fireworks after the Aug. 2 practice, and a Family Weekend Aug. 1-3 including a punt, pass and kick competition and cheerleading and youth football clinics. The Vikings Village will be available again, offering concessions and merchandising.

And now, let’s hope for good weather — not too much rain, not too much stifling heat.