Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is an annual state fair in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. It is one of the largest state fairs in the United States by attendance, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. The fair is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and runs for 12 days, ending on Labor Day.

History

The first Minnesota State Fair was held in 1859, a year after Minnesota was admitted to the Union. The fair has been held nearly every year since, with exceptions during the American Civil War, the Great Depression, and World War II. The fair was also canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attractions

The Minnesota State Fair features a wide variety of attractions, including:

• Agricultural exhibits showcasing livestock, crops, and farming equipment.
• Midway rides and games.
• Grandstand shows featuring concerts, performances, and other entertainment.
• Food vendors offering a diverse array of foods, including many items on a stick.
• Fine arts and crafts exhibits.
• Educational exhibits and demonstrations.

Notable Features

One of the most iconic features of the Minnesota State Fair is the butter sculptures, which are life-sized sculptures of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists carved out of butter. Another popular attraction is the Giant Slide, a large slide that has been a staple of the fair for decades.

Attendance

The fair is known for its high attendance, with the 2019 fair setting a record of 2,126,551 visitors. The fairgrounds cover 322 acres and include numerous buildings and facilities to accommodate the large crowds.

Transportation

The fairgrounds are accessible by various modes of transportation, including public transit, shuttle buses, and bicycles. There are also designated parking areas for visitors who drive to the fair.

See Also

• List of state fairs in the United States
• Minnesota State Fairgrounds
• Agriculture in Minnesota