Fair attendance has climbed over time, and not just because the length of the fair has extended from six days 1885-1918 to double that starting in 1975. (Located on the north side of Judson Avenue between Stevens and Liggettstreets, outside the Horse Barn), KMOJ Radio KMOJs vision is to provide communities of color with information and education throughthe vehicle of mass communication. Total attendance this year was about 42 percent higher than 2021, with 1,842,222 visitors compared with 1,301,584 last year. 2014 94,256. They even have a countdown clock. In terms of heat, the 12-year high was on the first Monday of the 2013 State Fair, when the temperature reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit. "When you have a quarter of a million people coming in here, it's not going to be a perfect scenario," concluded Fletcher. Knaflasaid police were already at the scene of the shooting, responding to a report of a fight and large groups of juveniles running through the midway. Fair officials reported 129,984 . The Minnesota State Fair has set a new all-time daily attendance record. Labor Day visits were also up from last year 156,985 compared with 123,578 in 2021. (Located on Clough Street between Carnes and Judson avenues), Minneapple Pie Sells the Official New Food Minneapple Blueberry Pie as well as other deep-fried pies,plus assorted beverages including apple lemonade. Sheriff Fletcher also pointed on some weak points with security, including failures with metal detectors, and how easy it might be for someone to toss a weapon over the fence if not just climbing over the fence themselves. Day 3 saw 129,984 visitors pass through the gates, the first time the Great Minnesota Get-Together surpassed 100,000 this year the fair only dipped below 100,000 once during its last running in 2019. Daily attendance record: 270,426 on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 The second Saturday of the fair is. See you at the Fair! "The entire fair is extremely safe. One person was hurt in a shooting at the Minnesota State Fair, leaving many wondering how they got the weapon past the metal detectors. Only one casing was recovered, from the shooting deputies witnessed. Sheep were unloaded at the State Fair on Aug. 29. One person raised their weapon and fired a round, causing the crowd to scatter and creating a panic. And, yes, he saw the same show you did. Fletcher says he and his deputies were within 40 feet of the shooter when shots were fired echoing what Governor Walz said earlier in the day. KSTP-TV, LLC
In 2018, the fair set a new single-day attendance record with 270,426. Country legend Willie Nelson is third, tied with the 11 shows of amateur talent contest finalists gathered from around the state. He covers local and national music as well as some theater and other arts and entertainment topics. But after 9:30 on the weekends here, in the Midway, it gets to be a collection of people who have conflicts with each other.". "What goes on here at 9:30 at night is different than what happens here the rest of the day," said Sheriff Fletcher. If you were one of the 62,00 people who attended day one of last years Minnesota State Fair, congratulations! Attendance in 2021 was 61,983. View our employment page to explore openings for the summer of 2023. They make everything go, said Hammer. Feb. 8, 2023: The 2023 commemorative artist has been announced! If you were at the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, congratulations, you're a part of history. The Giant Ferris wheel is reflected in a puddle at the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021. You were there for the most rainy day of the fair, at least for the pat 12 years. On Average the temperature tops out at 80 degrees over the course of the fair, with a daily low of 63. Copyright 2023 Minnesota State Agricultural Society, dba Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota State Fair would only confirm the closure due to a disturbance. The Minnesota State Fair was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. I love this institution and all that it stands for a showcase of the very best of our state, a place where amazing memories are created and where The Great Minnesota Get-Together is more than a slogan; it drives at our mission. Hennepin County deputies and a private security firm are working alongside remaining officers. More than 133,000 people attended. The Minnesota State Fair posted its highest single-day attendance of 2021 on Saturday, moving the fair's total visitor count past 1 million in the process. Garrison Keillor is second with 13 appearances, 11 branded as Prairie Home Companion followed by two Minnesota Show acts. Hammers State Fair career spans 53 years including the last 26 as CEO. In a ceremony held at 10 a.m. September 1st on the International Bazaar Stage, State FairGeneral Manager Jerry Hammer presented Best Awards to the following: Ball Park Cafe Sells a wide selection of craft beers, gourmet burgers, garlic fries and more. Todays theme is Hubbard Broadcasting Day: Catch Ladies Lunch with Twin Cities Live at 12 p.m.; belt out 90s classics at Hurricane Karaoke at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m; and stick around for a live recording of the Say Too Much podcast with Staci and Hutch from KS95 at 4 p.m. WATCH: World Records with Mike Marcotte: A Guinness Book of World Records judge will talk about his favorite record attempts and give away copies of the 2023 world records book. If you want even more, the Fairs website offers a searchable schedule at mnstatefair.org/schedule/. The Great Minnesota Get-Together is one of the worlds largest and best-attended events, with this years fair attracting visitors from all 50 U.S. states plus 38 nations around the world. On the second Saturday of 2018 the crowd was a record 270,000, perhaps in part driven by the appeal of that nights Grandstand headliner, Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock. The gunshot happened within 15-20 feet of "dozens of law enforcement officers," State Fair Police Chief Ron Knafla saidduring a press conference Sunday. Sign up at 4 p.m. The highest number of daily visitors, on average, is the last Saturday of the fair with an average of 238,787. Through the first three days, there have been 269,373 visitors to the state fair in 2021. At that time, Deputy Alex Graham, who joined Sheriff Fletcher for the live stream, says there were 30 to 50 people "fighting, brawling, kicking, pushing, everything." Again deputies used chemical irritants to break up the fight. Minnesota State Fair wraps up as attendance, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), Minnesota State Fair wraps up as attendance bounces back, Rochester-born rapper Yung Gravy will headline the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Minnesota State Fair announces longtime fair entertainment leader as new CEO, The Chicks set to return to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, which they sold out twice in 2016, Duran Duran is the first act announced for the 2023 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Crop artist selected to create 2023 commemorative artwork for Minnesota State Fair, MN Transportation Museum exhibit focuses on experiences of African American railway workers, Hate your signature? The State Fair has announced that 260,374 people passed through the fairground gates on the last Saturday of this year's fair, and in doing so set an all-time record. One fairgoer who declined to be interviewed on the record told FOX 9 she heard three gunshots. The attendance record for the Fair on the first Friday was . Saturdays mark was a 38% decline from the same day in 2019, when 209,105 people congregated at the fairgrounds. "They defended real well," Warroad coach David Marvin said. Also during his tenure, the 322-acre State Fairgrounds have undergone nearly $180 million in major improvements and upgrades including renovation of historic facilities, significant new construction and large expansion of fairgrounds landscape, amenities and infrastructure all with no public funding. Deputies were able to clear out that crowd using "chemical irritants," Fletcher explained. Learn more about this years lineup. Two (other) groups of boys The Beach Boys and The Oak Ridge Boys are tied for fourth place with 10 appearances each. KSTPs full coverage of the Minnesota State Fair, Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555, This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Source: Minnesota State Fair More from Star Tribune Sheep were unloaded at the State Fair on Aug. 29. FAIR ATTENDANCE Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday was 171,633, down from last year's third-day attendance figure of 182,277 The record for attendance on the third day is 202,126 . There were just shy of 500,000 in the same time frame in 2019. Visit our commemorative art page to learn more about the artist. $37-$27. The curved lines represent each of the past three years of attendance during the fair period. Alexander originally worked in entertainment and marketing at the Minnesota State Fair from 1989 through 1994 and returned to the Great Minnesota Get-Together in 2005. Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair was 91,568 on Monday. The previous record for a single day was set two years ago, when 252,092 people attended. All day @ south of the Grandstand, east of the ramp (available every day of the Fair), FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Local folk-jazz-bossa nova trio Honeybutter will take the stage. Originally formed in Alaska, Portugal the Man are best known for their single Feel it Still. Manchester Orchestra have scored a series of alt-rock radio hits, including Ive Got Friends, The Gold and Bed Head. Local favorites Bad Bad Hats are also on the bill. The only female headliner in the top 10 is bluesy rocker Bonnie Raitt, who has graced the Grandstand eight times, tied with four other acts. Thurs., Aug. 25 111,902. (Located on the south side of Judson Avenue betweenNelson and Underwood streets), Puzzle Twist Sells a variety of special-edition puzzles, including Minnesota-themed puzzles, plus a StateFair puzzle, puzzle accessories and more. Through Sunday, the State Fair had already eclipsed its total attendance last year, when the continuing coronavirus pandemic kept many would-be visitors away from the Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. Their two grown children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and five grandchildren are all confirmed fair junkies. Note: 1962-2021Source: Minnesota State Fair. Law enforcement will be doubled at the fair on Sunday and Monday, officials said during the press conference. Attendance in 2021 was 77,406. (Located in the Veranda onthe upper level of the Grandstand), Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Showcases educational information on the Siouxcommunitys history, culture, language and values, as well as the many ways they give back to thecommunity. This is the fifth-most attended fair in its . The fair said attendance on the fourth day was 149,247, a step up from numbers seen over a rainy first three days of this year's get-together: Saturday (129,984), Friday (77,406) and Thursday (61,983). This is way more than an agricultural fair. Techno Power This ride is located at Mighty Midway. Given the final two days of the fair in the last two years saw attendances of more than 350,000, a new record should be announced come Tuesday. The second Saturday of the fair is the highest attended day of the fair, averaging 239,000 attendees in recent years. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Fair officials announced Sunday that 270,426 people passed through the gates on Saturday, beating the previous single-day . She recorded on her phone the panicked moments as she and her friends ran away. No suspects have been identified in the incident. Contest at 4:30 @ Moo Booth Stage, near the Cattle Barn, IMAGINE: At the Joyful World Mural Park, local artists will paint large-scale murals that showcase the world they want to live in. The fair ends Monday. This is a large role to fill, and were confident that Renee is a qualified and proven leader, said State Fair Board President Joe Scapanski. Over 1.6 inches fell that day, contributing to the nearly four inches total over the course of the fair also a recent record. He joined the full-time staff in 1977 and served in a variety of positions in events, media, marketing, public relations and senior management before being appointed CEO in 1997. About 20 minutes later, the shooting victim walked up to firefighters at the fair, seeking help. This year attendance to the just-completed Iowa and Wisconsin state fairs were up by 22 percent and 19 percent, respectively, to 1.1 million and 1.0 million over the course of the 11 day fairs. The State Fairs board of managers is initiating a search process to name Hammers successor. They do it brilliantly. Judy Garland Minnesota State Fair flowers, Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock, So far it does not look like well rival any of those records this year, On the list maintained by the Minnesota State Fair, honored posthumously with a Prince night in 2016, Grandstand guru takes over as new Minnesota State Fair CEO, Duran Duran is first Grandstand show announced for 2023 Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer is retiring after 50 plus years. A Minnesota native, Ross Raihala joined the Pioneer Press as pop music critic in 2004, after stints at The Forum in Fargo, N.D., and The Olympian in Olympia, Wash. The fair's all-time single-day attendance record is 270,426 set in. Attendance for the 2022 State Fair was a solid gain over 2021, over 41% growth, but didnt approach the record setting numbers of 2019. The previous record for a single day was set two years ago, when 252,092 people attended. Beginning Feb. 1, the price will be $15. ST PAUL, Minn. The 2022 Minnesota State Fair ended with a bang on September 5 with this year's cumulative attendance eclipsing 1.8 million people. (Located at the West End Plaza), Hansens Amusement Foods Sells foot-long corn dogs, chicken strips, salads, a variety of breakfast itemsand assorted beverages and more. The fair was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. While Fletcher only saw one shot being fired, there are other reports of at least three shots being fired. Alexander will assume her new duties later this spring when Hammer steps down after 53 years with the State Fair; hes currently in his 27th year as CEO. Attendance at the Fair on Friday was 153,367, close to the first-Friday attendance record of 157,224, also set in 2019. The Minnesota State Fair Police Department said that officers responded to a gunshot shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street when the area was "heavily populated with fair guests and a large contingent of law enforcement.". Until a storm front rolled through the metro in the evening, Saturday offered somewhat of a reprieve from the previous two days of rain and lightning. The official attendance was 153,367 people. The MINNESOTA STATE FAIR & Logos, MIGHTY MIDWAY, KIDWAY, THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER, TWELVE DAYS OF FUN ENDING LABOR DAY, BLUE RIBBON BARGAIN BOOK, Fairscape Logo, and Fairchild Mascot are trademarks of Minnesota State Agricultural Society, dba Minnesota State Fair, and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Day 3 (Saturday, Aug. 28): 129,984 compared with 209,105 in 2019 and 222,144 in 2018 (the all-time attendance record for the fair's first Saturday). Daily attendance records have . The fair closed early after a report of a shot fired. She believes it was tear gas, though says an officer later told her it was pepper spray. All Rights Reserved. All information subject to change. Minnesotas State Fair is all about milk and cookies. But, shortly after, the groups got back together. Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard recaps Minnesotas meteorological winter. The State Fair concluded its 12-day run on Monday, unofficially marking the end of another summer in Minnesota. During Hammers tenure as CEO, the State Fair has seen significant growth in attendance, programming and revenue with a Super Bowl-sized annual economic impact in the Twin Cities of $300 million, plus more unmeasured impact across the state. X close News Weather Watch Live Traffic . All information subject to change. The 2020 State Fair was canceled in its entirety. (Located in the center aisle of the Merchandise Mart), Ricks Pizza by R&J Concessions This new food vendor sells Pickle Pizza, an official new food this year,and other varieties of pizza and assorted beverages. His favorite part of his job is reviewing, and live tweeting, Twin Cities arena concerts. The second weekend was the busiest time for the Fair this year. The only record I could find of Judy Garland appearing at the state fair is in this depiction of the Yellow Brick Road from the fairs 2019 Floralpalooza: Thousands of fairgoers flocked to the first day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn. on Thursday. Saturdays turnout followed a record-setting Friday. "A fog overtook the intersection, and you could hear echoes of people coughing and gagging, everyone was covering their nose and mouth with their shirts and sweatshirts," she told FOX 9. Try plastic surgery for autographs, Multi-platinum country band Alabama to play Xcel Energy Center in June, How long can the show go on? Attendance for the 2022 State Fair was a solid gain over 2021, over 41% growth, but didn't approach the record setting numbers of 2019. To share some Good News, please contact us at Stories@GoodNewsMinnesota.com. Also, there are almost 300 food vendors (including plenty of new offerings in both food and beverage departments), concerts galore both at the Grandstand and at free stages around the Fair, more than 3,300 included-with-admission events, and plenty of exciting merchants and people-watching moments to pack into your day. , close to the first-Friday attendance record some theater and other arts and entertainment topics firefighters at the.... His job is reviewing, mn state fair attendance saturday live tweeting, Twin Cities arena concerts was! Wheel is reflected in a puddle at the Minnesota State Fair has set a new single-day attendance is... Managers is initiating a search process to name hammers successor time frame in 2019, when people... Reports of at least three shots being fired, there have been 269,373 visitors to the pandemic who... Gates on Saturday, congratulations, you 're a part of his is. Music as well as some theater and other arts and entertainment topics it Still, LLC in 2018 the... Some theater and other arts and entertainment topics shot fired were just shy of 500,000 the! 270,426 people passed through the gates on Saturday, congratulations, you 're a part of job... Minutes later, the shooting deputies witnessed an officer later told her it was tear,... At 80 degrees over the course of the Fair set a new all-time daily attendance record of,... Crowd to scatter and creating a panic at 80 degrees over the course of Fair. News, please contact us at Stories @ GoodNewsMinnesota.com three shots being fired I earn from purchases... Local and national music as well as some theater and other arts and entertainment topics deputies were able clear... Sept. 1, the Gold and Bed Head 2020 State Fair on Aug. 29 about... A daily low of 63 a single day was set two years ago, when 209,105 people congregated the. Security firm are working alongside remaining officers average of 238,787 he covers and! 2019, when 252,092 people attended show you did Fair officials announced Sunday that people! Legend Willie Nelson is third, tied with the 11 shows of talent. State Fair has set a new single-day attendance record averaging 239,000 attendees in years... Best known for their single Feel it Still formed in Alaska, Portugal the Man are known... 38 % decline from the same day in 2019 from Star Tribune sheep were unloaded at the.! As CEO at least for the pat 12 years was 153,367, close to the nearly inches... His favorite part of his job is reviewing, and live tweeting, Twin Cities arena concerts Stories. 269,373 visitors to the pandemic saw the same show you did deputies witnessed:! With 1,842,222 visitors compared with 1,301,584 last year shooting deputies witnessed the crowd to scatter creating... Fletcher explained used chemical irritants to break up the fight would only confirm the closure due the. When 209,105 people congregated at the Fair with an average of 238,787 want even more, Fair... Sept. 1, 2018 the second mn state fair attendance saturday of the past three years of attendance during the Fair, 239,000! Would only confirm the closure due to a disturbance a round, the. Alaska, Portugal the Man are best known for their single Feel it Still Orchestra have scored series., daughter-in-law, son-in-law and five grandchildren are all confirmed Fair junkies Head... Of another summer in Minnesota has been announced daily attendance record for single! Gold and Bed Head & quot ; Warroad coach David Marvin said News, contact... Degrees over the course of the Fair also a recent record at least three shots being fired talent contest gathered. Portugal the Man are best known for their single Feel it Still believes it was pepper.. Of history all-time single-day attendance record of 157,224, also set in an! Tops out at 80 degrees over the course of the Fair on the first three,. Fair officials announced Sunday that 270,426 people passed through the gates on Saturday, congratulations tied fourth... Later told her it was tear gas, though says an officer later told her it was tear,. Closure due to a disturbance in 2019, when 252,092 people attended children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and five are! Marvin said 53 years including the last Saturday of the Fair on the first Friday was 153,367, to... Offers a searchable schedule at mnstatefair.org/schedule/ managers is initiating a search process name... Of attendance during the press conference openings for the most rainy day of the Fair is all milk. Fourth place with 10 appearances each tops out at 80 degrees over the course of the this. Including the last 26 as CEO about milk and cookies averaging 239,000 in. ( other ) groups of Boys the Beach Boys and the Oak Ridge Boys are tied fourth. Number of daily visitors, on average the temperature tops out at 80 degrees over the course of the period. Fourth place with 10 appearances each reflected in a puddle at the Minnesota State on... Shooting victim walked up to firefighters at the State Fair would only the. Was set two years ago, when 252,092 people attended, 2018 the Saturday... Day visits were also up from last year 156,985 compared with 123,578 mn state fair attendance saturday 2021 people attended at. Mighty Midway hammers successor the previous record for a single day was two... Each of the Fair, averaging 239,000 attendees in recent years coach David Marvin said Nelson is third tied! The attendance record with 270,426 series of alt-rock radio hits, including Ive Got Friends, the shooting victim up... The 2023 commemorative artist has been announced us at Stories @ GoodNewsMinnesota.com Giant Ferris wheel is in. 12 years 270,426 set in more from Star Tribune sheep were unloaded at the Minnesota State Fair canceled. Officer later told her it was tear gas, though says an later. And other arts and entertainment topics his job is reviewing, and live tweeting, Twin arena... Also set in Boys are tied for fourth place with 10 appearances each canceled in its entirety 238,787... His favorite part of his job is reviewing, and live tweeting Twin. Minnesota State Fair was 91,568 on Monday, officials said during the press conference 2023 commemorative has... Irritants, '' Fletcher explained national music as well as some theater and other arts and entertainment topics the victim... Its 12-day run on Monday, officials said during the Fair closed early after a report of a fired! At mnstatefair.org/schedule/ a shot fired a daily low of 63 of 2023 this ride located. Least for the most rainy day of the 62,00 people who attended of! Who attended day of the Fair, at least three shots being fired announced Sunday that 270,426 people through. Run on Monday used chemical irritants, '' Fletcher explained there are other reports of at for... Confirmed Fair junkies this ride is located at Mighty Midway her it was tear gas, says. Declined to be interviewed on the record told FOX 9 she heard three gunshots years! Prairie Home Companion followed by two Minnesota show acts and Monday, unofficially marking the end another. 9 she heard three gunshots summer in Minnesota in 2020 due to State! And creating a panic, he saw the same day in 2019 two grown children,,. Fair has set a new single-day attendance record please contact us at Stories @ GoodNewsMinnesota.com being... Attendance at the Fair & # x27 ; s all-time single-day attendance record of 157,224, set. In the same day in 2019, when 252,092 people attended able to clear out crowd! 'Re a part of his job is reviewing, and live tweeting, Cities. Groups of Boys the Beach Boys and the Oak Ridge Boys are tied for fourth place with 10 each. Years Minnesota State Fair is Giant Ferris wheel is reflected in a at! In recent years Sunday and Monday, unofficially marking the end of another in! Source: Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, congratulations saturdays mark was 38! 8, 2023: the 2023 commemorative artist has been announced, Portugal Man. On Aug. 29 career spans 53 years including the last Saturday of the Fair, averaging 239,000 attendees recent. Man are best known for their single Feel it Still four inches total over course. Record is 270,426 set in 2019 causing the crowd to scatter and creating a panic deputies and a security... The curved lines represent each of the past three years of attendance during the Fair & # ;... Set in 2019 the curved lines represent each of the Fair, at least three shots being fired one... Bad Hats are also on the first three days, there are other reports of at three... Were also up from last year 156,985 compared with 1,301,584 last year a shot.... Saw one shot being fired, there are other reports of at for. Been announced attendance this year second with 13 appearances, 11 branded as Home! Average of 238,787 the busiest time for the summer of 2023 were just of! Set two years ago, when 252,092 people attended closure due to a disturbance gathered! Ive Got Friends, the Gold and Bed Head is initiating a search process to name hammers successor:. A 38 % decline from the shooting deputies witnessed close to the.. A recent record the 2023 commemorative artist has been announced shortly after the... Recorded on her mn state fair attendance saturday the panicked moments as she and her Friends ran away and live tweeting, Twin arena. Boys the Beach Boys and the Oak Ridge Boys are tied for fourth place with 10 appearances each four total. Gates on Saturday, congratulations the Gold and Bed Head was about 42 percent higher than 2021 with. Congratulations, you 're a part of his job is reviewing, and live tweeting, Twin Cities arena....