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State Fair

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 2. For all of the events at the MPR booth and Dan Patch Park, go to mpr.org/statefair.

Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?

Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?

Each year the Minnesota State Fair stocks a pond full of fish at the Minnesota State Fair. But what happens to the fish after the fair is done? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson set out to reel in the answer.
by Tim Nelson

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Fair fans flock through the gates as Minnesota State Fair begins its 12-day run

Fair fans flock through the gates as Minnesota State Fair begins its 12-day run

Crowds started filling the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Thursday. Whether they're there to exhibit livestock, catch a concert or try some of the dozens of new food and drink concoctions, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend this year's fair.
by Tim Nelson

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Appetites: Predicting the Minnesota State Fair hits and misses

Appetites: Predicting the Minnesota State Fair hits and misses

The Minnesota State Fair is upon us, and all of that food can be daunting. So we called on Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine food writer Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl to get us prepped for what to eat — and also what to avoid.
by Tom Crann and Megan Burks

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Minnesota State Fair's new butter carver prepares to create 'dairy' good art

Minnesota State Fair's new butter carver prepares to create 'dairy' good art

As the rest of Minnesota prepares for warm summer days at the State Fair, Gerry Kulzer is preparing his parka, gloves, and carving tools. He’ll be spending the fair in a 40-degree cooler, carving a new larger-than-life sculpture every day — in butter.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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As Minnesota State Fair returns, have we seen 'peak fair'?

As Minnesota State Fair returns, have we seen 'peak fair'?

Before COVID, Minnesota State Fair attendance reached a record 2.1 million in 2019. The fair's growth had become an end-of-summer ritual. But amid concerns about COVID and public safety, can that growth resume? Or have we already experienced what might be called "peak fair"?
by Tim Nelson

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Based on the data, here are the lower traffic days to visit the State Fair

Based on the data, here are the lower traffic days to visit the State Fair

Based on the last nine years of State Fair attendance data, the first Thursday of the Great Get-Together tends to have the lowest traffic. Even though 2021 had slower traffic overall, trends for attendance data remain consistent.
by Matt Mikus

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Officials, neighbors say they're ready to keep this year's Minnesota State Fair a safe one

Officials, neighbors say they're ready to keep this year's Minnesota State Fair a safe one

The Minnesota State Fair's new police chief, Ron Knafla, says 200 officers will be working on the 300-acre fairgrounds during this year’s fair. Neighbors are also teaming up to serve as ambassadors, guides and eyes on the streets surrounding the fair.
by Tim Nelson

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Making the Get-Together great for everyone: State Fair focused on addressing accessibility

Making the Get-Together great for everyone: State Fair focused on addressing accessibility

While the 12-day get-together can be the event of the year for Minnesotans, for some there are concerns about access. The State Fair is working to create a more inclusive environment, understanding and accommodating of people with disabilities.
by Sam Stroozas

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