Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Photos
MPR News Staff

Photos: The fun's begun in first weekend of Minnesota State Fair

A ride is lit up in the evening at the state fair.
A multiple-exposure image of the Wave Swinger ride at night at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Updated: Aug. 28, 7:15 a.m. | Posted: Aug. 27, 11 a.m.

We’ve closed out the first weekend of the the Minnesota State Fair for 2023.

An estimated 483,918 fairgoers visited the State Fair in the first three days, including a state fair record of 164,741 attendees on Friday. Saturday had 212,850 in attendance, which beat the past few years for the first Saturday of the fair, but didn’t quite surpass the fair record set for the same day in 2018.

Freelance photographer Caroline Yang documented the first weekend of the Great Minnesota Get-Together for MPR News.

A massive crowd moves through the State Fair.
Crowds descended on the Mighty Midway at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
People ride above on the SkyGlider while others walk below.
Fairgoers gathered in the sky and on the streets at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
People gather at the top of a ride.
Silhouettes of workers and patrons gathering at the top of the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
Cotton candy is prepared for purchase.
A vendor prepares cotton candy for a customer at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
Fairgoers ride on the SkyGlider.
Fairgoers enjoy a ride on the SkyGlider on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A view from riding the Wave Swinger.
People of all ages filled the swing at the Wave Swinger ride on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A cotton candy stand.
A view of a cotton candy stand as seen through a prism on Saturday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A multiple-exposure image of crowds.
A multiple-exposure image showing the crowds at the Minnesota State Fair.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A multiple-exposure of the Super Dog stand.
A multiple-exposure image of people gathering near a Super Dog stand on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
The SkyRide glows in the evening light.
People gather near the SkyRide at dusk on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A multi-exposure image of a signs and fairgoers
A multiple-exposure image of fairgoers lining up for fresh french fries.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A ticket booth glows in the dark light.
A multiple-exposure image of people purchasing tickets for rides.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A mix of lighting.
A worker stands outside the Magic Maze on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A refreshment stand shines in the evening light.
A refreshment stand shines brightly as evening approaches on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
Wave swinger riders in the air
People of all ages filled the swing at the Wave Swinger ride at the Minnesota State Fair Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
A collage of images of the Giant Slide.
Fairgoers ride down the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News
Fairgoers ride the SkyGlider.
Fairgoers fill the SkyGlider at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday.
Caroline Yang for MPR News