Fair Attendance Strong but Shy of Records as Minnesota State Fair Opens

(KNSI) – The Great Minnesota Get Together is off to a solid, but not spectacular start.

Opening Day was the closest to setting a record, with over 137,0000 pushing through the turnstiles in Falcon Heights. That’s about 1,000 fewer than the best-ever mark from a year ago. Organizers counted 153,988 guests Friday and another 198,863 on Saturday.

Street parking near the fair now costs $25 per day, ticket prices have increased, and Labor Day is as early as possible this year, shifting forward the fair calendar. Those are some of the factors working against the event.

Sun and temperatures in the mid-70’s are forecast most of the week, perfect conditions to bring out big crowds.

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