The General Manager of the Minnesota State Fair, Jerry Hammer, stated today that the Fair’s fate was still unclear, but no changes or restrictions were being considered, if it does still happen.

“As stewards of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, it is our duty to do everything we can for as long as we can to ensure that Minnesota has a world class State Fair this year. Central to this year’s preparations are the directives of state, national and international health agencies. At this point, the outlook for late summer events remains unknown. As of now, there is no specific date by which a decision to hold the fair must be made. That picture will become more clear in the weeks ahead as we continue to be in contact with our partners that are vital to produce an event the size and scope of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The fair’s success relies on agriculturists, commercial and competitive exhibitors, educators, entertainers, attraction operators, suppliers, contractors and many others who must be at their very best to successfully produce the type of event that Minnesota expects and deserves.

At its heart, the State Fair is a grand celebration where all feel welcome, safe and secure. We are discussing and considering options that will enable us to provide that experience in 2020; however, alternate fair dates, a change in duration of the fair, or significant restrictions are not being considered.

We continue to remain hopeful that we can celebrate this year in our usual style, but ultimately please know and rest assured the State Fair will do the right thing for Minnesota, our nation and our world.”

My thoughts? I know many events have been getting cancelled that were previously scheduled this summer, including Minneapolis park events and some festivals.

We love the Minnesota State Fair like so many others, and I hope it can still happen this year. It literally provides a whole year’s income to so many businesses. I think of Sweet Martha’s cookies as one…oh, how I could go for one right now.

The Minnesota State Fair is such a big part of the state’s economy, and I’m not sure how much more financial loss the state can bear.

However, the decision makers need to do the right thing. Slowing the spread of this virus is essential.

What are your thoughts? How do you feel about the fate of the Minnesota State Fair 2020?

More info on the Minnesota State Fair website.

Check out my past articles about the Minnesota State Fair.

Craving some Minnesota fun? Check out these guides:

 

The best thing about the end of summer in Minnesota is the Minnesota State Fair and it’s almost here!

I’m super bummed that summer goes so fast, but I’m happy that we have a fabulous state fair, one that was rated the #1 state fair in the nation! The 2019 Great Minnesota Get-Together runs Aug. 22 through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

You probably know how expensive the fair can be. It’s hard to spend less than $100 within a few hours just between admission, food and rides! But there ARE many ways to save with a little bit of planning.

To save money, I personally recommend:

1) getting your ticket in advance (or going on a special deal day),
2) sharing a Blue Ribbon coupon book with someone else (there are WAY too many coupons for one family to use),
3) studying the map, the schedules of free events and entertainment, and the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide before you go to plan out your visit,
4) parking for free and using their free bus transportation to and from the fair,
5) bringing your own water bottle and filling it up for free at water fountains throughout the fair,
6) using their free app to help you find your way around.

Here are all the ways you can save, gathered from my own experiences plus directly from State Fair materials:

Before-the-Fair Savings

A good way to save on tickets is to get them before the fair starts!

Pre-fair discount admission tickets are $12 (which is a $3 discount off the regular adult admission price and a $1 discount off the regular seniors and kids admission prices) and are valid any day of the fair. Also prior to the fair, Mighty Midway and Kidway ride & game tickets are $15 for a sheet of 25 (a $10 savings!).

Note that the admission price went up $1 this year from 2018, but the game tickets stayed the same price.

Where do you get them?

[Read more…]