The 2022 Minnesota State Fair begins Thursday, kicking off 12 days of late summer fun.
The big picture: This is the first “normal” fair since the pandemic; 2020 has been canceled and 2021 has been hampered by uncertainty, COVID concerns and bad weather.
- “It just has a whole different feel to 2021,” State Fair general manager Jerry Hammer told Axios of the preparations.
State of play: Fair officials expect an attendance of around 1.7 million visitors, down from the 2019 record of 2.1 million visitors.
- Hammer said suppliers are “in a much better position this year,” with many of the labor shortage and supply chain issues from last year resolved. Most vendors who survived the pandemic have returned, he added.
Yes, but: The fair is not inflation-proof, which means visitors could encounter higher prices than tickets, which are up $1 from last year.
- “I expect things to cost more for sellers, for everyone,” Hammer said. “If you’re in business, you’re not immune to inflation.”
What’s new: Along with new fair trade foods and drinks, such as Pickle Pizza and White Claw slushies, the Midway is adding several new roller coasters, Blue Ribbon Bingo and a host of other attractions.
- This year’s concert lineup, meanwhile, includes The Beach Boys, Pitbull, Florida Georgia Line and Portugal. The man.
Yes and: Gerry Kulzer will take over the creation of the butter bust for Linda Christensen, who retired last year after decades at the Dairy Building.
Threat level: Weak, according to Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. But that hasn’t stopped officials from putting together what he called the “most robust, versatile and flexible plan” he’s seen in his decades in law enforcement. local.
- The plan includes 200 officers from 55 agencies across the state and enhanced security inside and outside the gates. Metal detectors will again be at the entrances this year.
Details: The fair is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. until Labor Day, when it closes at 9 p.m.
- Tickets can be purchased online, at select local grocery stores, or at the fairgrounds.
