minnesota state fair
'Safety comes first': COVID-19 causes State Fair to be called off
Although the COVID-19 infection peak in Minnesota is expected in July, the threat of contagion killed this year's event, which draws hundreds of thousands from around the state.
Scene at the Fair: Your best photos captured it all
When the cold winds and dull tones of winter have set in, Minnesotans can look back at the colorful, flavorful height of summer, captured on Instagram at #stfair19 in shades of cotton-candy pink, Sky-Glider blue, mustard yellow and dairy calico.
We hit 2 million at State Fair again. Here's what made the difference this year.
Should we get used to 2 million? Or was the 2019 Great Minnesota Get-Together a particularly good year? Three observations show how we got there this time.
Decision looms on whether to hold State Fair as board meets today
Fair officials declined to comment, while vendors remain nervous about their chances.
Walz calls Minnesota State Fair a 'tough lift' this year given crowds
If the State Fair is held as usual, General Manager Jerry Hammer said, it won't be done with restrictions.
St. Paul City Council makes it a crime to sell parking permits
Permits are required on some city streets to help residents park near their homes. But some people have been selling their permits to make extra money, particularly during the State Fair.
Minnesota State Fair will add metal detectors at entrance gates this year
The fair said the change, part of $10 million in upgrades planned for this year, will help maintain a "safe and secure environment."
Minnesota family sues State Fair over boy's E. coli illness
Lawsuit coincides with Health Department report recommending additional precautions at the Miracle of Birth exhibit.
E. coli outbreak linked to State Fair animal birth exhibit
Minnesota officials have recorded 11 cases so far, including six who were hospitalized. Those infected range in age from 2 to 43.
Gang violence marred final hours of Minnesota State Fair
With residents alarmed over gang violence outside gate, officials stress the event's safety.
Lottery ticket purchase while picking up free T-shirt leads to $100K prize for State Fair visitor
She was there to support her son, who was showing a project for 4-H.
Police hunt for suspects in 'brazen,' 'lawless' shooting outside fair
Gov. Tim Walz decried the gunfire, which left 3 hurt, and fair officials said safety is their top priority.
State Fair sets attendance record with 2.1 million fairgoers
The final attendance tally for the 2019 Minnesota State Fair of 2,126,551 tops the previous mark of 2,046,533 just last year.
Fair babies
In addition to the champion giant pumpkins and sugar beets, the State Fair boasts a large crop of cute babies, some straining at stroller straps, some lounging in hay.
After 40 years and more than 1 million meals, State Fair chef hangs up her apron
Dede Hard has made sure every 4-H'er at the Minnesota State Fair has gotten three square meals a day for nearly 40 years. She retired Monday.
ZZ Top, Cheap Trick make a fairly cool finale at the grandstand
The two hall-of-fame bands finished off the grandstand series with familiar hits.
After decades feeding 4-Hers at the fair, Dede Hard calls it a day
For years, Dede Hard has ordered the food, organized the crew and overseen preparations. The 4-H kitchen gets the biggest food delivery at the State Fair.
A new view through an old lens
Right around when the fair was born in the 1800s, tintype photography was in its heyday. This feat of photographic alchemy freezes a 2019 State Fair moment in Civil War-era tones. Tintype photography by Alex Kormann.
Roller coaster of emotions
From the thrill of the rollercoasters to the agony of dropped cookies, we witnessed the ups and downs of a day at the State Fair.
Brandi Carlile gets giddy at her great Minnesota State Fair concert
She seemed genuinely in awe at the response of the sell-out crowd in her biggest market.