It was still dark as Alise Secor and Brittany McVeigh sipped large coffees just inside the entrance of the Minnesota State Fair early Thursday morning.
The 31-year-old friends took off work for their annual trip to the fair, which they've been attending together for a decade. They weren't always among the early risers, but after 2020's COVID-19 cancellation, they couldn't wait any longer to return.
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"We were just too excited," Secor said.
Concerns about the pandemic and an afternoon thunderstorm reduced opening-day traffic at the State Fair, which kicked off at 6 a.m. Thursday after a yearlong hiatus. But the rain did not deter thousands of eager attendees from making their long-awaited return to Minnesota's beloved 12-day get-together, which many deem the unofficial end to summer.
"This is something we look forward to every single year," said Jenny Brown, who came to the fair with her family from River Falls, Wis.
Longtime fairgoers remarked on subtle differences perhaps indicative of the pandemic's lingering effects. There was barely a line in the normally jam-packed area outside Sweet Martha's Cookies during lunch hour. The mini-doughnut stand installed plexiglass in what used to be open-air windows. A handful of booths in the Education Building and elsewhere were left empty after about 50 vendors dropped out of the fair due to concerns about the fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus in the weeks leading up to the event.
Fair attendees are encouraged — but not required — to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. Fair officials received criticism on social media for not mandating face coverings or vaccines, but organizers said they did not have the capacity to enforce such policies.
"I just want to be respectful of others," said Dan Blake, of Blaine, who donned a mask before entering the packed Merchandise Mart to escape the midday downpour. More than half of the others sheltering in the building did not wear masks.
Some fairgoers, like Adam DeLong, arrived early in the morning to avoid large crowds and rain.
"Most everybody that comes knows that we needed [2020] off, and it was probably smarter," he said. "Hopefully everybody's going to be smart about it this year."
Fair officials won't have official first-day attendance numbers until Friday, but spokesperson Danielle Dullinger said she thought traffic seemed below-average in late morning. In past years, the fair has drawn more than 2 million total visitors.
"This doesn't feel busy. It feels just right," Dullinger said. "I'm just absolutely thrilled that people are here. It's all a little surreal after two years."
In the fair's North End Event Center, health officials gave about 60 COVID-19 vaccines during the first hour after opening.
"We even had a line for a bit — which was surprising and encouraging," said Jason Clusman, who was coordinating logistics for the clinic. The state's $100 incentive program has likely helped, he said.
Nearly 3.1 million Minnesotans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which represents 55% of the state's population. Events such as the fair draw people from all over the state, where vaccination levels vary from county to county.
Kelly Scanlan said her family was hoping to wrap up everything they wanted to do before the fair got busy because her 11-year-old son, John Anderson, was not vaccinated. Children under 12 are not eligible for the immunization.
"We've eaten a lot already," she said in the late morning. "Crêpes. Pronto Pups. Ice cream. We'll be full for the rest of the day."
In the fair's Creative Activities Building, Sue Rutford laid out colorful patchwork as visitors meandered by both sides of the Minnesota Quilters' display.
"I'm a little embarrassed to tell people I'm here," said Rutford, the group's State Fair coordinator. "I'm glad to be back here, but I'm also worried about this becoming a super spreader."
Minnesota health officials reported high rates of COVID-19 transmission throughout the state, with another 1,839 confirmed cases and 11 deaths reported Thursday. So far, 642,288 Minnesotans have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes the disease and 7,793 have died.
At the end of June, 1.1% of Minnesotans tested positive for the virus. That number is up to 6.1%, a sign that virus transmission levels have increased.
That wasn't too concerning to Robby Barona, who helps run the Giant Slide and the Cheese-on-a-Stick and Lemonade stand. Those who make a living working at fairs took a huge financial hit in 2020, he said, so they're hoping for a busy 2021.
"I think people are ready to move on with their lives," he said.
Many of those who flocked to the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights for fried food, freebies and other favorite fair traditions appeared to agree. Throughout the day, as they exclaimed over crop art, newborn piglets, Ferris wheel rides and a lively polka band, attendees young and old expressed similar sentiments.
"I'm just so happy to be back," said Tim Weiss, echoing countless fairgoers as he stood outside his Giggles' Campfire Grill. "If we make any money, that's just a bonus."
Annette and Sophia Zabala, a mother and daughter from West St. Paul, arrived at 6 a.m. to carry on a longstanding family tradition of attending the fair on opening day.
"We did the drive-through fair last year," said Annette Zabala, smiling as the pair headed to the footlong hot dog stand to kick off their day. "But it just wasn't the same."
Staff writer Glenn Howatt contributed to this report.
Katie Galioto • 612-673-4478
