Minnesota State Fair attendance down by half for second straight day
[KSTP/Brett Hoffland]
Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair was down by half again on Friday compared to the same day in 2019.
According to the State Fair, 77,406 people came through the gates on Friday, a sharp decline from the Day 2 record of 157,224 set two years ago.
Inclement weather over the past few days and trepidation over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are likely the main contributors to this year’s diminished attendance numbers so far.
Fair officials announced earlier this month they wouldn’t require face masks or proof of vaccination to attend this year’s event.
Around 150 vendors have pulled out, though labor shortages and supply chain issues have also been cited as factors.
Minnesota State Fair Attendance