Fair goers won’t be able to ride one of the main attractions at the grounds for the rest of the 2023 state fair.

Early Thursday morning, officials with the Minnesota State Fair said the Space Tower won’t be reopening for the rest of the event, after it broke down earlier this week.

Fair officials say the ride requires special electronic equipment that won’t arrive in time before the fair closes.

Ben Kantor, whose family has owned the landmark since the early 80s, says this will be the first state fair Labor Day since he was four years old that he won’t be working the ride.

According to Kantor, the trouble started on Sunday when the control circuits stopped working and adds the Tower was up and running as it should be during the first three days of the fair. He said the Tower was in the middle of a ride when it acted up and reversed direction.

While no one was in danger, the ride was brought back down manually, and several experts worked on it for three days. Kantor says the space Tower needs major work.

“Normally here we have a few people waiting in line and just by looking up going ‘wow that’s so cool I can’t wait to ride.’ Now it’s ‘aw it’s broken,'” said Kantor.

He adds it is quiet where the long lines typically are for the ride and described it as “creepy.”

The ride, which has been a favorite at the fairgrounds since 1965, is expected to be back and better than ever during next year’s fair, according to Kantor.

There are other things happening Thursday at the fairgrounds to enjoy instead – the butter carving contest begins at 12 p.m. near the Cattle Barn at the Moo Stage. Contestants will have 20 minutes to turn a one-pound block of butter into a masterpiece using supplied tools and butter.

Thursday is also Seniors Day at the fair, where anyone ages 65 and older can get in for $13. There will also be music from The Pearl Brothers at Dan Patch Park’s stage.

In addition, Duran Duran will be at the Grandstand Thursday night at 7 p.m. On Friday, the Jonas Brothers will perform before The Hold Steady take the stage on Saturday.

CLICK HERE for KSTP’s full fair coverage and HERE for what to expect at the KSTP building located on the fairgrounds.