Final State Fair preparations underway ahead of opening day

The gates open for the Great Minnesota Get-Together at 6 a.m. Thursday, and last-minute preparations are underway.

Fried foods and fun are around every corner at the Minnesota State Fair. The long-standing tradition is back in business after COVID-19 canceled plans last year.

"I think it’s slightly nerve-wracking to be in a pandemic right now when everyone’s so close, but I’m just glad we get to do this again this year,” 4-H participant Chloe Schnebly said.

Some participants are focused on fun at the fair.

“Looking forward to it, I’m not worried. I don’t really let it doesn’t bother me much,” 4-H participant Cora Schnebly said.

Officials say state fair staples are here to stay, but seeing some changes is fair game.

“The [Department of Natural Resources] building will be closed, but they do have the whole DNR park, so you’ll still get to see raptor demonstrations, you’ll see fish pond talks,” Minnesota State Fair spokeswoman Danielle Dullinger said.

Officials said the DNR is limiting fun to the great outdoors to keep patrons safe.

Masks will also be available to fairgoers at the gates but they’re not required.

"Masks are strongly, strongly encouraged in indoor settings and in outdoor settings where social distancing is not possible,” Dullinger said.

RC’s BBQ owner Charlie Torgerson says wearing a mask in his booth will be up to the customers.

"You come in here, if you’re wearing a mask, we don’t care. If you’re not wearing a mask, we don’t care,” he said. “We got a nice open building and a lot of people sit outside, so we’ll be fine.”

For the last two weeks, he and 300 other food vendors have been prepping for the big day, but Torgerson said the heavy lifting starts Thursday.

"Hoping for a good day. Now we’re just trying to beat 2020,” he said.

Although masks are not required for entry, they are needed for some vendors and buildings around the fairgrounds, so it’s important to keep a mask handy.