Higher-than-usual State Fair vacancies give new vendors a chance to shine
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There will be 70 brand new vendors at the Minnesota State Fair this year, while 150 won’t be returning.
With reasons including staffing and concerns with COVID-19, vendors have been deciding not to be part of this year’s fair since November.
While fair officials tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS 150 vendors not returning is higher than normal — the fair usually sees 75-100 vendors not return for various reasons — it says the opportunity to get a coveted spot remained about the same.
“I would say it’s still pretty typical,” fair spokeswoman Danielle Dillenger said about the opportunities for new vendors.
Even so, the fair said it’s excited to welcome the 70 new vendors. That includes nine new food vendors — a higher number than usual. The fair said it usually adds three to five new food vendors a year.
Nanna Peterson, owner of Hanging Garden, moves her wares into her new booth at the Minnesota State Fair. Due to vendor turnover, Peterson was able to move to a new location this year, which she says is an upgrade because of its close proximity to the gate.[KSTP]
One of the nine newcomers is Andy’s Garage; it’s set up in the International Bazaar at the Midtown Global Market booth.
“We are all super excited about being here,” said Frank Chase, operator of Andy’s Garage, while surrounded by his two sons, who will also be working the booth.
“We’ve been wanting to be coming to the state fair with our products for 13, 14 years,” Chase added.
Their menu includes fusing fair food traditions with Mexican cuisine. The Chase family hopes and expects their first year to go well, with the goal of landing a spot for years to come.
Just around the corner from Andy’s Garage is Hanging Garden, which specializes in one-of-a-kind plant arrangements inside glass globes.
Due to some of the turnover, Hanging Garden is in a new location. Its owner, Nanna Peterson, said the new spot is bigger and better for business.
“It’s really nice because I’m right at the gate,” Peterson said. “I have a lot of exposure, and I’m expected for a lot of people to come in.”
Just as vendors decided not to attend this year’s fair, some who purchased pre-sale tickets are also deciding not to go. For a refund, the fair said to reach out via email.