Lightning closes some State Fair rides, Grandstand show to start late
Heavy rain falls at the Minnesota State Fair on opening day, Aug. 26, 2021.[KSTP]
A second wave of storms has moved into the metro and is delaying some of the fun on the first day of the 2021 Minnesota State Fair.
Nearby lightning delayed the Grandstand show just after 7 p.m. and forced the venue to be evacuated. Thursday night’s Grandstand show is Miranda Lambert with Lindsay Ell.
Due to lightning in the area, the Grandstand concert venue is being evacuated. If you are in the Grandstand concert venue, please seek shelter immediately. See a map: https://t.co/hIWxqwxoqj
— Minnesota State Fair (@mnstatefair) August 27, 2021
The Grandstand show is delayed. Further updates will tweeted as they are available. pic.twitter.com/7t73YjWeyg
As of 9:05 p.m., the fair allowed all ticket-holders to Thursday night’s show to re-enter the venue. Ell’s performance was canceled but Lambert is scheduled to perform between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
GRANDSTAND SHOW UPDATE: Guests with tickets to the Grandstand concert tonight may now reenter the concert venue. @mirandalambert will take the stage between 9:30 & 9:45 p.m. tonight. Due to weather, @lindsayell will not perform.
— Minnesota State Fair (@mnstatefair) August 27, 2021
Due to the lightning, all rides were also stopped.
The fair said The Skyride, SkyGlider, Space Tower and Adventure Park won’t reopen Thursday night.
Due to lightning in the area, all rides are currently closed.
— Minnesota State Fair (@mnstatefair) August 27, 2021
Note: The Skyride, SkyGlider and Space Tower will not reopen tonight.
At 8:25 p.m., the fair said all entertainment on the free stages was canceled for the rest of the night. The Grandstand remains delayed.
Due to severe weather, all entertainment on the free stages has been canceled.
— Minnesota State Fair (@mnstatefair) August 27, 2021
The Grandstand concert is still currently delayed and not canceled.
Just before 9 p.m., the fair said Mighty Midway and Kidway will remain closed for the rest of the night.
Due to severe weather, Mighty Midway and Kidway will remain closed tonight.
— Minnesota State Fair (@mnstatefair) August 27, 2021
Earlier in the day, strong thunderstorms and wind moved through the area.