Minnesota State Fair is ‘full speed ahead,’ general manager says

It’s "full speed ahead" for the 2021 Minnesota State Fair, the fair’s general manager said Friday.

Following a board meeting Friday morning, Jerry Hammer, state fair general manager, confirmed the fair will return Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6.

"It was a big challenge just keeping our operation intact, but we’re all so glad we did, and now we can see it just coming back in so many positive ways," Hammer said. "There’s nothing like the fair, we had visitors from all 50 states and 33 nations from around the world last time we held the fair. It’s so important to so many people, so to be able to do it again is just outstanding news and we can’t wait for August."

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming fair:

Will there be any attendance restrictions?

Hammer said at this time, fair officials do not expect any daily attendance limits given statewide restrictions on large gatherings have eased.

Will masks be required? What about proof of vaccination?

Proof of vaccination will not be required for visitors, staff or state fair vendors, fair officials said. Additionally, masks will not be required but will be encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated.

How much are tickets?

Pre-fair discount admission tickets, on sale through Aug. 25 for all ages, are $13.

Admission at the gate for adults age 13-64 is $16; kids 5-12 and seniors 65+ will be admitted for $14; children 4 years old and under are able to enter for free.

Pre-fair tickets will be available online.

What foods and beverages can I expect at the fair? What about entertainment?

Additional announcements on fair entertainment, new foods, and the full Grandstand lineup, among other topics, will be made in the coming weeks, fair officials stated.

What agency will provide security at the fair?

Fair security is expected to be provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, according to Hammer.

KSTP’s complete state fair coverage