Minnesota State Fair vendors optimistic for a safe event

Ben Henry

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Minnesota State Fair vendors say they’re confident the fair will start on time and, with proper protocols, should be able to operate in a safe way.

In early August, fair officials told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they were considering requiring masks inside buildings and putting a cap on the number of people inside the fair.

But 15 days before begins, face coverings are not required and there is no limit on how many people are allowed in, according to the fair’s website.

On Monday, the fair closed the gates to the public to allow vendors to set up — a welcoming sign for eager vendors ready to get back after 2020’s fair was canceled due to the pandemic.

“Even with lower attendance, I think it’ll feel like a normal,” said Lauren Castle, chief financial officer at SOTA Clothing.

Castle expects numbers to be lower than 2019’s fair, which hit a record attendance of 2,126,551, but also feels it’ll be what people need: personal interaction.

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“I think seeing those customers come back will be, and having that personal interaction, is something we haven’t had in a while,” Castle said. “I think that’s what we’re looking forward [to].”

Castle said SOTA Clothing was part of the Summer Kick-Off at the Fair in spring — the event had COVID-19 safety protocols including masking and capacity limits. She said it went well and feels the proper protocols for this year’s fair should set it up for success.

If the fair food is more your speed and you’re a fan of Pizza on a Stick, you’ll be excited to hear it’ll be back this year.

“It’s 12 days of a big party,” said Tino Lettieri, owner of Pizza on a Stick.

“[Monday night] we put the booth up, and you can see the emotions coming in,” Lettieri added. “[We] can’t wait to open up again.”

Lettieri said he hasn’t heard anything significant about expected changes to the current plan — just what the fair has announced.

He is confident it’ll go on and he’ll be able to sell his pizza — on a stick, of course — to his customers.