2022 Minnesota State Fair recap

Mia Laube KSTP

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Labor Day is the last day of the 2022 Minnesota State Fair, and our 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS meteorologists are predicting another day of calm weather to close out the holiday weekend.

Gates close early at 7 p.m. Monday, but plenty of events are planned, including special events for Kids Day and activities in Dan Patch Park for Hmong Minnesota Day.

Visit THIS PAGE to view fair coverage and see what’s happening Monday at the KSTP building.

Total 2022 fair attendance is expected to be released Tuesday, and for the first 10 days, numbers have come slightly short of pre-pandemic data.

Saturday, Day 10, crushed all other days this year with nearly 250,000 visitors. Visit THIS PAGE to view state fair attendance numbers as they are released. KSTP’s attendance graph also compares 2022 attendance with numbers from recent years.

A large crowd at the State Fairgrounds Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 (KSTP).

During this year’s fair, visitors have experienced fairground flooding, as tornadoes moved across the metro, and a shooting that left one person injured. Minnesotans have also been hit by inflation, which caused some fair vendors to raise prices.

Despite severe weather and questions surrounding public safety, many fairgoers have sent KSTP their photos and videos of happy moments at this year’s fair.

Fair planners introduced new food and vendor options for all types of fair eaters, from those who want every option that’s deep fried and on a stick to those who hope for healthy alternatives throughout the day.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS anchors have met many viewers and vendors over the past week and a half. See some of this year’s highlights in the gallery below, and watch recaps of anchor Kevin Doran touring the fairgrounds here.