Courtesy Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair has announced a new event series, Kickoff to Summer at the Fair. The five-day event, kind of like a mini fair, is taking place May 27-31 at the state fairgrounds.
Billed as “five days of food, brews, music, shopping, and family fun,” the limited capacity, walk-around event serves as a teaser for the potential return to a full fair at the end of August. There are seven five-hour slots set up for 10,000 people each.
- Thursday, May 27, 4-9 p.m.
- Friday, May 28, 4-9 p.m.
- Saturday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, May 29, 4-9 p.m.
- Sunday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, May 30, 4-9 p.m.
- Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gov. Walz and fair organizers have expressed optimism for a full fair, but understandably there’s a lot to figure out.
Governor Walz: There's a chance we could have our State Fair this year if people will get vaccinated
Minnesota: pic.twitter.com/xCq5LMQRyV
— Laura Fitzpatrick (@BitzOfFitz) May 3, 2021
In addition to this event being a fun addition to Memorial Day weekend, it’s likely an important test for the facility operators. A news release notes that this is not a replacement for the Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together set for August 26 to September 6.
Food & Drink
There will be dozens of vendors set up for this event. Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, Ball Park Cafe, Que Viet, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds, Produce Exchange, Minnesnowii Shave Ice, Fresh French Fries, Andy’s Grille, Dino’s Gyros, Mancini’s al Fresco, and many more will have extensive menus.
Programming
Music: Kat Perkins, Sarah Morris, Jillian Rae, International Reggae All-Stars, and more will perform throughout the weekend at stand-alone stages as well as food vendors.
Attractions: The Giant Slide, Family Fun Zone at DNR Park, Fairborne & Fairchild, State Fair trivia, and lots of shopping.
Tickets
Admission for each time slot is $12.50 per person, and children 4 and under are free with a child ticket. To buy, sign up for a lottery before May 6 at midnight to be randomly selected. There is a limit of six tickets per customer.
Lots more info at the Minnesota State Fair website.
