State Fair approves $16.3 million for new exhibit complex

Nearly $20 million in improvements and maintenance projects for the Minnesota State Fairgrounds were approved by the Fair’s board of managers during meetings in January. The board approved $16.3 million in capital work—$16 million of which is earmarked for a major new exhibit complex on the North End of the fairgrounds, as well as $3.4 million in maintenance projects.

During the meeting, State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer previewed the North End development, which is currently under construction on the fairgrounds. The centerpiece of the State Fair’s newest neighborhood is a major new exhibit facility with a 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall that will be the fair-time home to annually changing museum-quality exhibits. The North End will also have features that recognize Minnesota innovations in agriculture, industry and the arts, along with uniquely Minnesota attractions, food, and commercial exhibits.

Photo right: $16.3 million was allocated for a major new exhibit facility, with a 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall, on the North End of the Fairgrounds. (Photo provided)

Improvements and maintenance projects approved for the coming year include:

—upgrades to the stalling and technology equipment in the Swine Barn

—installation of a new overhead cover for the Exercise Ring in the livestock area

—improvements to the restrooms in Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum

—upgrades to the lighting and fire suppression system in the DNR Building

—dozens of paint, sewer, street and sidewalk, and landscape projects throughout the 322-acre State Fairgrounds.

All projects will be funded through State Fair operating revenue and grants from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. The fair is financially self-supporting and receives no government aid of any kind.

The Fair’s board of managers also approved admission price increases of an additional dollar in all categories for the 2019 fair over 2018 prices. Admission prices were last adjusted two years ago.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually. The 2019 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22-Labor Day, Sept. 2.