The Minnesota State Fair is all ready to receive a series of significant upgrades to both its attractions and utilities, still, they will also come with a price increase.
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest in the United States. It is the second largest by attendance numbers. But it is the largest by its average daily attendance numbers. The Fair first opened its gates in 1859. It has been running ever since. There are only a few years in which it did not function.
The Fair’s slogan is “The Great Minnesota Get-Together”. And last year, it registered a record. Almost 2 million people visited the fair.
State residents can visit it for a number of reasons. They can seek entertainment. Or they could exhibit their livestock. Visitors can also show their various abilities and talents. Or they could learn about new services and products. And of course, enjoy the foods.
The Minnesota State Fair usually runs for 12 days. It begins in late August. And continues up to Labor Day, in early September.
This year, visitors should expect even more attractions. On Sunday, the State Fair’s Board approved a series of upgrades. These will reportedly make quite a significant difference.
A value has been advanced for the upgrades. This has been set for $8 million. It will be split in accordance with its purpose. As such, about $3.4 million will go towards maintenance projects. A further $4.6 million will head towards capital work.
A potential list of improvements may include the following. A new elevator could be installed. It will be placed in the historic Grandstand’s west stand. An additional two new information booths will be set up. The Swine Barn will also be receiving some major upgrades.
The Education Building will also see some changes. Its outside will host a new performance space. And the Creative Activities Building will also see some changes. Its interior space will be renovated.
“The Veranda” will be a new dining and shopping area. It will reportedly occupy a portion of the Upper Grandstand. More exactly, a place in its interior retail space.
And these are just the bigger changes. Miscellaneous upkeep work will target the whole park. Its transportation and utilities infrastructure will also see an update. Over $3 million will be invested in these various projects.
All the projects will be funded from two sources. These are the State Fair’s own operating revenue. The States Fair Foundation will also be contributing via grants. The Minnesota State Fair can self-support itself financially. As such, it receives no government aids.
Still, the Fair will also see admission prices rise. These were also voted by the Board. This latter met last week. It took part in the annual joint conventions. These ran from Thursday to Sunday.
Other participants were the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs. And the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, amongst others.
- The new Minnesota State Fair admission prices will be as follows.
- Kids younger than 5 will enter for free.
- Children between 5 and 12 years old will be admitted for $11.
- Participants aged 13 to 64 will pay $14.
- Visitors aged 65 or older will pay $11.
- Advance discount tickets will be available.
- Their price will be $11 for all ages.
All the age categories saw a $1 increase. State Fair officials explained their price raise decision. The fair production costs are reportedly higher. As are the facility upkeep and guest services costs.
The new Minnesota State Fair pricing system will be effective starting on February 01, 2017.
Image Source: Wikimedia
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