Great Minnesota Get-Together

Great Minnesota Get-Together
Name	Great Minnesota Get-Together
Caption	The Grandstand and Midway are central features.
Genre	State fair
Dates	12 days ending on Labor Day
Location	Falcon Heights, Minnesota, United States
Coordinates	44, 58, 56, N...
Founded	0 1859
Attendance	~2,000,000 (annual)
Area	322 acre
Website	https://www.mnstatefair.org/

Great Minnesota Get-Together is the official nickname for the Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest and most attended state fairs in the United States. Held annually in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, on the outskirts of Saint Paul, the event spans 12 days ending on Labor Day and attracts nearly two million visitors each year. The fairgrounds, encompassing over 300 acres, serve as a massive showcase for Minnesota's agriculture, industry, art, and culture.

History

The first official fair was held in 1859, just one year after Minnesota achieved statehood, near the current site of Downtown Minneapolis. Early iterations were organized by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society and focused on promoting farming techniques and livestock breeding. The fair moved to its permanent location in Falcon Heights in 1885, and the iconic Grandstand was constructed in 1909. Key historical moments include the 1964 visit by President Lyndon B. Johnson and the 1970 construction of the Space Tower, which offered panoramic views of the Twin Cities. The fair has been canceled only a handful of times, notably during the American Civil War, the 1945 polio epidemic, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

Events and attractions

The fairgrounds feature a vast array of competitions, exhibits, and live entertainment. Major attractions include daily parades, the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show, and the renowned livestock competitions in the Coliseum. The Midway operated by North American Midway Entertainment offers carnival rides and games, while the Grandstand hosts major concerts featuring artists like Carrie Underwood and The Killers. Popular exhibits include the Creative Activities building, the Education Building featuring University of Minnesota displays, and the Miracle of Birth Center where visitors can witness animal births. The Minnesota State Fair Skyride provides aerial transportation across the grounds.

Food

Culinary innovation is a hallmark, with dozens of new offerings introduced annually alongside classic staples. Iconic foods include Pronto Pups (an early version of the corn dog), Sweet Martha's cookies, cheese curds, and foot-long hot dogs. Notable vendors like the Minnesota Farmers Union and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute promote local products. Recent creative offerings have included deep-fried candy bars, spaghetti ice cream, and bacon-wrapped turkey legs. Food and beverage sales represent a significant portion of the fair's overall revenue, with several stands operating since the early 20th century.

Cultural significance

The event is deeply woven into the social fabric of Minnesota, serving as an annual cultural touchstone and community reunion. It is a premier venue for showcasing the state's diverse talents, from 4-H members and Future Farmers of America participants to fine artists and crafters. The fair has been featured in numerous media works, including the film *Drop Dead Gorgeous* and the MPR podcast *The Great Minnesota Cookie War*. Traditions like the daily parade, the State Fair Talent Contest, and the final-night Labor Day fireworks display foster a strong sense of shared identity and nostalgia among attendees from across the Upper Midwest.

Economic impact

The fair generates a substantial economic impact for the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Ramsey County, estimated to exceed $300 million annually. It is one of the state's largest seasonal employers, creating tens of thousands of temporary jobs for vendors, security personnel, and entertainers. Major sponsors include the Minnesota Lottery, KARE 11, and Xcel Energy. Revenue from ticket sales, concession leases, and sponsorship deals supports the year-round operations of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society and the maintenance of the massive fairgrounds infrastructure.

Governance and organization

The fair is operated by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, a self-supporting state agency whose board is appointed by the Governor of Minnesota. Day-to-day operations are managed by a full-time general manager and a professional staff headquartered on the fairgrounds. Key operational partners include the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, the Falcon Heights Police Department, and Metro Transit for providing extensive public transportation. The society also oversees other annual events on the grounds, such as the Spring Carnival, and manages a large portfolio of rental properties for events like the MSRA Back to the 50's Weekend.

Category:Fairs in Minnesota Category:State fairs in the United States Category:Recurring events established in 1859 Category:Falcon Heights, Minnesota