State Fair on pace for record

Published 10:01 am Tuesday, September 2, 2014

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota State Fair has finished with an all-time attendance record within reach.

Officials will weigh fairgoers’ tickets today to determine the total attendance for the 12-day Great Minnesota Get-Together. Crowds totaled around 1.67 million through Sunday. That’s just 125,000 short of the 1.79 million overall record from 2009.

Fair spokeswoman Brienna Schuette said the final fair day usually draws 125,000 to 150,000 people. About 164,000 attended Day 12 last year.

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The fair set at least two one-day attendance records on Tuesday and Saturday.

Schuette said a new total record is feasible, especially due to mild weather on Monday. She said a new transit hub and dining and entertainment complex might have contributed to higher visitor numbers.