Hammer has spent all his working life at the State Fair, starting in 1970 at the fairs greenhouse as a 15-year-old high school student. Inclement weather and concerns over a lack of COVID-19 precautions have cast a shadow on state fair numbers so far. This is the fifth-most attended fair in its . Two of the three officers involved in the shooting were not named because of their undercover roles on the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force. ST PAUL, Minn On a rainy Thursday, just under 62,000 people attended the Minnesota State Fair's opening day less than half than the same day two years ago. The only female headliner in the top 10 is bluesy rocker Bonnie Raitt, who has graced the Grandstand eight times, tied with four other acts. The State Fair has announced that 260,374 people passed through the fairground gates on the last Saturday of this year's fair, and in doing so set an all-time record. Daily attendance records have . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The fair's all-time single-day attendance record is 270,426 set in. The State Fair issued an update just before 11 p.m. saying "The fairgrounds began closing early this evening at approximately 10:20 p.m. due to disturbances in the area of the Midway. Until a storm front rolled through the metro in the evening, Saturday offered somewhat of a reprieve from the previous two days of rain and lightning. That is nearly double the 61,983 on opening day last year. Sheep were unloaded at the State Fair on Aug. 29. Feb. 8, 2023: The 2023 commemorative artist has been announced! What a great gift it is when your lifes work is bringing people together to celebrate the very best of each other. KSTPs full coverage of the Minnesota State Fair, Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555, This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The man was reportedly armed with a knife. ", A crowd heads towards the exit of the Minnesota State Fair after police responded to incident in the Midway are on Saturday night . Anyone with information about Saturday's incident can reach out to the Minnesota. Hammer is past chairman of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions, and Mid-West Fairs Association, and is the recipient of a variety of professional and community awards including the IAFEs Hall of Fame. The sheriff says he and another deputy were following a group of 30 people that eventually confronted an individual, sparking another fight. The record for first . At that time, Deputy Alex Graham, who joined Sheriff Fletcher for the live stream, says there were 30 to 50 people "fighting, brawling, kicking, pushing, everything." Minnesota State Fair daily attendance, 2011-2013 By Robert Boos, Minnesota Public Radio Sept. 3, 2013. . 2014 94,256. "When you have a quarter of a million people coming in here, it's not going to be a perfect scenario," concluded Fletcher. The Minnesota State Fair would only confirm the closure due to a disturbance. Try plastic surgery for autographs, Multi-platinum country band Alabama to play Xcel Energy Center in June, How long can the show go on? Law enforcement will be doubled at the fair on Sunday and Monday, officials said during the press conference. The Minnesota State Fair Police Department said that officers responded to a gunshot shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street when the area was "heavily populated with fair guests and a large contingent of law enforcement.". She also leads the State Fairs educational programming, marketing and communications, media relations, web and publications, archives and ticketing departments. During Hammers tenure as CEO, the State Fair has seen significant growth in attendance, programming and revenue with a Super Bowl-sized annual economic impact in the Twin Cities of $300 million, plus more unmeasured impact across the state. The Minnesota State Fair started to rebound from a stormy first couple of days on Saturday, but attendance was still much lower than in recent years. The ruling found the Minnesotan had her civil rights violated by being denied the opportunity to compete. (Located on Clough Street between Carnes and Judson avenues), Minneapple Pie Sells the Official New Food Minneapple Blueberry Pie as well as other deep-fried pies,plus assorted beverages including apple lemonade. There were just shy of 500,000 in the same time frame in 2019. It was the second sentencing in as many days for a slain student and athlete. There, a community gathers to read about things that can be hard to talk about like mental health. Day of the Week Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, 2022 Aug. 26 to Sept. 6, 2021 Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, 2019 Record Daily Attendance (Year) Thursday: 121,478: 61,983: 133,326* Alexander originally worked in entertainment and marketing at the Minnesota State Fair from 1989 through 1994 and returned to the Great Minnesota Get-Together in 2005. In a live stream on Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Bob Fletcher, who says he was on the fairgrounds when shots were fired, further detailed the chaotic moments leading up to the shooting. Knaflasaid police were already at the scene of the shooting, responding to a report of a fight and large groups of juveniles running through the midway. This is a large role to fill, and were confident that Renee is a qualified and proven leader, said State Fair Board President Joe Scapanski. 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"The entire fair is extremely safe. Through Sunday, the State Fair had already eclipsed its total attendance last year, when the continuing coronavirus pandemic kept many would-be visitors away from the Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. "If a person doesn't care about the consequences of their actions, it's very, very difficult to stop them from using a gun on someone," said Fletcher. More than 133,000 people attended. Attendance for the 2022 State Fair was a solid gain over 2021, over 41% growth, but didn't approach the record setting numbers of 2019. The official attendance was 153,367 people. On four out of six days so far, attendance has been below 100,000. Much of the work was accomplished through the State Fairs bonding authority along with the Minnesota State Fair Foundation both launched during Hammers first years as CEO. One of the teenagers suffered life-threatening injuries in the incident. That's nearly 50,000 people shy of the 2019 attendance of 136,987 (a daily record), and more than 30,000 short of the 120,209 people who went in 2018. To share some Good News, please contact us at Stories@GoodNewsMinnesota.com. Sponsorships and Touring Promotional Exhibits. This year attendance to the just-completed Iowa and Wisconsin state fairs were up by 22 percent and 19 percent, respectively, to 1.1 million and 1.0 million over the course of the 11 day fairs. She has a deep understanding and appreciation for the State Fairs powerful impact here in Minnesota and beyond. On Average the temperature tops out at 80 degrees over the course of the fair, with a daily low of 63. Saturdays mark was a 38% decline from the same day in 2019, when 209,105 people congregated at the fairgrounds. Nov. 21, 2022: Jerry Hammer, long-time CEO of the Minnesota State Fair, will retire from his position in the spring of 2023. The State Fair concluded its 12-day run on Monday, unofficially marking the end of another summer in Minnesota. (Located onthe east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues), Break-A-Bottle Game by Thornberry Concessions This game is located at Mighty Midway.Fiore Trees This garden features several hand-forged metal flower-basket trees inspired by Italian artistry. Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair Thursday was 80,778, marking the fifth time during this year's run daily visitors fell short of 90,000. As an integral member of State Fair leadership, shes involved in every facet of the State Fairs vast operation. Garrison Keillor is second with 13 appearances, 11 branded as Prairie Home Companion followed by two Minnesota Show acts. Source: Minnesota State Fair More from Star Tribune The ever-popular Milk Run 5K Race, presented by By the Yard, will take place Saturday, May 27 at 9 a.m. Jan. 15, 2023: Now through Jan. 31, purchase your 2023 Pre-Fair Discount Gate Admission Tickets at the 2022 price of $14! The MINNESOTA STATE FAIR & Logos, MIGHTY MIDWAY, KIDWAY, THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER, TWELVE DAYS OF FUN ENDING LABOR DAY, BLUE RIBBON BARGAIN BOOK, Fairscape Logo, and Fairchild Mascot are trademarks of Minnesota State Agricultural Society, dba Minnesota State Fair, and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Jared Kaufman is a food and features reporter at the Pioneer Press and a nationally known cheesemonger. The Great Minnesota Get-Together is world-famous for its tradition of excellence. Printed daily schedules can also be picked up at any information booth during the State Fair (check out a State Fair map for locations). Crime tape up in the Midway at the Minnesota State Fair. Her successes on many levels have earned her a high profile locally and nationally in the world of fairs, festivals, entertainment and event management. Learn More The Great Minnesota Get-Together 2023 Minnesota State Fair Dates: Aug. 24 to Labor Day, Sept. 4 Admission Tickets Updates Employment Commemorative Art Save the Date Fairgrounds Event Calendar Fundraising Opportunities Support the Fair What to do Saturday at the Minnesota State Fair, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), Rochester-born rapper Yung Gravy will headline the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Minnesota State Fair announces longtime fair entertainment leader as new CEO, The Chicks set to return to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, which they sold out twice in 2016, Duran Duran is the first act announced for the 2023 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Crop artist selected to create 2023 commemorative artwork for Minnesota State Fair, MN Transportation Museum exhibit focuses on experiences of African American railway workers, Hate your signature? Im extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve this amazing place for so long, Hammer said. Their two grown children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and five grandchildren are all confirmed fair junkies. These recipients were selected because they exemplify these characteristics: Provide exceptional, efficient customer service and an outstanding experience for fair guests; Knowledgeable staff with positive attitudes who are courteous, thoughtful and professional; An amazing visual presentation and positive image; Present a premium quality product/service; Offer great value. Fletcher says many agencies have volunteered to send some extra law enforcement agents to. Fair officials reported 129,984 . In the meantime, check out these other ways to stay in the know: Feb. 27, 2023: Renee Alexander, longtime Minnesota State Fair deputy general manager, will be the new CEO of the Minnesota State Fair. The 2019 fair also set the record for overall attendance for the 12-day Great Minnesota Get-Together, at 2,126,551. Last year, Saturday drew 153,953 visitors and Sunday had 153,422. Updated: 5:02 PM CDT August 29, 2021 ST PAUL, Minn. After a slow, rainy start to its 2021 season, the Minnesota State Fair saw higher attendance numbers Saturday. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) . If you are looking for a smaller dose of humanity with your state fair experience, the opening day is your best bet, averaging 112,000 in recent years, but really any weekday is far less attended than the two Saturdays and Sundays of the fair. "What goes on here at 9:30 at night is different than what happens here the rest of the day," said Sheriff Fletcher. The Minnesota State Fair posted its busiest day yet of the 2021 get-together Sunday, but attendance figures remain below recent years' levels. All Rights Reserved. Anyone with information about Saturday's incident can reach out to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tip line at 651-793-7000 or email john.engle@msfpd.org. Alexander will assume her new duties later this spring when Hammer steps down after 53 years with the State Fair; hes currently in his 27th year as CEO. One fairgoer who declined to be interviewed on the record told FOX 9 she heard three gunshots. Deputies tried to chase that person, but Graham says the man slipped away in the crowd. Total attendance this year was about 42 percent higher than 2021, with 1,842,222 visitors compared with 1,301,584 last year. (Located in the Food Building, east wall). https://twitter.com/Jeffdavis612/status/772180467059531776. The State Fair closed early by police orders. "I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve this amazing place for so long," Hammer said. 8 p.m. (today and tomorrow) at Schells Stage at Schilling Amphitheater. In 2018, the fair set a new single-day attendance record with 270,426. On the list maintained by the Minnesota State Fair, which tracks acts who have appeared since 1962, country-rockers Alabama tops all others with no less than 19 appearances. His favorite part of his job is reviewing, and live tweeting, Twin Cities arena concerts. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. @ Dan Patch Park Stage, DO: King or Queen of String Cheese: This string cheese artistry contest is open to the public, and yes, prizes are up for grabs. Just in: yesterday's opening day saw 121,478 people pass through the gates. Daily Schedules | Minnesota State Fair Daily Schedules Use the following links to view PDF versions of the 2023 daily schedules. Daily attendance records have been set on three of the 10 days where numbers are available. She recorded on her phone the panicked moments as she and her friends ran away. Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair climbed above 100,000 on Saturday but it remained just a fraction of attendance levels seen at the previous fair in 2019. Attendance in 2021 was 61,983. No obvious signs of trauma were found on the man, police said. The Minnesota State Fair board voted to increase admission prices for the 2023 fair by $1 per ticket for all categories of ticket buyers. Attendees ages 13 to 64 will now pay $18 for admission . They even have a countdown clock. 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Learn more. The Great Minnesota Get-Together is upon us. Minnesota State Fair Attendance The distinctive DQ opens on March 1 every year. She believes it was tear gas, though says an officer later told her it was pepper spray. Copyright 2023 Minnesota State Agricultural Society, dba Minnesota State Fair. Although Minnesota's State Fair. Heres our day-by-day guide to the 2022 Minnesota State Fair. But, shortly after, the groups got back together. Hammer and Debby, his wife, have both lived their entire lives in St. Pauls Como Park neighborhood, in the shadow of the State Fairgrounds. All Rights Reserved. 2015 110,267. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A person was shot during a brawl in the Midway section of the Minnesota State Fair Saturday night, triggering a mass panic and chaotic crowd rushing out of the area, resulting in the early closure of the fairgrounds. The second Saturday of the fair is the highest attended day of the fair, averaging 239,000 attendees in recent years. The attendance record for the Fair on opening day was 133,326, set in 2019. Saturday saw 249,490 visitors and Sunday saw 222,202. All day @ south of the Grandstand, east of the ramp (available every day of the Fair), FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Local folk-jazz-bossa nova trio Honeybutter will take the stage. "A fog overtook the intersection, and you could hear echoes of people coughing and gagging, everyone was covering their nose and mouth with their shirts and sweatshirts," she told FOX 9. It has gotten as cold as 48 degrees during the course of the fair, so you might want to bring a jacket. Note: 1962-2021Source: Minnesota State Fair. She knows what it takes to keep the shine on our state treasure.. They do it brilliantly. Beginning Feb. 1, the price will be $15. He is the longest-serving chief executive in the 169-year-old institutions history. If you were one of the 62,00 people who attended day one of last years Minnesota State Fair, congratulations! The driver was allegedly traveling at least 85 miles-per-hour on a 30 miles-per-hour road. Attendance at the Fair on Friday was 153,367, close to the first-Friday attendance record of 157,224, also set in 2019. Todays theme is Hubbard Broadcasting Day: Catch Ladies Lunch with Twin Cities Live at 12 p.m.; belt out 90s classics at Hurricane Karaoke at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m; and stick around for a live recording of the Say Too Much podcast with Staci and Hutch from KS95 at 4 p.m. WATCH: World Records with Mike Marcotte: A Guinness Book of World Records judge will talk about his favorite record attempts and give away copies of the 2023 world records book. 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