(St Paul, MN) — September 6th, 2022 — The great Minnesota get together has come to a close and the countdown to the Minnesota State Fair 2023 has already begun! They even have a countdown clock.
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 Minnesota State Fair was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Attendance figures:
| 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* | 133,326 (2019) |
| Friday | 153,367 | 77,406 | 157,224* | 157,224 (2019) |
| Saturday | 157,878 | 129,984 | 209,105 | 222,194 (2018) |
| Sunday | 161,252 | 149,247 | 191,524 | 209,969 (1994) |
| Monday | 120,288 | 91,568 | 96,716 | 144,504 (2017) |
| Tuesday | 112,922 | 89,618 | 136,987* | 136,987 (2019) |
| Wednesday | 111,861 | 88,027 | 142,211 | 144,940 (2018) |
| Thursday | 117,077 | 80,778 | 153,274 | 156,764 (2018) |
| Friday | 157,422 | 102,020 | 209,789* | 209,789 (2019) |
| Saturday | 249,490 | 153,953 | 266,412 | 270,426 (2018) |
| Sunday | 222,202 | 153,422 | 245,243* | 245,243 (2019) |
| Monday | 156,985 | 123,578 | 184,740* | 184,740 (2019) |
| TOTALS (all days) | 1,842,222 | 1,301,584 | 2,126,551* | 2,126,551 (2019) |
Best of the Fair 2022 Announced:
In a ceremony held at 10 a.m. September 1st on the International Bazaar Stage, State Fair
General Manager Jerry Hammer presented Best Awards to the following:
Ball Park Cafe – Sells a wide selection of craft beers, gourmet burgers, garlic fries and more. (Located on
the 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.
(Located at the West End Plaza)
Hansen’s Amusement Foods – Sells foot-long corn dogs, chicken strips, salads, a variety of breakfast items
and assorted beverages and more. (Located on the north side of Judson Avenue between Stevens and Liggett
streets, outside the Horse Barn)
KMOJ Radio – KMOJ’s vision is to provide communities of color with information and education through
the vehicle of mass communication. (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. (Located on the south side of Judson Avenue between
Nelson and Underwood streets)
Puzzle Twist – Sells a variety of special-edition puzzles, including Minnesota-themed puzzles, plus a State
Fair puzzle, puzzle accessories and more. (Located in the center aisle of the Merchandise Mart)
Rick’s Pizza by R&J Concessions– This new food vendor sells Pickle Pizza, an official new food this year,
and other varieties of pizza and assorted beverages. (Located on the west side of Cosgrove Street between
Wright and Dan Patch avenues)
Root’d – Sells accent furniture, home and garden décor, accessories and more. (Located in the Veranda on
the upper level of the Grandstand)
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community – Showcases educational information on the Sioux
community’s history, culture, language and values, as well as the many ways they give back to the
community. (Located in the Education Building)
Soul Bowl – This new food vendor sells the Official New Food Soulsicle, plus the Donut Peach Cobbler and
Queen B Lemonade. (Located in the Food Building, east wall)
Techno Power – This ride is located at Mighty Midway.
Tilt-A-Whirl – This ride is located at Kidway.
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.
For more information about the Best Awards visit mnstatefair.org/competitions/best-awards
