Minnesota State Fair Attendance

If you haven’t already seen the Minnesota State Fair Attendance numbers, here they are for 2008:

Thursday 103,974
Friday 96,993
Saturday 171,663
Sunday 183,528
Monday 130,767
Tuesday 117,196 (less than 1,000 people away from a record)
Wednesday 88,228
Thursday 116,143
Friday 165,194
Saturday 209,399
Sunday 189,228
Monday 121,220
TOTAL 1,693,533

Wow! That is a lot of Minnesota State Fair goers. In 2007, there were a total of 1,681,678 fair attendees. That means this year’s Minnesota State fair attracted over 11,000 (eleven THOUSAND) more visitors. Wow. That is hard to imagine.

Minnesota State Fair Season

It was a good Minnesota State Fair this year. I was happy that I went as many times as I did. Next year, I hope to go more times (I say that every year). I enjoyed the food and the people watching and the Minnesota State Fair entertainment is always first class. I am not sure what I am going to do with this Minnesota State fair blog. I don’t really love blogging like I used to, but I want to keep the site. Maybe I will give the site an extreme makeover for next year’s great Minnesota get together! See ya at the fair!

Toby Keith at the State Fair

I just received an e-mail from one of my loyal readers looking for Minnesota State Fair tickets for the Toby Keith show on Monday, September 1st. It is to my dissatisfaction to have to report that this is an extremely difficult ticket to get - especially great ones, which my reader is looking for. State Fair tickets for this show sold super fast, including the great ones in Plaza 1. It has been my past State Fair experience that 9 out of 10 seats at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstands is a bad one. Unless you are in Plaza 1 you really do not have a clear view of the stage or the band you’re trying to see.

Minnesota State Fair tickets went fast for all of the big shows this year – the Minnesota State Fair schedule is a great one this season. In addition to Toby Keith there were other country acts, rock acts like the Black Crows and top 40 acts like Paramore and Gnarls Barkley. If you are looking forward to Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair you may want to use all of your resources to do so! Good Luck.

Minnesota State Fair 5 Day Countdown

I can’t believe it is almost fair time! The Minnesota State Fair starts in 5 DAYS (not counting today) – wow! I can’t make it out to the fair on Thursday aka Opening Day, but I will be out on Friday for sure. I think we are going to take my 15 year old niece who has never been to the Minnesota State Fair before! I know, I know – does she live under a rock? No, my sister aka her mother just doesn’t like fairs much – she is the black sheep of the family (and I mean that in the most loving way sis.) Who doesn’t like the fair? Only crazy people.

Friday is the Governors Fire Prevention Day and when you are married to a firefighter, this is a big deal. I am looking forward to hitting the pavement at the fairgrounds and I told my husband to open up the wallet because we are stopping at all the hottest food booths . . . twice! I love the Minnesota State Fair! See ya there!

Minnesota State Fair Countdown

Let the Minnesota State Fair Countdown begin! As far as I can tell, the fair is only 15 days away! Hooray! I am so excited! I have been to a couple of county fairs this season and although I have enjoyed them immensely it is not the same as enjoying the great Minnesota get together, the Minnesota State fair. Keep marking those days off the calendar fair fans and we will see you at the fair!


Want to make plans to see a great concert at the Minnesota State fair grandstand? Check-out tickets at Ticket King and the entire Minnesota State Fair Schedule!

State Fair talent contest

Has anyone ever tried out for the Minnesota State Fair's Amateur Talent Contest? The state fair website says the fair is inviting performers with talents of all kinds to try out and become one of the 120 chosen to perform during the semifinals. I was wondering if I could enter my guitar hero skills in the contest. I could rock the Minnesota State Fair!

Hot Air at the Fair

I heard on the news that this week is statistically the hottest week of the Summer. If this is true why is it always thousands of degrees hotter at the Minnesota state fair during the end of August? Is it the large crowds of people creating all this heat? Or is it all the hot air coming out of the politician supporters raging about how open minded they are? Despite the heat, there always seem to be a whole lot of people there. Rain or shine, hot or cold (mostly hot) Minnesotans' love the state fair. The lines seem to get longer each year especially waiting in the cheese curd line as the heat engulfs me.

Fair Time

Is it time for the Minnesota State Fair yet? It's hot enough.

Minnesota State Fair Camping

I think it would be fun to camp at the Minnesota State Fair. You could just walk over to the fair any time you wanted (you still have to pay gate admission), but it would be awesome to come and go as you please and then chill in the camper when you wanted. I think it would be a neat experience. Has anyone out there ever camped at the fair? I suppose most of the campers are the Ag kids who are showing animals, but I still think it would be fun to drag my camper out there for a few days. Hmmm…maybe I could put that on the “To-Do” before I am 40 list (and trust me that is a long ways away – ha ha).

Minnesota State Fair dates

Don't forget—the 2008 Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, August 21 through Labor Day, September 1. Yeah, like we could forget! I love the summer and the Minnesota state fair is like the cherry on top of the sundae. Yummy.

Backstreet Boys at Minnesota State Fair

My 15 year old (one month from 16 year old) niece Katelyn is ecstatic that the Backstreet Boys are coming in concert to the Minnesota State Fair. She knows I have a Minnesota State Fair blog so she asked if she could write something for it about the Backstreet Boys. I, of course, am always open to help on the blog front so here is what she wrote. Thanks Katers!

From anything on a stick to the beautiful weather, the State Fair is one of Minnesota's greatest attractions. I remember being about 12 years old and in love with the Backstreet Boys. My lifelong dream was to go see them in concert. Well, my life long dream will be accomplished on August 23, 2008 because the Backstreet Boys are now larger than life with their new mature look. I can't wait to see them live. I'm sure they will completely rock the Minnesota State Fair Grand Stands.

Want your own Backstreet Boys tickets? check out local brokers like Ticket King for great seats right up until the show date!

Minnesota State Fair Poster

The 2008 Minnesota State Fair Poster has been unveiled. It is an interesting piece created by Stillwater, Minnesota artist Edie Abnet. The poster is a montage of watercolor, crayon and pencil depicting colorful carousel horses at the Minnesota State fair. The creative piece of art represents the equine background of the Minnesota state fair as well as the magical nature of the annual event.

Minnesota State Fair Free Entertainment

The Minnesota state fair prides itself on bringing headliner talent to the big Grandstand stage, but that big talent also comes with big ticket prices. Can’t afford it? The Minnesota State Fair also has plenty of free entertainment! This year, more than 100 acts will perform on seven free stages. Now, that’s not all music, but there will be plenty of talent on the stages including Brandi Carlile, whose music has been featured on one of my favorite shows "Grey's Anatomy." I also make it a point to listen to the great sound of one of my favorite a cappella groups, Tonic Sol-Fa.

See ya at the fair!

Gonig Crazy for Gnarls Barkley!

The last act for the Minnesota State Fair grandstand was just announced and it is going to be Gnarls Barkley!!! I am super excited because I have never been to the state fair and now I will have an excuse to go!
Gnarls Barkley will really bring in a younger audience to the State Fair along with Paramore who will also be at the Minnesota State Fair.

Gnarls Barkley is touring in support of their new album, The Odd Couple. I bought 'The Odd Couple' the day it came out and I haven't been able to stop listening to it!

Minnesota State Fair tickets for this event feature general admission for the Plaza level versus reserved seating. If you want to go, you should get your Gnarls Barkley tickets fast because these tickets will no doubt sell fast!



See you there!

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Announcement

For the third week in a row, the Minnesota Fair has sent me a concert announcement for my Minnesota State Fair blog! The fair board has completed the grandstand schedule for 2008 with the addition of:

Gnarls Barkley will headline at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Paramore (one of my daughters favorite bands) with special guests Jack's Mannequin, Phantom Planet and Paper Route are set to perform at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Additionally, The Black Keys have been confirmed as the special guest for The Black Crowes show at the Grandstand on Aug. 30.

Wow, it is going to be a stellar year for Minnesota State Fair grandstand shows! There is at least four that I am dying to go see, good thing I have some of that tax stimulus money left over, I am going to need it for my Minnesota State fair concert tickets!

Minnesota State Fair Concert Announcement and Facebook

For the second week in a row, I had an email from my friends at the Minnesota State Fair announcing another concert for the Minnesota State Fair grandstand. Here is an excerpt from the email:

Dear Fair Fans,

Get Ready! Now hear this--two new shows have been added to
the Toyota Concert Series at the historic Minnesota State Fair Grandstand.

A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor is set for 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29.
The Black Crowes will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30….

Don't forget to mark your calendar—the 2008 Great Minnesota Get-Together runs Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Our best wishes for a fantastic summer,
Your Friends at the Fairgrounds

P.S. If you've got a Facebook profile, log in and join hundreds of other fair fans by becoming a member of "The Official Minnesota State Fair Group."

I love it, the fair has a Facebook profile! When most people think of the fair, they think of the old farmers with their pin striped overalls and John Deer ball caps, not the young and trendy Facebook hipsters. I guess it is just more evident that the fair wants to keep its image young and “cool.”

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Additions

Another concert announcement from the Minnesota State fair. I woke up yesterday morning and found this in my inbox:

Greetings from the Great Minnesota Get-Together,
We've just confirmed two more evenings of entertainment for the 2008 Toyota Concert Series at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand.

3 Doors Down with special guests Staind and Hinder will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21. Tickets are $57, $47 and $32. Sales begin at noon on Saturday, May 31.

Christian artist Mark Schultz with special guests Big Daddy Weave and Lincoln Brewster is scheduled to play at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28. Tickets are $28 and go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31.

I love 3 Doors Down! Wow, this might be one of the best Minnesota State Fair Grandstand lineup ever!

Dierks Bentley Tickets

I confess, this Minnesota State Fair Blog owner joined the Dierks Bentley fan club just so I could get pre-sale Dierks Bentley tickets. I knew I had to work last Saturday (5/3) and I knew I would not have the opportunity to either:

A. wait in line at the fairgrounds (everyone knows they keep the best seats there) or
B. log on to Ticketmaster at 10am and hope for the best

I choose the C. option, pay $20 extra bucks and join the fan club for the year. I got 11th row main floor, which is great by me. I absolutely adore Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert and I am looking forward to a nice Monday evening at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand.
Still need Dierks Bentley Tickets? I just checked Ticket King and they have 2nd row for $188 per ticket. Ticketmaster has row 27 as their best option or row 22 if you choose the parking package option. Interesting, huh? See ya at the show!

Minnesota State Fair Concert Announcement

The Minnesota State Fair is going crazy with concert announcements! The fair announced two more concerts for the State Fair Grandstand. I got this email today:

Greetings from the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

We've just added
two shows to the Toyota Concert Series at the Minnesota State Fair
Grandstand.

Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert will perform at 7:30
p.m. Monday, Aug. 25. Tickets are $30 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, May
3.

Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy with special guest Big Head Todd and
the Monsters will play at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. Tickets are $35 and go on sale
Saturday, May 3 at noon.

I am soooo excited to see Dierks Bentley and the tickets aren’t even that expensive! I can’t wait for the great Minnesota Get-Together!

Minnesota State Fair Concert Toby Keith

Finally, another Minnesota State Fair Concert announcement that I can get excited about! Toby Keith stops at the Minnesota State fair Grandstand with his Biggest & Baddest Tour at 7:30 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Toby Keith hasn’t been to the Twin Cities for awhile and I am starting to have buyers remorse over my Brad Paisley tickets. I love Toby Keith and would rather see him. I think I am going to use my tax money to buy Toby Keith tickets as well.

Minnesota State Fair Concert Backstreet Boys

The Minnesota State fair leaked out a second concert that is scheduled at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in 2008. The infamous Backstreet Boys are set to play the Grandstand at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. I can already hear the screaming tween girls. The state fair should feel privileged to have BSB on the docket since they haven’t announced very many American tour dates. Currently, the Backstreet Boys are touring in Japan, Australia and Europe as part of the Unbreakable tour.

The Backstreet Boys most recent single is “Inconsolable” which you may heard a few times on KDWB, but it wasn’t a real chart topper. It will be interesting to see what kind of ticket demand the Backstreet Boys will bring.

The 2008 Minnesota State Fair runs from August 21st through Labor Day, September 1st.

Minnesota State Fair Concert News

Has anyone heard any rumors about the other Minnesota State Fair grandstand concerts? It’s almost April, usually they have leaked at least one other show by now. I am excited to hear the entire line-up so I can plan my Minnesota State Fair adventures for 2008!

Brad Paisley show at Minnesota State Fair

There is finally some Minnesota State fair news to report! The Brad Paisley concert has announced it’s opening acts. Opening for Brad Paisley are “Stealing Cinderella” artist Chuck Wicks, Julianne Hough who won the past two seasons of "Dancing with the Stars" and singer-songwriter Jewel.

The show is sure to be a lot of fun. I already have my Brad Paisley tickets, but now one of my friends wants to go. I just checked on ticketmaster and the best pair of tickets is in grandstand section L, row 31! Woah – that is far back. Brad Paisley and friends would look like the size of “Ticks.” Perhaps I am a concert snob, but I am willing to pay more money if I can sit closer and so will my friend. I see Ticket King has Minnesota State Fair Tickets and their Brad Paisley Tickets are running about $200, but you are soooo much closer. This is going to be a hot state fair show, I am not sure if I should tell my friend to wait to buy tickets or not. I bet it sells out and that will only drive the ticket king prices higher.

Minnesota State Fair in a lull

The Minnesota State fair news bulletins are mighty scarce the last few weeks, but I know if you don’t write in your blogs enough blogger penalizes you so I thought I better write something! Like...it’s finally March and that means spring which means we are one season closer to summer which means Minnesota State Fair time! I can smell the Minnesota State Fair cheese curds already – yummy!

Minnesota State Fair News

Not much in Minnesota State Fair news. It should be almost time to announce another 2008 Minnesota State Fair concert. Hmmm…

Improvements on the Way for Minnesota State Fair

The annual meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society proved fruitful for the Minnesota State Fair. The governing body of the fair met the third weekend in January and approved nearly $9 million in improvements and maintenance projects for the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Improvements include: completion of the new International Bazaar, new restroom complex, renovations to Warner Coliseum, a new roof for the Cattle Barn and hundreds of general painting, maintenance and landscape projects throughout the fairgrounds. Let’s hear three cheers for a new and improved Minnesota State Fair. Hip, Hip, Hooray!

State Fair Music Blog

Here are three years at the fair that will be unforgettable.

2007: Spoon “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga”: My family took the exact wrong shuttle to take if you wanted to avoid cattle vehicles and other shuttles. We sat on the shuttle for about an hour waiting to get into the fair, giving me the opportunity to hear the funky sounds of this album. “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” had its subtle saxophone flourishes entrench themselves in my brain while “Don’t You Evah” evoked the soulful side of Spoon.

2004: Iron & Wine “Our Endless Numbered Days”: This year my family took the U of M shuttle. Sam Beam’s soft voice and lyrics of our bodies’ ashes in “Naked As We Came” provoked existential emotion. “I’m Minnesotan? I’m at the fair, of course.”

200x: The Breeders “Saints”: “I like all the different people / I like sticky everywhere / Look around / You bet I’ll be there.” Kim Deal’s timeless lyrics about fairs are an undeniable ode to the summer classic. It is mandatory listening anytime you get that special carnival polo out.

Summer’s ready when you are.

State Fair and music

The Minnesota State Fair arrives every year, and inevitably there is music in our lives that narrate the coming of the great Minnesota get-together. In one way or another, pop music permeates our everyday lives and contextualizes times in our lives.

The Minnesota State Fair is always a memorable time in my life thanks to the pop music I was listening to at the time. While on State Fair shuttles to the fair, many of us have our ipod on. I decided over the next few weeks on my Minnesota State Fair blog I am going to highlight a few of the years I remember at the fair and the music that comes along with it. Check back next week to see which Minnesota State fair year I chronicle!

Ejection seat addicts

Do you know how the Minnesota State Fair has had the ejection seat ride for a while now? Well, maybe this is the year to ride the ejection seat for the first time. I’ve always been pretty frightened of it, but I wonder what the sensation is like when riding it. I’m also afraid that it might be akin to some addictive drug that you need to experience over and over. That would be bad because riding the ejection seat has to be pretty expensive and time-consuming (with waiting in line and everything). I’m sure all you ejection seat fans are waiting for your chance to hop on at the fair again this year. Only seven and a half months to the Minnesota State Fair.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Minnesota State Fair Fans. Now that it is 2008, we can start saying this years Minnesota State Fair, instead of "next years" fair – get it? This years fair is just eight months away! This years fair!!!!