FALCON HEIGHTS — The Minnesota State Fair enters its fifth day under an excessive heat warning for southern Minnesota, with temperatures expected to soar. Fair spokesperson Maria Hayden noted that despite the heat, the first four days saw record-breaking attendance:
“We’ve had a really exciting start to the fair. So, we set our record attendance for opening day on Thursday, August 22nd, and then set our record attendance for our first Friday as well. It’s been a really great time. We’ve had a lot of people coming out here super excited to try the new foods.”
As the fair continues, Hayden advises attendees to wear light clothing and bring refillable water bottles. She acknowledged that extreme heat and humidity could impact turnout:
“Attendance is very closely based on weather or even just the forecast. Opening day we had a little sprinkle of rain, but it didn’t seem to deter people. It looks like the forecast is looking pretty good. So we’ll see. But you kind of never know what to expect, so we’re prepared for every scenario when it comes to weather.”
The fair has misting stations, water stations, and air-conditioned buildings available for cooling off. Cooler temperatures in the upper 70s are expected later this week, with a chance of thunderstorms tonight.
