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Lower Temps Bring Out The Crowds At MN State Fair

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- The temperatures have been lower and the crowds bigger at "the Great Minnesota Get-Together," at least for the last few days.

The Minnesota State Fair set an attendance record Tuesday and fell a few thousand short of another record on Wednesday.

Even though it didn't seem as busy Thursday because of the rain, during the past few days the State Fair has enjoyed low humidity and temperatures in the 70s and 80s -- perfect weather for consuming thousands of calories and checking out all the attractions.

You don't even need to see the actual numbers to know this year has been a busy one at the Minnesota State Fair. Long lines and big crowds may make for a slower fair experience but the vendors couldn't be happier.

At O'Gara's Bar and Grill, the lines started eight days ago and haven't gone away.

"Occasionally in the past there's been a lull in the afternoon," Kris O'Gara said. "We have not seen a lull (this year). It's fantastic."

Over the last five days, fair attendance has been up significantly every day, anywhere from 10 to 40 thousand people. Consider the financial impact a few thousand people can add. Each adult spends on average $45 at fair. Take the new record setting day on Tuesday with more than 133,000 people. That's an extra $1.7 million over last year.

Even though weather is still a big factor in crowd turnout, the theme day and special events can also make all the difference. But while the fair is always looking for new items to attract the crowd, it's a balance because you have to keep the State Fair staples to keep people coming back.

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