2014 State Fair May Break All-Time Attendance Record

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- So many were at the Minnesota State Fair this year taking in all the sights and food that the fair is on track to break the standing record for overall yearly attendance.

Already a record-breaking single-day crowd went there Saturday, with more than 252,000 people walking through the gates. That's more than on any other day since there has been a fair.

The old daily record was set on the last Sunday of last year's fair -- that was more than 236,000.

For all 12 days this year, we are on track to break the yearly record, which was set in 2009.

Some big factors organizer say may be to account for the huge numbers include new additions, the biggest changes in 75 years to the landscape, with the addition of the new West End Market and the transit hub.

Organizers say they focused on changes that would really benefit fairgoers and it paid off.

The weather cooperated as well. There were some rainy spots, but overall peak attendance times were dry.

All the money that's made at the fair goes directly back into the fair.

Incidentally, Friday is "Kids and Last Chance Day" at the fair. Kids ages 5 to 12 can get into the fair for just $8, as opposed to normal kids' admission of $11.

There are also discounts all day on the rides and games, and many merchandise and food booths throughout the fair are offering special bargains. They don't want to haul all their merchandise home again and they don't want their food to go bad, so you might get a deal.

If you are planning to see the animals on Monday, be aware that the poultry barn and the Miracle of Birth Center will be closing at 3 p.m., and the other barns will close at 5 p.m. so the animals can get home.