Labor Day Marks The Last Hurrah Of 'The Great Minnesota Get-Together'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota State Fair ends when the last fireworks show comes to a close at about 9 o'clock Monday night. It also signals the end of hours and hours of work for people who make sure the fair is everything it can be.

Going to the state fair every day is one thing, try working there for 12 consecutive days.

Joel Avenson has been at the fair since before the fair started building the Wright County exhibit booth in the Agriculture-Horticulture building. His family has been doing this for three generations.

"It's easy, I've done this since '86," Avenson said. "It's hard work, it's sweaty. You gotta want to (do this)."

Then there are those who want to make sure fairgoers are well-fed.

Chad Jacob's family owns and operates the Ragin' Cajun stand in the beer gardens.

"Every day, 12-hour shifts," Chad Jacob said. "Grueling. It's like boot camp actually, but when it's all done inside, it feels like a compliment."

Labor Day ends the labor of love for hundreds of people who call the state fairgrounds their home office. They're worn out now, but also thinking ahead for the 2016 state fair.