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State Fair Vendors, Employees Add Finishing Touches To Fairgrounds

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- With a matter of hours before the gates open at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, it's a mad rush at the fairgrounds.

"[It's] very tough, because we have to get everything ready, and nice and pretty for all of you guys," State Fair vendor Violet Bonilla said.

Bonilla and her crew came all the way from Bakersfield, California. She says it's a lot of work, but they keep coming back year after year.

At the Miracle of Birth Center, the majority of their animals are set for delivery Wednesday evening, but there's much more that goes into the final touches.

state fair duckling miracle of birth
(credit: CBS)

"The last day, we're basically getting all of the housing set up for all of the animals, making sure their food is there, and then putting in a loft of fans," Lavyn Rada of CHS Miracle of Birth said. "Luckily the weather this year looks like it's going to be great, but at least all of the animals will have at least one personal fan."

Keeping pregnant animals cool and comfy is one of their top priorities, and preparations began several months ago.

"This building is used for storage throughout the winter but when that clears out we start planning for the State Fair," Rada said.

More than 200 animals are delivered at the Miracle Of Birth Center. At one of the more popular exhibits, ducklings and chicks, fair-goers get to see them hatch and grow throughout the twelve days.

From heavy equipment, to resting up and final grooming, it's the last preparations before more work and play.

Gates officially open Thursday at 6 a.m. at the fairgrounds.

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