State Fair Attendance Falling Short Of Records

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) – Through the first weekend of the Minnesota State Fair, officials said attendance numbers are good but not record-breaking.

Nearly 104,000 people came to the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" on its opening day, compared to a record 119,000 in 2010. Friday's attendance got up to more than 117,000 thanks to warm and sunny weather. There were a record 132,000 people on the first Friday of the State Fair back in 2010.

Saturday's attendance came up well short of the record 202,000 that was set back in 1998. There were about 152,000 visitors. Attendance was lower likely because of rainy and cloudy weather.

The forecast for most of the week is plenty of warmth and sunshine, but State Fair officials will be competing with several school districts that are back in session this week.