State Fair Makes Preparations For Heat

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) – It's expected to be one of the hottest days of the summer on Thursday as temperatures soar into the high 90s and the heat index could go above 100 degrees.

Officials with the Minnesota State Fair have a plan for all the fair-goers, and they actually issued their Heat Plan for the day.  That means extra nurses and emergency medical service staff are brought in, and there are also more places to cool off.

When it's this hot at the State Fair, there are plenty of ways to find relief from the heat. It's either snow cones or you're selling ice cream.

On a hot day like what Thursday's forecast brings, the Rainbow Ice Cream booth expects to sell more than 300 snow cones.

"Last night I did almost 200, and yesterday was pretty hot," said Brittany Perzichilli with the Rainbow Ice Cream stand.

When the temperature spikes, an increase in medical calls comes with it. Add to that the fact that it's Senior Day, and the State Fair has extra medical personnel on staff. They'll be keeping an eye on some of those older people.

"Signs of dehydration, risk of heart problems, medications come with that," said Cary Montez with Regions Hospital.

At the Senior Stretch and Stroll Thursday morning, Culligan was giving out free ice water, and nurses say drinking it early will go a long way. Spray misters have been set up near the medical aid stations. It's a fun way to cool off in what's expected to be another hot day at the State Fair.

State Fair officials have also brought in some buses with air conditioning for people to cool off. At the information booths, there are 10,000 bandanas people can soak in water and put around their neck.