Fair's 2011 attendance within 'shouting distance' of record

The mighty Midway at the state fair
Amusement rides shine against the evening sky at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 4, 2011.
MPR Photo/Nikki Tundel

The head of the Minnesota State Fair says attendance got a boost over the weekend despite an increase in ticket prices at the gates this year.

Regular prices increased $1 for adults and $2 for children. The fair said it raised prices to keep quality up.

Jerry Hammer, executive vice president of the State Fair says more than 215,000 people came out on Saturday. He says the record for that day last year was 230,000 people, the biggest fair day ever.

"Saturday attendance was the third biggest day ever in State Fair history. And Sunday, I don't have the final numbers yet but that was even bigger than Saturday we know that for sure. So it's been great," he said. "When all is said and done, I think we'll be in shouting distance of last year's number, which is close to the all-time record."

Hammer says extreme weather plays the biggest role in people staying home. He says fewer people came out on Senior Day last Thursday when temperatures soared into the 90s.

Related: 2011 Minnesota State Fair Moments in photographs

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