Minn. State Fair unveils plans for $15M attraction

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota State Fair officials have unveiled a $15 million project to replace its aging Heritage Square attraction.

General Manager Jerry Hammer says it will be called "West End Market" and will open for the next year's fair. It'll include an updated State Fair history center, a bigger entertainment stage, dozens of artisans and specialty merchants, and several new food and beverage vendors. It also includes a new entrance gate and transit hub for buses.

Hammer compares the project with the 2008 upgrade of the International Bazaar. Heritage Square was originally built in 1964 as a temporary teen center intended to last no more than 10 years. It became Heritage Square in 1975 as part of a program to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial in 1976.

The 2014 fair opens Aug. 21.

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