Minnesota State Fair attendance just short of last year's total

The Minnesota State Fair fell just short of last year’s attendance total after a relatively modest Labor Day crowd.

Just over 159,000 people came through the gates Monday, the final day of the fair. Overall, this year’s fair drew over 1.92 million visitors, which is slightly below both the previous two years and short of the 2 million-visitor milestone set in 2019.

Organizers say participation in the fair’s agricultural and creative competitions continues to grow. They drew more than 38,000 entries this year. The Crop Art Exhibit displayed 593 pieces this year compared to last year’s 450, and 4,141 baked goods were submitted to this year’s competition compared to last year’s 3,156.

“Once again, the enthusiasm, pride, traditions and love for the Great Minnesota Get-Together made the fair come to life,” Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander said in a press release.

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit reported ridership records to this year’s fair. Fair organizers said reports from Metro Transit and the fair’s park-and-ride service are still being finalized.

• Photos: As the State Fair winds down attendees revel in the last moments of summer
• At the Great Minnesota Get-Together, sanitation workers spearhead trash awareness, composting
• Here’s what 15 Minnesota food influencers liked, disliked at the State Fair