Minnesota State Fair

From Minnesota State Fair Website:

What began in 1854 as a territorial fair to highlight agriculture and encourage farming in the region became the Minnesota State Fair in 1859, a year after Minnesota was granted statehood.

Today, often referred to as the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," the annual Minnesota State Fair is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The fair attracts nearly 1.8 million guests annually. Click here for attendance figures.

This end-of-summer tradition is always held the 12 days leading up to and through Labor Day. The 2014 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 21 - Sept. 1.

The fair employs 70 year-round full-time staff members. During the summer, 300 seasonal staff are added. Close to 2,500 people are hired as fair-time staff members.

Located mid-way between Minneapolis and St. Paul, the 320-acre Minnesota State Fairgrounds is renowned for its beautiful gardens and architecture reflecting the art deco and Works Progress Administration eras.

Hundreds of events are held on the grounds throughout the year during the non-fair time, including horse and livestock competitions, hockey games, merchandise sales, expositions, car shows, and more.