Hundreds line up as gates open

Minnesota State Fair

The new International Bazaar

Early arrivals this morning got to see the ribbon cutting for the fair’s new International Bazaar.

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Last update: August 21, 2008 - 7:38 PM

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So far, so good at the Minnesota State Fair, which began its annual 12-day run this morning.

Hundreds of enthusiastic fairgoers eager to experience the “Great Minnesota Get Together” lined up outside the gates before the 6 a.m. opening, and turnstiles have been spinning steadily, said Brooke Dillon, a State Fair spokeswoman.

“We’ve had a good turnout so far,” she said. “For the first day everything is running smoothly, and we have good weather. What more could we ask for?”

Opening day is a good day to attend, Dillon said, as crowds are not as heavy as on weekends. For the record, the busiest opening day was in 1999 with an attendance of 109,643.

Another good reason to hit the fair today is that it is Thrifty Thursday. Admission today for $8, $5 for ages 5 to 12. Regular admission is $11, $9 for ages 5 to 12.

Early arrivals this morning got to see the ribbon cutting for the fair’s new International Bazaar. The fair’s Executive Vice President, Jerry Hammer ,dedicated the new 14,000-square-foot facility on Judson Avenue, just south of the Agriculture and Horticulture building. The facility, which opened at 9 a.m., replaced an old wooden structure that was erected in the early 1970s.

The bazaar was to have been temporary, but it stood for 35 years until it was razed after the 2007 fair and a new structure built this year, Dillon said.

The International Bazaar features more seating, more entertainment space and more room for vendors to hawk everything from Egyptian textiles to Asian masks and food, Dillon said.

Also new at the fair is “Greetings from Minnesota!” a mosaic by Susan Warner for the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Celebration, at the Food Building, and the “JFK Remembered” exhibit. Located on Underwood, north of the Visitors Plaza, the museum-style show features more than 300 artifacts related to the late 35th president of the United States.

Another attraction expected to be popular this year: “The Old Minnesota Show: Song of the North Star” presented by Warren Nelson and his Big Top Chautauqua Orchestra and Singers at the Big Top State Fair Chautauqua.

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