The Minnesota State Fair opens for its 157th year this week. When it closes on Labor Day, about 1.8 million people will have visited. The average daily attendance of 150,000 is tops in the nation — and is close to what some fairs attract over their entire run.
There are other state fairs. In fact, 49 others, although the term is generous.
The Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts, which includes Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, is known as "New England's Great State Fair" — which, come on, doesn't even make sense.
Nevada and Michigan went fair-less for several years when their events went bankrupt. Michigan's returned in 2012 and Nevada's re-emerged in June. For four days. Baby steps.
Texas claims the biggest fair, with close to 3 million visitors. But it goes on for 24 days, which is kind of like stepping on the scale while weighing giant pumpkins.
So what makes our State Fair such a great state fair? Depends on whom you ask.
Iowa native Jim Kopel has been to all 50 state fairs and rates Minnesota in his top five.
"The education exhibits are just outstanding," he said.