Snelling Avenue was largely reopened Saturday evening after being closed on and off as a small group of protesters walked to and from the Minnesota State Fair.
First the northbound lanes, then both lanes, then just the southbound lanes were closed as the marchers made their way to and from the fair. They staged a short demonstration while outside its gates, then headed south on Snelling.
Police advised motorists to continue to avoid Snelling, which was still closed south of Pierce Butler around 7:30 p.m., and take Lexington Avenue instead.
For a time, Metro Transit buses in the area were delayed, but all buses were back in service by 7:45 p.m.
A couple of dozen people joined the march, which featured signs and chants protesting police killings of black men.
Similar marches have taken place during the past two years' fairs. In those cases, the protests dispersed once the marchers reached the fair entrance.
STAFF REPORT
