The Great Minnesota Get-Together will officially return Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021! People are planning their return to one of the biggest State Fairs in the country! Currently, the fair is not planning to require any special COVID restrictions, however, they are asking people that are unvaccinated to wear masks inside of buildings. The CDC is also recommending masks outdoors in large gatherings where people are less than 6 feet apart.
What is your plan?
Many fair-goers are creatures of habit when they attend. Making their annual trek to Machinery Hill, the Grandstand, Space Needle, or Midway. Don’t forget Sweet Martha’s cookies and all the milk you can drink! When you bring along your senior loved ones, there are a few extra things to think about to make your time extraordinary.
Seniors Day
This year, seniors receive a discounted price of $11 at all gates (65+). Senior day is August 31st with “deals on merchandise and food for all senior fair guests”. Early Bird Specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games until 1 p.m. Bring the Grandkids on the rides!
Watch the Heat
August and early September can be some of the warmest days of the summer. Stay ahead of the heat and enjoy the beautiful trees all around. Keeping cool at the fair is commonly done with a cold drink and cool breeze. Just outside the Skyride and Space Needle, there is a large grove of trees with lots of benches at the Leinie's Lodge Bandshell. This is a great place to listen to live music, people watch, and cool down. Unfortunately, the River Raft ride is not operating this year so if you’re looking for a cool mist, you may want to head over near the Haunted House across from the Horticulture building. Cooling down here is a little dependent on the direction of the wind to cool down--a chance to move your feet.
If someone does get overheated and needs medical assistance, the security headquarters, located on Dan Patch Avenue and just across from the west entrance to the Skyride, serves as an emergency medical facility. They would have ice packs and personnel to assist with heat-related issues.
For additional tips or you are particularly concerned about the heat, check out this blog on summer safety for seniors.
Fair Food
How do you even write about food at the Minnesota State Fair? It’s the focal point for so many people when they attend. Just about everyone has their favorite: Sweet Martha’s Cookies; Funnel Cake; Alligator; Cheese Curds; and the list goes on. Every year the fair holds a competition for new vendors and food choices. Despite being a creature of habit you might want to sample a few of the new foods at the fair this year. Goodies like Gluten Free Corn Dogs, humongous sidecar sandwiches, Sashimi tacos, or a Pizza Luce are just a partial list. Here is a guide for foodies that you might use to find new foods at the fair.
Music
There are quite a few places for music at the Fair. The Leinie Lodge bandshell is a free venue that has a variety of talent all day long. Artists perform everything from rock, pop, and country music at one of the best people-watching places at the fair. The Grandstand is where you want to go for more of a concert environment. It’s not free but you can see some excellent stars from the past and present. Some of this year’s headliners are Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, and the Doobie Brothers. Check here for tickets.
Accessibility
Once you arrive at the fair, you can rent wheelchairs and scooters from Hometown Mobility. It’s a good idea to reserve online or call 877-928-5388. They charge $5 to set up rentals by phone. There are several places to pick up your rental and a 24-hour advance reservation is required. If you want to recharge your own electric scooter or wheelchair there are two options on the fairgrounds: Care & Assistance south of West End Market is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, or the south side of the Grandstand outside between the entrance doors--outlets are designated with disability signs.
There are buses and trollies inside the fairgrounds that can help you get from place to place. Check at the information desk for specific routes and fares. Here is a more complete look at accessibility options.
Handicap Parking
The fair has handicapped parking on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost is the same as standard parking ($16). This gets you close to the access points for the fairgrounds on a hard surface. Parking generally surrounds the fairgrounds but click the link for the best way for you to access the fair.
Restrooms
The fair has spent a lot of money upgrading its restrooms to be accessible. So there are many more options than just several years ago. State Fair maps have clearly designated handicap bathrooms marked. Here you will find grab bars and adequate space for mobility assistance devices. Paper maps are readily available at information booths or the entrance to the fair.
Public Transportation
State Fair Express Bus service features free parking and a direct bus ride to the fairgrounds for a small fee from farther-out suburbs around the Twin Cities. Express Bus lots are serviced by Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, and Southwest Transit. You will be required to wear a mask on the bus and any other public transportation. Metro transit is still hiring to fill these positions so be sure to go online and double-check your route times as they may be more limited than in years past!
In addition, several regular Metro Transit bus routes drop you off right at the fairgrounds. View a map of the Transit Hub at Gate #16. Visit metrotransit.org/StateFair for more information about Express Bus service, regular bus routes, and how to purchase bus tickets.
For additional resources on getting around town and to the fair, check out a previous piece we wrote on Getting from Place to Place. This guide has more extensive information on a wide variety of services for transportation.
Have Fun!
Don’t be shy about bringing seniors to the fair. This is a place for everyone where the aromas and atmosphere bring back many fond memories for all. Generally to get the most out of the day with a senior, take a slower pace, stay ahead of heat-related issues, and smile often.