Improvements to State Fairgrounds Result in $40 Million in Economic Impact

SAINT PAUL, MINN. (01/21/2010)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota State Fair's efforts to improve and maintain the historic State Fairgrounds had an economic impact of more than $40 million in the Twin Cities during the past three years, according to a study released last weekend during the State Fair's 151st annual meeting. The study was conducted by Markin Consulting of Maple Grove, Minn.

Projects completed at the State Fairgrounds during the past three years include construction of the $4.5 million International Bazaar and restroom complex, a new $1.3 million Moo Booth and Milking Parlor educational cattle exhibit, new roofs for the historic Livestock Pavilion and Swine Barn, ongoing renovation of the Warner Coliseum, scores of improved amenities for fair guests and significant improvements to the State Fair's utilities and technology infrastructure. The projects resulted in a household earnings impact in the Twin Cities of $11.9 million and 318 jobs. The State Fair is completely self-supporting and receives no public funding of any kind.

In other business conducted during the meeting, Dennis Baker of Spicer was elected to a one-year term as president of the State Fair. Baker is the mayor of Spicer and a small business owner who has served on the State Fair board of managers since 1998. D.J. Leary of Minneapolis was re-elected to a two-year term on the board as fifth district vice-president. New members Joe Scapanski of Sauk Rapids and Wally Wichmann of Balaton were elected to serve on the board of managers representing the Society's sixth and seventh districts, respectively. Paul Merkins of Stewart and Ron Oleheiser of Grand Rapids were both re-elected to three-year terms on the board, representing the second and eighth districts, respectively. Bob Lake of Aitkin, the fair's immediate past-president, was elected to honorary life membership.

The Annual Meeting, held Jan. 15-17 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, was attended by hundreds of agricultural society delegates from throughout the state as part of a joint convention of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society (governing body of the State Fair), Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and Midwest Showmen's Association.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting nearly 1.8 million visitors in 2009. Showcasing Minnesota's finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. Visit www.mnstatefair.org for more information.

The 2010 fair runs Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6.