This is the 4th year the Black State Fair has been held in South Minneapolis with more than 60 vendors selling their wares.
"We really didn't think it's going to be as big as it is today," says Keke Shelby, the president of the Black Fair.
Shelby says minority business owners don't have access to funding sources, and the official state fair is beyond their reach financially. But the Black Fair is helping.
"There's a lot of food vendors that make over $15,000 in a week, and it's helping their business grow," says Shelby.
WCCO did reach out to the Minnesota State Fair for comment. Officials there said they don't track the race of vendors, and there are financial requirements for them to set up shop on the fairgrounds.
The Black State Fair costs $7 and runs through August 27 at Midtown Global Market, off Lake and Chicago in South Minneapolis. They are open 11:00-7:00 each day.
Besides dozens of foods to try, the fair will feature a marketplace where attendees can explore a wide array of products and services, ranging from fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands to technology, food, and art.