The Minnesota State Fairgrounds in for a major make-over.
And a price hike just to get in and see the upgrades.
Nearly $20 million in improvements and maintenance projects for the Minnesota State Fairgrounds were approved by the fair’s board of managers during meetings January 18-20.
They also added a dollar to entrance fees across the board, although freebies are still extended to little kids.
The board approved $16.3 million in capital work - $16 million of which is earmarked for a major new exhibit complex on the North End of the fairgrounds, "It will have a 12 thousand square foot exhibit hall for museum type exhibits," said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer.
The North End will also have features that recognize Minnesota innovations in agriculture, industry and the arts, along with uniquely Minnesota attractions, food and commercial exhibits
The board also approved $3.4 million in maintenance projects.
"You know the grandstand is like the cathedral of the state," Hammer said.
Other improvements and maintenance projects approved for the coming year include: upgrades to the stalling and technology equipment in the Swine Barn, installation of a new overhead cover for the Exercise Ring in the livestock area, improvements to the restrooms in Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, upgrades to the lighting and fire suppression system in the DNR Building, and dozens of paint, sewer, street and sidewalk and landscape projects throughout the 322-acre State Fairgrounds.
All projects will be funded through State Fair operating revenue and grants from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. The fair is financially self-supporting and receives no government aid of any kind.
The fair’s board of managers also approved admission prices for the 2019 fair, Aug. 22 through Labor Day, Sept. 2. Regular gate admission for adults 13-64 will be $15; kids 5-12 and seniors 65+ will be admitted for $13; children 4 and under are always admitted free.