It's coming back to life.
And not a moment too soon.
Monday, July 24, is one month until the 2023 Minnesota State Fair.
Everywhere on the historic fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, there is work being done.
Crews install Playland Arcade awning outside, and repair machinery insideAudacy
Sprinklers are making green spaces greener, although much of that grass will be tamped down into brown stubble not long after the crowds arrive.
New fencing is going up near the main ticket booth along Como Ave., where damaged lightposts are also being imbedded inside holes cut through the concrete sidewalks.
The space where Adventure Park had mini-race cars and a water ride is still under construction.
Heavy machinery is used to prepare the Ag-Hort buildingAudacy
New roofs are being installed, flowers planted, fresh coats of paint slathered on.
And that's just what the grounds crews are doing.
Vendors have long lists and 30 days to get them done.
"We're trying to line up all of our food, special order items, do a little bit of preliminary cooking, make sure equipment's working, make sure we're all on pace," said Mike Olson of the Blue Moon Dine-In theatre, just a minidonut's throw away from the historic grandstand.
Planting is done at Gate Ajar recreationAudacy
"I don't want to get too cocky, but I think we're in a good position," said Olson, whose crew had a couple of rehearsals by working the Kickoff to Summer and Back to the 50's Weekend.
While Olson has been at his stand much of the summer, Alex Seidlitz just arrived at the Turkey To Go stand to begin interviewing potential workers.
Knowing the turkey biz isn't a requirement to work in the building squeezed between the DNR facility and the All-You-Can Drink milk bar.
"But food service industry (experience) does help, but not necessary," Seidlitz said.
New fencing is installed at main ticket office on Como Ave.Audacy
What is necessary right now at the University of Minensota Journey to Discover research facility is some heavy lifting.
"I'm moving boxes, getting all sweaty, trying to get the building cleaned and prepped," said director Annie Hotop, wiping her brow and catching her breath under a warming sun and thinking about what needs to get done before the fair opens.
"We'll be ready," she said, glancing back down Cosgrove Ave. toward the fairgrounds' main gate, maybe anticipating the waves of fairgoers that'll materialize in a month, and won't stop for 12 days.
Lots of moving around is on the agenda for U of M crewsAudacy
Then there is some specialty work on the agenda, such as what to do about the basketball-sized hornet's nest hanging from a tree in front of the WCCO radio building and Sweet Martha's Cookie stand.
What's the buzz above the WCCO state fair booth?Audacy
There was a suggestion to move the nest to the bee exhibit at the Ag-Hort Building, but it's likely an apiarist will be called in.
The 2023 Minnesota State Fair begins Aug. 24 and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 4.
