State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million
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Despite near-perfect weather, Minnesota State Fair attendance failed to reach 2 million this year and barely surpassed last year, when heat and storms slowed the turnstiles on a couple of days.
Why it matters: The State Fair can serve as a gauge of Minnesotans' economic mood, and this year was surprisingly lackluster considering that highs in the 70s usually bring big crowds.
By the numbers: Total attendance came in at 1.94 million this year, up by about 15,000 compared with 2024. It was the fifth most attended State Fair on record, behind the 2016-2019 fairs.
The intrigue: One factor could be sticker shock on a stick.
- University of St. Thomas associate professor Tyler Schipper told Axios that overall prices on 30 State Fair items he indexed were up 7.7% this year, well above the metro inflation rate of 1.8% in July.
Zoom in: Admission prices increased 11% this year. It cost a family of four nearly $80 just to get onto the fairgrounds, depending on the kids' ages.
- Food and beverage prices were up about 8.7%, Schipper said. The corn roast has risen $2 an ear since 2023, Pronto Pups were $7 apiece and a small boat of cheese curds ran $10 this year.
- Last year, prices rose 4.1%, according to Schipper's index.
Yes, but: Schipper doesn't necessarily blame the marginal attendance gain on prices. People were already concerned about the cost of living, he said, and now they're worried about a weakening job market.
- "I think the general angst around the day-to-day economy probably plays a bigger role than the year-to-year inflation does," he said.
Between the lines: Attendance was strong the first six days — including a record for the first Monday. It slowed Wednesday through Friday following the shooting at Annunciation that chilled the community.
What they're saying: The State Fair did not directly address attendance numbers when asked by Axios.
- "Even in the shadow of heartbreak, the fair showed its true purpose: bringing Minnesotans together," CEO Renee Alexander said in a press release.
What we're watching: While some of the price increases may be tied to increasing food costs for vendors, Schipper said, rising labor costs are likely the main driver.
- He and a team of St. Thomas students will be back out at the fair again next year to see if more vendors hold the line on prices.