Who Owns The Minnesota State Fair

So, who's the big cheese behind the Minnesota State Fair? You might think it's some stuffy old board of suits, but hold onto your butter sculptures, 'cause it's way more interesting than that!

Meet the Minnesota State Fair Association

Alright, so there is an association, but these aren't your average pencil-pushers. They're a bunch of passionate folks who love the fair almost as much as they love their cheese curds. They're the ones who make sure the Great Minnesota Get-Together happens every year.

But here's the kicker - they don't own the fairgrounds. Nope, that's where things get really interesting...

Enter the State of Minnesota

The fairgrounds? They're owned by the state. Yep, that's right, Minnesota is the fair's landlord. The association rents the place out for a whopping 12 days each year. Talk about a high-turnover tenant!

But why would the state want to own a fairground? Well, it's all about history, my friend. The fairgrounds were originally part of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society's land, which was established way back in 1854. The state took over in 1885, and the rest is history.

And the Rest is... Profit?

So, if the association doesn't own the fairgrounds, where do they make their money? Well, they've got a few tricks up their sleeves. They charge for admission, parking, and even rent out space to vendors. And let's not forget about those sweet, sweet ride tickets!

But here's where it gets really cool - the association is a non-profit. That's right, all that cash goes right back into making the fair even better each year. They use it to maintain the grounds, build new attractions, and even create scholarships for Minnesota students.

Quirky Facts to Blow Your Mind

Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Did you know that the fairgrounds are home to the world's largest mobile Ferris wheel? It's called the SkyGlider, and it's a Minnesota original. You can thank the association for that one!

And how about this - the fair has its own police force. That's right, the Minnesota State Fair Police are on duty every year, making sure the fair is safe and sound. Talk about a unique gig!

But here's my personal favorite - the fair has its own ZIP code. That's right, 55111 is the fairgrounds' very own postal district. How's that for exclusive?

So, Who's Really in Charge?

Alright, so we've established that the Minnesota State Fair Association runs the show, but the state owns the grounds. But who's the ultimate boss? Well, that would be you, me, and every other Minnesotan out there.

The fair is a public trust, which means it's owned by all of us. The association and the state just help make sure it's running smoothly. So next time you're chowing down on a Pronto Pup, remember - you're the real owner of the Minnesota State Fair!