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Minnesota State Agricultural Society Looks Ahead, Continues to Focus on Connection and Community
The 167th annual meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society board, governing body of the Minnesota State Fair, was held Jan. 15-18 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Bloomington, Minn.
In her address to Society members, Renee Alexander, State Fair CEO, stressed the importance of the State Fair bringing people together in 2026. "Community is at the core of everything we do. The fair remains one of the few places where Minnesotans of all backgrounds can gather and feel part of something bigger. That responsibility matters in any year, but especially in a year like this — when people are looking for steady places that help us reconnect, find common ground, and remember our shared humanity," she said.
As we move into 2026, the State Fair will prioritize not only the goal of bringing people together, but also providing value to guests and honoring traditions while building momentum and financial sustainability.
Admission Tickets Remain the Same as 2025
Also during the annual meeting, the Minnesota State Agricultural Society board voted to keep admission ticket prices and parking fees unchanged for the 2026 State Fair.
2026 Ticket Prices:
- Pre-fair discount admission tickets for all ages through Aug. 26: $17. These tickets are now available at Etix.com and are valid any day of the fair and for any age.
- Regular fair-time admission at the gate: Adults (ages 13-64) - $20; Seniors (65+) and Kids (ages 5-12) - $18; Children (4 and under) - always free
- Promotional day discounts will continue to be offered on Opening Day, Aug. 27; Seniors Days, Aug. 31 and Sept. 3; Military Appreciation Day, Sept. 1; and Kids Days, Sept. 2 and 7
- On-site car parking: $25
With the decision to not raise ticket prices, Alexander said, “We remain focused on delivering a great day at the fair while being thoughtful stewards of this storied treasure. Minnesotans care deeply about their State Fair, and our approach is to make smart investments that honor tradition, set the standard for high-value, high-quality experiences, and ensure the fair’s continued relevance and significance for generations.”
Investments in Facilities, Operations and Programs
The board also approved more than $67 million to improve the State Fairgrounds, enhance the guest experience and elevate the educational and entertainment programming that has made the State Fair world-renowned.
Of this budget, $23.2 million in capital and maintenance work was approved. Notable projects in 2026 include:
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Completing the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum renovation, including installing new seating, wider aisles and railings; expanding restrooms; adding a meeting room and office space; redesigning entryways; upgrading electrical and lighting; painting throughout; and more. Watch a short video to learn more about this project here.
- Dozens of projects throughout the buildings and grounds such as repair and replacement of fencing and street and sidewalk pavement; enhanced lighting on the north end of the fairgrounds; installation and maintenance of sewer and water systems; upgrades to electrical, fiber optic and computer systems; addition of fans in the Food Building, The Garden and the Horse Barn; new windows in Christensen Pavilion; replacement of doors on the West Barn and Forage Barn; track lighting in the Fine Arts Center; display cooler in Creative Activities; expansion of South Bike Lot; tree care program, garden work and landscaping; painting; purchase of portable drinking fountains, trucks, utility vehicles and recycle containers; among others
As part of almost $44 million in operating expenses, the State Fair is planning:
Hundreds of entertainment performances and a variety of educational programming such as a marquee exhibit in the North End Event Center, Little Farm Hands, CHS Miracle of Birth Center and others – all free with fair admission; free Park & Ride bus service; operation of the Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park and other ticketed attractions; production of the 12-day Grandstand Concert Series; sanitation services; livestock and horse exhibitions; competitions for crop art, K-12, fine art, baking, needlework and more; guest services; public safety; coordination of Kickoff to Summer at the Fair in May and Minnesota Beef Expo in October; thousands of staff members; and more.
Ag Society Board Members Elected
In other business at the annual meeting, Gordy Toenges of Alden, Minn., was elected president of the Society. Carol Schumann of Zumbrota, Minn., was elected for a three-year term to fill Toenges’ manager position of the Society’s first district. Sara Donaldson of Minneapolis was re-elected to a two-year term as State Fair board vice president representing the Society’s fifth regional district. Gail Johnson of Anoka and Kirk Peysar of Aitkin were each re-elected to three-year terms representing the Society’s third and sixth districts respectively.
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