The grounds are frozen, yet work is underway to complete $8 million in capital and maintenance projects planned for the 2017 Minnesota State Fair.

The long list of improvements includes:

• a new elevator on the west side of the historic Grandstand
• major upgrades to the Swine Barn
• two new information booths
• a new performance area outside the Education Building
• upgrades to the Creative Activities Building, Merchandise Mart and greenhouse
• roof repairs
• $3 million in improvements to the state fair's utilities and transportation infrastructure
• creation of "The Veranda," a new shopping and dining destination in the Upper Grandstand
• miscellaneous upkeep projects across the fairgrounds.

This work is funded through state fair operating income and grants from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. The fair is financially self-supporting and does not receive any government aid or taxpayer dollars.

Watch for updates on these projects this spring and summer via the State Fair website, mnstatefair.org.

Source: Minnesota State Fair