MN State Fair Announces Mask, Vaccine Policy

TWIN CITIES, MN — The Minnesota State Fair strongly recommends that attendees come fully vaccinated and wear a mask at the fair this year. However, the fair will not require fairgoers to wear a mask or be vaccinated, according to the fair's 2021 health guidance released Wednesday.

"We understand that by urging rather than requiring people to follow current guidance, many of our usual fair fans will not be comfortable attending," fair organizers said in a statement.

"We ask that those who attend do so because they are willing to follow our health guidance – not because it’s mandated, but because it’s the right thing to do."

While masks will not be required at the fair, federal policy requires masks on public transportation. That means people coming by Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, SouthWest Transit Express, or another public transit service must wear a mask.

People should also socially distance themselves when possible, make frequent use of hand sanitizer, and stay home if they are feeling sick.

The Minnesota State Fair starts on Aug. 26 and ends on Labor Day, Sep. 6.

Find the fair's health recommendations below:

Vaccination policy

If you’re fully vaccinated, thank you! That’s the best thing you can do for yourself and for everyone, especially children under age 12 and others who cannot get vaccinated. It’s widely recognized that the vast majority of all current COVID-19 cases are among unvaccinated people. While we will not require you to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to enter the fair, if you’re not vaccinated and plan to attend, we urge you to reconsider a vaccine, both for your safety and the safety of others.

Face mask policy

We strongly urge you to wear a mask in the following settings if you are older than age 2 and medically able to wear one:

Indoors, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people

Outdoors in crowded settings, especially if you are not vaccinated

At some independent vendor booths where they require everyone in their booth to wear a mask

"We are largely an outdoor event with plenty of eating and drinking," fair organizes added.

"Mandating masks fairgrounds-wide would be extremely difficult for our organization to enforce, so we are urging you to pitch in and do what’s right."

The Minnesota State Fair will also use a "Gopher Gauge" on its website:

When the fairgrounds are busier, the gauge will say “Three Fairchilds.” When the fairgrounds are more open and less busy, the gauge will say “One Fairchild,” and when moderate, it will show two. The gauge will be updated regularly throughout the fair day.

Read the fair's complete guidelines here.