Minnesota State Fair board OKs nearly $20M in improvements

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The board of managers of the Minnesota State Fair has approved nearly $20 million in improvements and maintenance projects for the fairgrounds.

Of that amount, $16 million is earmarked for a major new exhibit complex on the North End of the fairgrounds and $3.4 million for maintenance projects.

The North End development is under construction. The centerpiece is a new facility with a 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall.

Improvements and maintenance projects approved for the coming year include stall upgrades in the Swine Barn, installation of a new overheard cover for the Exercise Ring in the livestock area, and improvements to the restrooms in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum.

The board also approved a $1 increase in admission fees for the 2019 fair . Admission prices were last adjusted two years ago.