Updated: 3/27/2026

Concessions & Exhibits Manual

This information is for 2026 Minnesota State Fair licensed concessionaires and exhibitors. All information is subject to change. This information is agreed to as part of your annual license agreement. It can be updated at any time and participants are expected to be familiar with its contents.

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Updated: 3/27/2026.

Jump to:

• Introduction
• Policies
• Procedures
• General Information and Services
• Appendix A - Food & Beverage Concession Guidelines
• Appendix B - Mighty Midway & Kidway Licensees
• Appendix C - Indoor Booth Guidelines
• Concessions & Exhibits Guide

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission: To educate and involve our guests by providing a world-class showcase that is innovative, entertaining and fun.

We strive to:

• Showcase Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry
• Provide outstanding customer service
• Provide a safe, clean environment that is accessible to all
• Present an unparalleled forum for knowledge and ideas
• Offer exceptional value
• Create unique experiences

INTRODUCTION

The Minnesota State Fair has established a tradition of providing high-quality family entertainment that is clean, wholesome and fun, with a commitment to total guest satisfaction. As a partner of the Minnesota State Fair, you have been selected and licensed to help us continue the high standards established by this Great Minnesota Get-Together. We look forward to working with you to help carry on this tradition of excellence in your operation and the environment you help create.

This manual is designed to inform you of State Fair policies and procedures. This manual and Minnesota State Agricultural Society Rules are made a part of each license agreement by reference. Both are meant to foster better fair operations, and it is each licensee’s annual responsibility to be familiar with these policies, procedures and rules, including any changes throughout the year.

We hope you enjoy your experience at the Minnesota State Fair!

Department Contact Information

Accessibility Guest Services | accessibility@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4448

Attractions Department | sales@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4456

Concessions & Exhibits Department | sales@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4456

Emergencies (fire, police, medical) | 911

Employment Center & Department | employment@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4475

Facilities/Operations Department | 651-288-4499

General Information | fairinfo@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4400

Guest Relations | guestservices@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4559

Media & Marketing Department | media@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4321

Midway Office | 651-288-4491

Sanitation Department | 651-288-4499

Sponsorships | sponsorships@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4306

Telephone Department | 651-288-4457

Ticket Office | tickets@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4427

Touring Promotional Exhibits | sponsorships@mnstatefair.org | 651-288-4306

Utility Office | 651-288-4499

Minnesota State Fair Sales Office Staff

• Renee Alexander, CEO
• Wally LeVesseur, Deputy General Manager of Sales
• Pam Simon, Sales Director
• Nikki Hines, Midway, Kidway & Attractions Manager
• Danielle Dullinger, Food & Beverage Manager
• Jennifer Holmes, Concessions Office Manager
• Melissa Varriano, Sponsorship Supervisor
• Bailey Anderson, Food & Beverage Supervisor
• Julie Samec, Merchandise Vendors & Exhibits Supervisor
• Emily Quam, Events Supervisor
• Nick Juaire, Events Specialist
• C.C. Camitsch, Front Desk & Sales Office Assistant

Concessions & Exhibits Department Location

We are located in the Administration Building at 1292 Cosgrove St.

Superintendents

SSuperintendents are employed during the fair to assist concessionaires and exhibitors during setup and teardown, to interpret display guidelines, to respond to any questions and concerns you may have, and to ensure that rules and regulations are observed. They will make rounds to be of assistance immediately prior to and during the fair.

Building/Area Office Location

• Agriculture Horticulture Building: Southwest side of rotunda
• Coliseum: Southwest corner of building
• Creative Activities Annex: Southeast corner of Home Improvement Building
• Dairy Building: North side of building
• Eco Experience: East side of building
• Education Building: West side, north of front entrance
• FAN Central: Southwest corner of building
• Food Building: Upstairs, between the Food Building and the Garden (near the Cup Warehouse)
• Grandstand (1st and 2nd Floors): First floor of building, northeast corner
• Home Improvement Building: Southeast corner of building
• International Bazaar: Southeast side of the stage
• North End (North of Dan Patch Avenue): In Eco Experience, east side of building
• Merchandise Mart: Southwest corner of building
• Mighty Midway: North side of Midway
• Pet Pavilions: In Eco Experience, east side of building
• West End Market: West end, south side, north of restrooms

Reach out to sales@mnstatefair.org for contact information.

POLICIES

Minnesota State Fair management reserves the right to interpret and apply these policies, procedures and rules as it deems appropriate in the best interest of the public and execution of the fair’s statutory duties.

The State Fair board of managers authorizes the licensing of privileges to serve the comfort, convenience, pleasure, needs and wishes of the State Fair’s large and diverse audience. Fair management reserves the right to prohibit the showing of any attraction, exhibit, concession or animal that may be falsely entered or represented, or to remove any attraction, concession, exhibit, sign, display material, merchandise, animal or advertising if it is contrary to law or a violation of the State Fair’s valid interest in providing for the health, safety, protection and best interest of the public. Privileges will not be licensed, nor will business pursuits be permitted, which are not conducted safely, ethically and in a manner consistent with the mission of the fair, as determined by the State Fair. The board of managers and sales division will use every precaution to guard against extortion practiced upon patrons of the State Fair.

A violation of the terms and conditions of a license agreement or the rules, policies and procedures of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society (Minnesota State Fair) in its Rules and/or Concessions & Exhibits Manual may cause the full amount of a license to become due and lead to a revocation and forfeiture of all privileges granted to a licensee, in which case all sums paid or to be paid shall become the property of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society as liquidated damages, and cause will be created for expulsion of the licensee from the fairgrounds as fair management may direct. The Society shall have a lien on all property kept, used or situated upon premises assigned for licensee use on the State Fairgrounds for any unpaid fees due to the Society and any damages sustained by the Society by breach of license by a licensee.

State Fair license agreements, any portion(s) of them, as well as the privileges, duties, responsibilities, obligations, and interests granted therein, may not be assigned, sublet, sold, transferred, devised by will, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, except with the written consent of the Minnesota State Fair. Licensees may not subcontract or sublet space or license privileges to any other person or firm. Obligations provided for in licenses, including, but not limited to, payments for insurance, utilities and/or special services, shall remain the obligation of the initial licensee regardless of approved assignment.

Licenses are issued to, and in the name of, a company, corporation, organization, institution, agency or individual (of legal age) with a designated principal (i.e., owner, president, CEO or executive director). Principals must be of legal age. The principal has primary legal and decision-making authority and responsibility, must sign the license agreement and all related business documents, and the physical, on-site presence of the license principal, is a condition precedent to the granting of a license.

The license principal may request authorization from the State Fair to have a secondary agent (i.e., manager, division or department head, assistant or secretary) designated on a license to speak for and conduct day-to-day exhibit, concession or attraction business on behalf of the license principal, on-site at the State Fair in the brief absence of the license principal, but the agent may not execute (sign) a license on behalf of the license principal. Agents must be of legal age. If or when a license principal is no longer willing, able or interested and discontinues active involvement in daily exhibit, concession or attraction operation, the secondary agent does not ascend to become the license principal; the license becomes null and void, and the State Fair reserves the right to assess and appraise the continued viability of the exhibit, concession or attraction and its operation.

In the event a licensee should sell all or part of its concession, exhibit or attraction business to a third party and/or the current owner(s) should, for any reason, cease to be active in the daily management and operation of same, the State Fair, at its sole option, shall have the right to terminate the license by giving the licensee written notice of cancellation.

All licensees are independent contractors in their relationship with the Minnesota State Fair. All aspects of a licensee’s operation, including, but not limited to, staff conduct and appearance, maintenance of appropriate and reasonable sound levels, handling consumer complaints, hours of operation and any other requirements placed on the licensee by the State Fair are the responsibility of the licensee.

Licensees agree to comply with all Minnesota State Fair policies and protocols (including health, safety and security) in place at the time of the 2026 State Fair and acknowledge that policies and protocols may be updated between time of license being issued and the State Fair.

LICENSEES, FEES AND FORMULAS

All exhibits, concessions and attractions on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are licensed and regulated by the fair’s concessions & exhibits department. All license information, such as business name, address, telephone number(s), email address, etc., is public record and available to the public upon request.

Each license is issued for the exhibition or sale of specific goods, products and/or services. You may only sell or exhibit what has been approved in writing and is reflected on your license agreement. You may not advertise or distribute information on behalf of any third party. The sale or exhibition of unapproved products or services may result in license cancellation. Requests for product adjustments or additions must be received by July 1, 2026. (The deadline is Aug. 1 for food & beverage products.)

The Minnesota State Fair does not grant exclusivity to any commercial exhibitor or concessionaire for any product or service.

The State Fair shall designate the area(s) where each licensee may present their attraction, concession and/or exhibit during the State Fair. The location(s) shall be selected solely by the Minnesota State Fair through its authorized agents or officers, who shall at all times have free access to each licensee’s area(s) of operation for the purpose of inspection and to ensure compliance with license terms and conditions, as well as State Fair rules, policies and procedures.

All licenses specify the maximum size of subject concession, exhibit and attraction sites, and all business dealings are to be conducted within the confines of the site designated on the license agreement. No structure, stand or booth may exceed the dimensional limits indicated on the license. Products, displays, signs and/or equipment may not be stored or placed outside or on the exterior of any concession or exhibit without the prior approval of the concessions & exhibits department.

The site(s) assigned for use under any license may not be occupied until the license agreement has been signed by the license principal whose name appears on the agreement, completed ST19 form, insurance needs have been confirmed, and the required payment has been received. Consult your license for specifics regarding license fees, deposit deadlines, etc.

Types of license agreements issued by the concessions & exhibits department:

• Concession: Issued to those who sell, make deliveries or accept deposits for future delivery from their assigned site(s) during the period of the State Fair. Except as noted below, concession license fees are based on the front footage of the site(s) assigned for use.
• Exhibit: Issued to those who display goods, machinery, products and/or services for advertising purposes only. Those operating under exhibit licenses are permitted to take orders but may not make retail sales or engage in deposit acceptance, contribution solicitation, acceptance of payments of any kind for future delivery or delivery of products or services from assigned premises during the period of the State Fair. Exhibit license fees are based on the front footage of the site(s) assigned for use.
• Institution Exhibit: Issued to institutions or organizations whose exhibits, at the discretion of the concessions & exhibits department, qualify as educational or as a service to the State Fair and/or its patrons. No retail sales, order taking, deposit acceptance, contribution solicitation or product or service deliveries are allowed under the terms of this type of license. Licenses will require proof of qualification. Institution Exhibit license fees are based on the front footage of the site(s) assigned for use.
• Percentage Concession: Issued to food, beverage, souvenir, novelty, amusement, game and attraction concessionaires, and others whose license fees are based on a percentage of gross receipts, after removal of applicable tax. Credit card transaction, surcharge, convenience and/or processing fee(s) may not be deducted from gross receipts.
  • All percentage concessionaires must report their gross receipts, including any/all credit card transaction, surcharge, convenience and/or processing fee(s), and pay for an open amount due on a daily basis for the previous business day unless otherwise agreed upon. Final settlement under the terms of such licenses may be made between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Labor Day, Sept. 7, or between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Non-compliance shall be cause for immediate cancellation of license and lead to an automatic revocation of privileges granted to the licensee.
  • Concessionaires operating under a percentage license fee formula agree that all books, financial statements, source documents, accounting, financial, supply and other records relevant to their operations at the State Fair shall be open and available for audit upon request by the Minnesota State Fair or its auditors. Such records shall include, but not be limited to, copies of supply invoices, daily receipts and disbursement records.
  • The State Fair may use any reasonable audit procedures it deems appropriate, may monitor all sales activities and shall be permitted access to concession premises at any time.

ASSESSMENTS

A utility assessment program is in place to fund proper maintenance, expansion and upkeep of fairgrounds utilities (water, sewer and electric infrastructure), and a reasonable portion of these system costs is shared by concessionaires and exhibitors. Assessments are based on site front footage and a rate structure based on level of demand for each form of utility. All concessionaires and exhibitors participate at one of four rate levels. Assessment billings are based on the licensee’s site size and utility service consumption from the previous year. This does not apply in the first year as a licensee, but will for all subsequent years (first-year vendors will have the assessments applied to their booth fees in their second year of licensing, as applicable).

The environmental assessment program defrays a reasonable portion of state and county taxes levied based on how much trash is generated by fair operations. All concessionaires and exhibitors participate in this program at one of four rate levels, and the rate structure is based on the type of license issued.

MISREPRESENTATION

Misrepresentation or sublet of any type, including, but not limited to, attraction, exhibit or concession ownership, products and/or services offered, operation, mechanical condition or appearance shall be grounds for license cancellation, forfeiture of any payments made and immediate removal from the State Fairgrounds. Additionally, the affected licensee shall waive all claims for damages against the State Fair, its officers, agents and employees.

GATE ADMISSION AND VENDOR PARKING

The State Fair operates an “all pay” gate. Each person entering the fairgrounds, including employees and delivery personnel, must have an admission ticket each day, regardless of the time of day. Vendors will not receive passes or complimentary tickets of any kind from the State Fair.

Vendor Pre-Fair Discount Gate Tickets

Vendor discount gate admission tickets are available to licensed concessionaires and exhibitors only for $16 each when ordered online through the ticket order task in your exhibitor portal. Payment for such tickets must be received by Aug. 13 for orders to be mailed, or Aug. 17 for orders to be picked up at the State Fair Ticket Office at 1640 Como Ave. If you are unable to order through the exhibitor portal, contact the Ticket Office for assistance.

Concessionaires & exhibitors may also purchase pre-fair discount gate admission tickets over the counter for $17 each at the State Fair Ticket Office located at 1640 Como Ave., July 13 through Aug. 26. Tickets purchased over the counter are subject to limits. Please call the ticket office at 651-288-4427 for more information.

Concessionaires & exhibitors and their staff will need an admission ticket for each day they wish to enter the State Fair. Note that tickets are not refundable.

Vendor Parking Vouchers for State Fair Public Lots

Licensed concessionaires and exhibitors may purchase vendor parking vouchers for $25 each, also through the ticket order task in the exhibitor portal, valid for parking in State Fair public lots. Parking is subject to availability, and a separate voucher is required for each day you plan to park. Please refer to the State Fair map for public lot locations.

A parking voucher does not guarantee a parking space; it only covers the daily parking fee if a space is available. Vehicles with reserved supply vehicle permits do not need to purchase vendor public parking vouchers. Parking vouchers are not refundable.

Ticket Office Hours:

Monday–Friday, July. 13 through Aug. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 a.m. to noon

Monday-Wednesday, Aug. 24 through Aug. 25. . . . . . . . . 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pre-fair discount Mighty Midway and Kidway Ride & Game Fun Cards and Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are also available at the ticket office.

Ticket Office During the Fair

During the fair, admission tickets for vendors ($16) and parking vouchers ($25) can be purchased via your exhibitor portal, a sales kiosk in Admin Too and in the Administration Building, or at the Ticket Office located at 1640 Como Ave. There will be a limited number of reserved parking spaces for ticket buyers visiting the ticket office during the fair, and parking attendants will be screening vehicles entering this lot. It is recommended to flash your lights to the attendants when entering this lot to indicate that you are visiting the ticket office. Prices for vendors noted are not valid at gates or public online purchase links.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND STAFFING

No concession, exhibit or attraction may be open prior to 7 a.m. on the first day of the State Fair without the prior written consent of the concessions & exhibits department.

The expectation of fair guests is that they are entitled to experience the fair in its entirety regardless of the day and time they visit the State Fair. All exhibitors and concessionaires have an obligation to have their concessions, exhibits, attractions and display areas open, staffed and in full operation every day of the State Fair during the following hours.

All exhibit buildings and areas of the fairgrounds (including the North End, which has been updated for 2026 to the area north of Randall Ave.) must be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day), except as noted below.

• Adventure Park*: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (Labor Day until 9 p.m.)
• Food Building: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (Labor Day until 8 p.m.); concessionaires are required to begin selling by 9 a.m. but can sell as early as 8 a.m
• Kidway*: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Labor Day until 8 p.m.)
• Mighty Midway*: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Labor Day until 9 p.m.)
• Pet Pavilions: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Labor Day until 8 p.m.) (Additional times at mnstatefair.org for the surgery center, demo area and breed benches)

*Daily closing times may vary. Ticket booths close 1/2 hour before rides and games close.

All concessions, exhibits, attractions and display areas must be closed and shuttered from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily unless authorized by the concessions & exhibits department.

Labor Day

All concessions, exhibits, attractions and displays must be open, staffed and in full operation until 8 p.m. or the designated closing time noted above.

Weather

In the event of rain or severe weather, outside exhibitors and concessionaires may cover and protect their merchandise but must continue to staff their exhibit or concession. (Note: Ticketed attractions and Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and attractions may adhere to other weather policies. Please consult with your assigned Minnesota State Fair salesperson.) We encourage every vendor to have their own severe weather policy/plan for their exhibit or concession. If there is an imminent threat due to severe weather, the State Fair empowers each vendor to implement their policy/plan, which may include shutting down the exhibit or concession and seeking shelter if necessary. Unless the State Fair issues a fairgrounds-wide directive to shut down and seek shelter, exhibitors and concessionaires may choose to continue operation. Once severe weather has passed (if your business chose to halt operation), you must reopen for business for the remainder of operating hours. Important updates will be listed on the State Fair’s website on its Updates page and its Weather Updates page. We also encourage all vendors to sign up for our Emergency Texting Service, where we may share important updates. The concessions & exhibits department will send an email in July to all exhibitors and concessionaires with the sign-up link for this process.

For vendors located within a severe weather shelter, please note that you may see an influx of guests during a severe weather event. Additionally, severe weather shelters can be utilized before or after core operating hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for most buildings), and the building is subject to reopen even though concessions and exhibits may have already closed for the day. Please ensure your products are secure in the case of such an event.

EMERGENCIES

In the event of an emergency (accident, incident, crisis, fire, etc.), immediately call 911.

All incidents or injuries of any type must be reported to the concessions & exhibits office immediately, with a written report filed by the licensee and/or their employee(s) involved.

Security

We encourage every vendor to have their own safety and security policy/plan for their exhibit or concession. If there is an imminent safety or security threat, the State Fair empowers each vendor to implement their policy/plan, which may include shutting down the exhibit or concession and seeking shelter if necessary. Once the safety or security threat has passed (if your business chose to halt operation), you must reopen for business for the remainder of operating hours. Please note that it is our expectation that all vendors are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day).

Fairgrounds Shut Down & Emergency Texting Service

The Minnesota State Fair has the authority to issue a fairgrounds-wide or targeted area directive to shut down, which vendors must comply with if directed to. We encourage all vendors to sign up for our Emergency Texting Service, where we may share important updates. We will email sign-up instructions this summer.

GROUNDS PERMITS FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS & SECURITY

Licensees who wish to have personnel stay in their concession, exhibit, building or at their display site overnight (between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.) must first submit a list of personnel to the concessions & exhibits department for approval. Grounds permit identification badges will be issued to approved personnel and must be worn at all times. Personnel must remain in the area to which they are assigned.

Licensees who are planning to hire their own off-duty officers or security staff must receive pre-approval from the Minnesota State Fair Police Department.

Please email Assistant Police Chief Michael Coffey at michael.coffey@msfpd.org with the following information by Aug. 7, 2026

1. Company and name of licensee, contact phone and email address
2. Location of site on fairgrounds to include block and lot number
3. Name of security company or off-duty officer with anticipated days and work hours

After we review your information, we will send an email in response to your request.

Public safety personnel will be patrolling the grounds throughout the night. Unauthorized or unidentified persons will be asked to leave the grounds immediately.

LIFE SAFETY

The Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota State Fair Police Department consider life safety an absolute top priority for its vendors, guests, staff, and all who visit the fairgrounds. We ask that you complete the Life Safety task in the exhibitor portal. Your information will remain within your exhibitor portal and may be shared with the Minnesota State Fair Police Department as necessary in emergency situations only. You will able to change or update this information at any time in your exhibitor portal.

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

Persons working in any concession or exhibit are considered the employees of the licensee. Licensees are responsible for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, appearance, conduct and behavior of their employees. Licensees are also responsible for their employees’ compensation and unemployment coverage, social security taxes and other federal and state employment requirements. Independent contractor relationships or subleases between license holders and their employees are prohibited.

Licensees and their staff must be clean and neat in their personal appearance, hygiene and dress at all times during the operation of any concession or exhibit. Wearing uniform apparel is encouraged and should be provided whenever possible.

Impolite, foul or abusive language or conduct will not be tolerated, nor will the use of alcoholic beverages or drugs while on duty.

The Minnesota State Fair strongly supports the human dignity of each individual. It therefore condemns, opposes and will not tolerate any behavior from any member of its community which constitutes discourtesy toward or unnecessary touching of fair employees and/or fair guests, sexual harassment, offensive behavior or workplace violence.

INDEMNIFICATION

The Minnesota State Fair assumes no responsibility for any accident, injury or mishap which may befall you, your employees or fair guests.

The State Fair will not be responsible for losses or the security and protection of property and merchandise belonging to license holders anywhere on the fairgrounds. Minnesota State Fair Police will provide general patrol duties from Monday, Aug. 10 through Wednesday, Sept. 9. However, it is strongly advised that license holders take adequate steps to prevent theft or damage to their property. Any loss or damage should be reported to State Fair Police at 911 immediately upon detection.

Licensees shall waive any claims against the State Fair for liability arising out of any damage done to their concession, exhibit, products or property from any cause. The risk of loss occasioned by all the operations, installations, acts, errors and omissions of the licensee or the employees and agents of the licensee on the State Fairgrounds shall be that of the licensee, not the State Fair. Licensees shall not seek contribution, damages or indemnification from the State Fair for any loss so occasioned.

Licensees shall assume all liability for injury to persons, including death, and for damage to property arising from accidents or other causes incident to movement, setup, teardown and operation of their exhibit or concession on the State Fairgrounds and release the State Fair from any liability, including, but not limited to, liability for licensee’s employees and to its workers’ compensation insurance carrier for injuries sustained by licensee’s employees in the course and scope of their employment.

It shall be the duty of licensees, support equipment and service contractors, and their insurers, to protect, defend with counsel acceptable to State Fair, indemnify and hold the Minnesota State Fair harmless from all damages, costs, attorney and court fees, and other claims arising out of their actions, errors, omissions, movement, set up, tear down and operation of their exhibit, concession or support equipment and/or provision of service(s) on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

INSURANCE

All licensees participating in the 2026 Minnesota State Fair will be included in the Minnesota State Fair’s (the Society) commercial general liability (“CGL Group Policy”) insurance coverage provided under the master insurance policy (unless they are part of the Excluded List, see corresponding section below). This policy measure is implemented for administrative purposes for the primary goal to provide basic insurance coverage across all concessionaires, thereby mitigating potential risks and liabilities associated with the fair’s operations, 3^rd party property damage and bodily injury. This policy applies to all licensees (vendors, exhibitors and concessionaires) operating within the premises of the Minnesota State Fair and is in excess of any other coverage.

If the licensee is not eligible for the CGL Group Policy coverage, then licensee must provide the Society with a certificate of liability insurance prior to July 1, 2026. The certificate must reflect additional insured status for the Society and Minnesota State Fair with limits no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limits per occurrence, two million dollars ($2,000,000) annual aggregate, insuring against claims for bodily injury and property damage.

While you are required to be included in the Minnesota State Fair’s CGL group policy (if you are eligible), you are strongly encouraged to source your own comprehensive insurance coverage. If you have already obtained insurance coverage for 2026, this insurance will be considered additional – you will still be included in and charged for the Minnesota State Fair’s CGL group policy. The vendors’ own insurance will be considered primary (see coverage hierarchy below).

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in forfeiture of State Fair participation privileges. Licensees should refer to details in their license agreement as well.

Timing for Insurance:

The Society will have licensees added to the CGL Group Policy (as applicable) at the time of licensing with the amount to be billed added to vendor booth fees (reference insurance rate chart below).

All insurance arrangements must be finalized by July 1, 2026. For licensees whose licenses are issued after July 1, insurance details must be finalized within 15 days of the license issue date to ensure timely compliance with the policy.

Excluded List:

While most licensees are eligible for inclusion in the CGL group policy certain categories/products are exempted due to inherent risks or specialized insurance requirements.

Excluded categories/products include, but are not limited to:

• Items with Motors: Any products or attractions reliant on motorized components are not eligible for coverage under the master insurance policy.
• Amusements/Ticketed Attractions/Mighty Midway/Kidway Licensees: Concessionaires operating within Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park and ticketed attractions (other than the Butterfly House) are excluded from the master policy due to unique insurance considerations associated with amusement rides and games.
• Henna Tattoos: Licensees offering henna tattoo services are not covered under the master policy due to the specific risks associated with cosmetic procedures.
• Skincare Products: Licensees selling skincare products are excluded from the master policy, as these items may pose health and safety risks requiring specialized insurance coverage.
• Essential Oils
• Medical/Dental Testing & Screenings, Medical Devices
• Sales of Autos or Auto Parts
• Liquor Sales

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and additional categories/products may be subject to exclusion based on the discretion of the Society’s insurance provider.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance:

The CGL Group Policy does not provide workers’ compensation coverage. All licensees are required to provide a certificate giving proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage in compliance with requirements of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 176 or provide evidence of their exemption to the Society by July 1, 2026. The exemption form can be found in the exhibitor portal.

Auto Insurance Coverage:

The CGL Group Policy does not provide auto coverage, so licensees are responsible to obtain their own auto insurance policy for coverage if they operate a motor vehicle on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Automobile insurance shall cover bodily injury and property damage as well as any auto including owned, non-owned and hired automobiles.

CGL Insurance Rate:

The insurance rate for inclusion in the Society’s master insurance policy is as follows:

First Licensee concession location	$85
Each additional concession location for Licensee (each vendor/exhibitor) if applicable	$50

The Society and the Minnesota State Fair shall have no duty to perform under this agreement until the above insurance requirements have been met.

Insurance Coverage Hierarchy:

In the event of any claims or incidents, the licensee’s own insurance will be considered primary, with the Society’s master insurance policy serving as secondary coverage. However, this hierarchy only applies if the vendor also has their own insurance policy and is eligible for inclusion under the Society’s master policy.

STATE FAIR PROPERTY

Licensees may not move benches, picnic tables or trash/recycling containers placed by the State Fair for public use. The movement or damaging of any trees, shrubbery, flowers or other vegetation and decorations on the State Fairgrounds is also prohibited. Licensees may be charged for damage. Licensees are responsible for the maintenance, improvement, repair and restoration of their assigned site.

If you lay down wood chips or a similar covering, you must remove them and restore the space at the conclusion of the fair.

SMOKING

For the comfort and safety of all, designated smoking areas have been established at convenient locations throughout the fairgrounds. Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens) is permitted only in these areas. Consult a  State Fair map for specific locations. Each designated smoking area consists of a bench and receptacle to safely deposit used cigarettes. If you, your employees or volunteers wish to smoke, we require that you utilize these designated smoking area(s) during the Minnesota State Fair. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all public buildings, in the seating area of all entertainment venues, including the Grandstand, Bandshell and Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, and in any indoor or outdoor food & beverage concession areas. Smoking marijuana is prohibited throughout the fairgrounds.

PROHIBITED MERCHANDISE AND PRIZES

The display, sale, distribution or use of weapons (including, but not limited to, firearms, knives, whips, martial arts items, chains, studded jewelry, water pistols, pea and rubber band shooters), CBD & THC products, fireworks, drug paraphernalia, laser pens and pointers, pornographic or offensive materials of any type, including their use as game prizes, is prohibited unless such display, sale or distribution is specifically authorized under the terms of a license agreement executed by the State Fair. Use of live animals and cigarette lighters as game prizes is also prohibited. Decisions made by State Fair staff will be final.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

State Fair employees are not allowed to accept any tip, gratuity, gift or merchandise, including food and/or beverages, from any concessionaire, exhibitor, supplier or fair guest. Offering any of these to fair employees will place your participation in the State Fair and their employment in jeopardy.

TIPS & TIP JARS

Tip jars are not allowed on any bar or service counter. Tips may not be solicited on any bar or service counter but can be accepted if offered and immediately removed from the sight of fair guests. Vendors who utilize electronic payment systems may accept tips electronically (listing lowest rate first), but must provide the guest a clear and easy option to select no tip or opt out of tipping.

DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Donations or contributions may not be requested, solicited or accepted at the State Fair without the prior written approval of the concessions & exhibits department and execution of a license providing for payment of appropriate fees.

RAFFLES

No raffles of any kind are allowed during the Minnesota State Fair.

STOCK SALE

No licensee shall sell or dispose of capital stock in any corporation, concern or organization of any name or character upon the State Fairgrounds.

PROCEDURES

LICENSE CANCELLATION/REFUNDS

The concessions & exhibits department must receive written notice of license cancellation by July 15, 2026, at which time any payments received will be applied to assessment fees invoiced with the license and the remaining balance refunded by Nov. 1. After July 15, all payments received by the fair will be forfeited.

Site(s) assigned for use by a licensee, but not properly set up and ready for business at 9 a.m. on the first day of the fair, as well as failure to have a site open for business and staffed during prescribed operation hours every day of the fair, shall be cause for the site to be forfeited and reassigned with fees previously paid for such license surrendered as liquidated damages.

SETUP AND TEARDOWN

Decorating Company

The State Fair contracts with Fern, our official decorator and supplier of convention services. Fern rents tables, chairs, carpet, counters, stools, drapes, table skirts and covers, booth equipment and provides other services. Fern has an office in the Commissary Building from mid-August through Labor Day. To contact Fern, call Terri at 612-396-6401. Starting the week of the fair, you can contact Jessica Mulheron at 763-961-5043 or jmulheron@fernexpo.com. For further information, contact the concessions & exhibits department. See Appendix C for more information.

Setup

The State Fairgrounds will be closed to all persons not involved in preparation for the fair beginning Aug. 10, 2026. Authorized persons may enter Gate 0 – Hoyt/Dan Elmer Way on the north side of the fairgrounds; or Gate 7 – Como/Underwood, or Gate 14 – Como/Canfield on the south side of the fairgrounds.

Setup in outdoor spaces may begin Aug. 10, unless otherwise approved by concessions & exhibits staff.

Exhibit buildings are open for setup three days prior to the fair during the following hours:

• Monday, Aug. 24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 26: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you wish to set up early, you must request authorization from the concessions & exhibits department in advance. All requests are subject to approval. Early setup is not guaranteed.

Any site(s) assigned for use by a licensee must be in the process of setup by 7 p.m. the day before the fair opens and ready for business by 9 a.m. on the first day of the fair. If these deadlines are not met, the fair may reassign site(s) and retain previously paid fees as liquidated damages.

Overnight security personnel will be on duty in exhibit buildings from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, through 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Please observe these rules during fair preparation, setup, operation and teardown:

• Use only established driveways and streets for access to display lots, exhibit buildings or concession areas.
• Do not drive over curbs or across boulevards and sidewalks to park or for access to your concession or exhibit area.
• Do not park on sidewalks or boulevards.
• Do not use curb cuts designated with the international accessibility symbol as driveways to access concession or exhibit areas.
• Do not drive vehicles into State Fair exhibit buildings.
• Do not double park.
• Do not park at yellow curb areas. Violators may be ticketed and towed.

Outdoor exhibits on the North End (north of Randall Ave.) must be set back at least 3 feet from all sidewalks.

Teardown (Labor Day - Sept. 7)

Inside Buildings

No exhibit, concession or display may be closed, left unattended or dismantled before 8 p.m. on the last day of the fair. Staff is instructed to prevent any attempt to dismantle exhibits before 8 p.m.

Outside Buildings

All concessions, exhibits and displays must remain staffed, fully intact and operational until 8 p.m. (8 p.m. at Kidway, 9 p.m. at Mighty Midway and Adventure Park).

Vehicles will be allowed through barricades for teardown from 10 p.m. to midnight only (hours subject to change).

Unless otherwise approved by the concessions & exhibits department, all personal property must be removed from exhibit buildings by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Any personal property, temporary structures or portable equipment situated outdoors must be removed from the fairgrounds by Monday, Sept. 21 (personal property in the livestock area must be removed by Sept. 13), or it will be removed or torn down by the State Fair at the licensee’s expense. This includes all vinyl signs, banners, cardboard signs and/or other temporary removable signs. On Monday, Sept. 14, the fairgrounds will only be open on a limited basis. No staff or special services will be available.

BOOTHS AND STRUCTURES

Inside Buildings

The State Fair establishes the boundaries for most indoor sites with back and side drapes. Back drapes are usually 8 feet tall, and side drapes are 3 feet tall. This will vary with some center aisle and perimeter wall booths. Concessionaires and exhibitors may be required to provide their own buildouts in certain facilities where no pipe and drape is provided, such as the Veranda and West End Market. (Reference Indoor Booth Guidelines – Appendix C)

Showcases must be in good repair and adequately lighted. All tables and counters must be clean, neatly covered and professionally draped or finished to floor level on all sides exposed to the public. Storage or placement of merchandise must be confined to the licensee site and concealed from public view. Carpeting placed in booths must be clean, taped down on all edges and must not exceed the licensed booth size. Contact the concessions & exhibits department for current standards information.

Those licensed for exclusive use of space in a fair-owned building, or who have been approved to install permanent fixtures, displays or equipment in same, are responsible for fixture removal and site restoration, as well as maintenance and improvement (e.g., painting, cleaning, structural repairs, etc.), at their own expense. Requests should be made on the Maintenance & Improvement form found in the exhibitor portal.

Tent structures are not allowed inside buildings.

Outside Buildings and Structures

Those licensed for outside sites are required to provide their own structure(s) and equipment, which must meet State Fair specifications and standards. Food & beverage concessions must also comply with the standards of the Minnesota Departments of Health or Agriculture. Contact details as follows:

• Minnesota Department of Health: health.state.mn.us
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture: 651-201-6027 or mda.state.mn.us for current standards information

All stands and structures must be professionally constructed, in good repair, well-maintained, structurally sound, neat in appearance and meet current Minnesota Uniform Fire Code, as well as applicable state building, electrical, safety, disability access and sanitation codes. Structures not complying with the provisions of this policy may be ordered to be torn down and/or removed.

Services you may need within your space, such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, etc., must be arranged for and undertaken at your own expense. Contact the concessions & exhibits department for more information.

All excess exhibit/concession boxes, cartons, window coverings, merchandise, etc., must be placed in an enclosed storage area out of public view. Visual screening to hide service equipment and storage from public view immediately adjacent to concessions and exhibits must have the prior approval of the Minnesota State Fair with respect to dimensions and appearance and, if approved, must be designed with complementary artwork and colors to blend with the appearance of the exhibit or concession.

Where appropriate, trailers and other portable concessions must have proper perimeter skirting to hide the undercarriage, wheels, chassis, trailer hitch, etc.

Anyone owning personal property on the State Fairgrounds, whether portable or fixed, must properly secure it during both the fair and non-fair periods. The concessions & exhibits department must be provided with keys for access to fixed facilities in the event of an emergency. Failure to do so will result in a request for removal of such property.

Tents

Tents, canopies, awnings or umbrellas are not allowed in any exhibit building. If approved for outdoor use, tent structures must be made for commercial use and properly anchored. IMPORTANT! Contact Gopher State One-Call at 800-252-1166 or gopherstateonecall.org before pounding stakes. (See “Gopher State One-Call paragraph below for more information).

GOPHER STATE ONE-CALL

Minnesota State Statutes require anyone who engages in any type of excavation (e.g., digging, landscaping, planting, removal of shrubs or any ground materials, grading, leveling or pounding tent or guy wire stakes) to provide at least 72 hours advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays, to Gopher State One-Call. Please contact them at 651-454-0002 in the Twin Cities metro area or 800-252-1166 or at gopherstateonecall.org. Note there are underground utilities, and any damage to these by vendors could be at vendor’s expense.

FORKLIFT

Forklift service (5,000 lb. capacity/20 ft. reach) is available through the operations department on a first-come basis, and you must make an appointment in advance. To request this service, please call 651-288-4499. If you do not schedule this service in advance, there is no guarantee they will be able to accommodate your request. The forklift charge is $90 per hour, including operator (minimum one-hour charge per use). Minnesota State Fair forklifts may not be rented without a State Fair operator. The State Fair cannot assume responsibility for damage or accidents involving the use of State Fair forklifts and personnel. Vendors assume responsibility for securing their load(s), as well as proper positioning and placement of the load on the forklift. To expedite forklift service, please have your license name, license number, block number, site number, building and/or street address available when calling to request service. Failure to call and cancel your reservation or failure to be present and/or on time for your appointment may result in a charge to your account.

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, REMODELING AND IMPROVEMENT REQUESTS/PERMITS

Approval must be obtained from the State Fair for any work a licensee wishes to undertake on the fairgrounds, including all remodeling, new construction, maintenance, improvements, excavation, equipment or tent installation, whether to portable (temporary) or permanent facilities, particularly when involving utilities. This process requires approval by the concessions & exhibits department. Forms for the work to be undertaken must be submitted along with photos, drawings, specifications and complete architectural plans signed by an architect, when required. If approved, a permit will be issued, and all permit fees must be paid before any work may be initiated.

The Maintenance & Improvement Permit Request form can be found on the exhibitor portal or here:

https://assets.mnstatefair.org/c-and-e/23-Maintenance_Improvement_Form.pdf

Note: All installations which require excavation must have ground restoration by Aug. 1.

UTILITIES

A request for electric, water, sewer and/or telephone service must be made each year, and licensees will be responsible for all utility consumption, service and assessment costs. Returning licensees will be charged utility fees based on their previous year’s usage. If there are changes to your utility needs, contact the utility department at 651-288-4445 or the telephone department at 651-288-4457.

During the State Fair, exhibits and concession sites will be visited by utility department staff to verify utility service usage and consumption. Invoices or refunds will be issued for any variations from original charges.

Electric

All electrical work and wiring must meet the standards and requirements of the National Electric Code and the State of Minnesota. All substandard electrical equipment must be repaired or replaced at the licensee’s expense.

The following provisions also apply:

1. If requested, the fair will provide one duplex outlet with 110/120-volt, 20 amp, single phase service and up to 500 watts of power consumption at a licensee’s site(s). If electric service is not presently available at a site, the cost of installation will be the licensee’s responsibility. Electric service is available for setup and teardown from Aug. 1 to Sept. 13, unless earlier set up is approved by the State Fair. There will be an added charge for electric service needed prior to Aug. 1 or after Sept. 13, and for those approved to open for business prior to the first day of the fair, in an amount sufficient to cover the increased costs.
2. Licensees are responsible for all electricity consumption and assessment costs. A schedule showing standard costs for most types of electric service is available from the concessions & exhibits department or the utility office.
3. First-year licensees, reference “Assessments” above.
4. The utility office has records of the electricity usage and service provided to prior year licensees. Electric charges shall be based on the prior year’s electric usage, plus any projected changes for the current year.
5. If electric consumption costs exceed the prior year’s usage, the licensee will be required to pay the difference.
6. All electric work must have the prior approval of the concessions & exhibits department and must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. Electrical contractors may obtain electrical permit request forms in the Administration Building and return them to sales@mnstatefair.org.
7. To ensure timely installation and service, exhibitors and concessionaires must have their equipment in place and ready for connection by Monday, Aug. 24.
8. Electric lighting must be grounded (3-wire) fixtures, placed between 6 and 8 feet above the floor or ground, away from booth drapes and other combustible materials.
9. No current taps are allowed.
10. No one may tamper with or change any electrical circuitry, general illumination, electric connection or installation on the State Fairgrounds without the approval and supervision of fair management.

The State Fair does not assume responsibility for electrical failures of any kind or liability for costs and/or damages related to electrical failures, including, but not limited to, damage to equipment or property caused by drops or increases in power supply, low voltage or power surges, loss of profits or revenue, loss of equipment use, cost of capital, cost of temporary equipment (including additional expenses incurred in using existing facilities), claims of customers of the licensee, or for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages due to interruption or fluctuation in electrical service on the fairgrounds.

To obtain specific information with respect to electrical work and application of the National Electric Code at the Minnesota State Fair, please contact the State Fair’s senior director of operations, Sean Casey, at 651-288-4436, or electrical inspector, Steve Kletschka, at 507-330-0886.

Plumbing, Water and Sewer

All plumbing, sewer and water work must have the prior approval of the concessions & exhibits department and must be performed by licensed plumbing contractors. All substandard plumbing, sewer and water equipment and work must be repaired or replaced at the licensee’s expense.

The following provisions also apply:

1. Water and sewer service is available in most permanent exhibit buildings and within a reasonable distance of most sites on the fairgrounds. Licensees are responsible for all costs for extending service to their site and equipment, including normal turn-on and turn-off before and after the fair. Licensees with sewer service are also responsible for any blockages that may occur within their sewer system, as well as any associated costs.
2. First year licensees, reference “Assessments” above.
3. Water and sewer charges for licensees who were licensed the prior year will be based on their prior year’s usage, plus any projected changes therein for the current year.
4. If water and sewer usage costs exceed the prior year’s, the licensee will be required to pay the difference.
5. All licensees connected to State Fair water service must have a reverse flow check valve back flow preventer installed at the point of water connection.

Water and sewer service is available from Aug. 1 to Sept. 13. There will be an added charge for water and/or sewer service needed prior to Aug. 1 or after Sept. 13, and for those approved to open for business prior to the first day of the fair or that place a high demand on such services, in an amount sufficient to cover the increased costs.

The State Fair does not assume responsibility for water or sewer service failures of any kind or liability for costs and/or damages related to water or sewer service failures, including, but not limited to, damage to equipment or property caused by drops or increases in water supply, water surges, sewer backups and blockages, loss of profits or revenue, loss of equipment use, cost of capital, cost of temporary equipment (including additional expenses incurred in using existing facilities), claims of customers of the licensee, or for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages due to interruption or fluctuation in water or sewer service on the fairgrounds.

Direct questions regarding plumbing, water or sewer service to the State Fair’s senior director of operations, Sean Casey, at 651-288-4436.

Gas (Natural and Propane)

Natural Gas

1. Natural gas service is available in limited areas on the fairgrounds. Licensees assume all costs for extending such service to their site and equipment, including normal turn-on and turn-off before and after the fair.
2. Natural gas service is available for setup and teardown from Aug. 1 to Oct. 1 only.
3. Billings for natural gas consumption come directly from the supplier, Xcel Energy. Natural gas service costs are not included in license agreements or utility contracts.
4. When setting up an appointment with Xcel Energy for a service call, you must provide your company name as it appears on your license agreement.
5. Direct questions regarding natural gas service should go to the State Fair’s director of operations, Sean Casey, at 651-288-4436.

Propane (L.P.) Gas

1. The State Fair annually designates an official supplier of all bottle and bulk propane gas to serve areas not served with natural gas. Bottle and bulk propane gas service is available only through Ferrellgas. Propane gas service costs are not included in license agreements or utility contracts. You are prohibited from using a different supplier.
2. Those requiring propane gas service must contact Ferrellgas at their fairgrounds office 651-643-6065 (or 651-438-2619 outside of fair dates), located west of the International Bazaar at 1240 Underwood St.

SOUND SYSTEMS

Sound systems (e.g., loudspeakers, amplifiers, radios, broadcasting devices, live music, music systems or instruments) may not be used or operated unless permission is first obtained from the concessions & exhibits department. If approved, systems and equipment will be controlled as to volume levels, operation hours, location and manner of operation by the Minnesota State Fair. Approved sound and music systems or instruments (e.g., pianos, guitars, etc.) must be kept at volume levels that do not disturb normal business in nearby attractions, exhibits, concessions or activities. State Fair management discretion will be final, and they reserve the right to revoke permission if these provisions are not observed. (If you would like to use sound equipment of any kind, check with the concessions & exhibits department for approval and further details regarding proper operation methods, hours and decibel levels and to submit all performance schedules for pre-approval.)

DEMONSTRATIONS

Product and service demonstrations, “pitches” or “grind tapes” are not permitted unless specifically approved by the concessions & exhibits department with respect to time, place, manner, content and sound volume. Demonstration booth patrons should not block aisles. If your demonstration draws a crowd, patrons should be encouraged to gather within your licensed site, and/or your booth should be altered to keep aisles open.

STATE FAIR GRAPHICS USE

The MINNESOTA STATE FAIR^® & Logos, MIGHTY MIDWAY^®, KIDWAY^®, THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER^®, TWELVE DAYS OF FUN ENDING LABOR DAY^®, BLUE RIBBON BARGAIN BOOK^®, Fairscape Logo, and Fairchild & Fairborne Mascot are trademarks of Minnesota State Agricultural Society, dba Minnesota State Fair, and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Any and all Minnesota State Fair and related branding or logo usage MUST be approved with prior written consent from the Minnesota State Fair. To seek approval for usage on websites, social media, print materials, in advertising, on products and more, please reach out to logos@mnstatefair.org. Learn more. Licensing fees to use Minnesota State Fair brand properties may apply.

SIGNS AND ADVERTISING

You may not advertise or distribute information about anything other than products/services specifically approved and indicated on your license agreement, nor are you allowed to advertise or promote your products, services or booth at any location on the fairgrounds other than your licensed site. Made as part of your license agreement, you are not allowed to promote advertising partners or sponsors at your licensed site location. Only the Minnesota State Fair is permitted to sell sponsorships on the fairgrounds.

All signs, banners, posters and similar materials must be professionally made, neat in appearance, and of a size, type, content and placement approved by the concessions & exhibits department prior to the first day of the fair. Banners must be hung taut within the designated exhibit space.

All signs and product displays must be placed inside your assigned site and may not be affixed to any exhibit building walls or pillars. Advertising outside your site or on trees, gates, light poles, etc., is strictly forbidden.

Licensees may not advertise any product by brand name, trademark or trade name on or facing the outside of any concession or exhibit, unless prior approval is obtained from concessions & exhibits department staff. Such advertising shall generally be restricted to menu boards that are placed well inside concessions. Menus may be posted on the outside of concession stands, provided they are professional in appearance and do not list any item by the manufacturer’s brand name or trademark. Suppliers may furnish suitable signs for placement inside concessions and exhibits if approved by concessions & exhibits department staff with respect to size, type, placement and manner of display.

No ‘A’ boards or freestanding sign boards will be permitted unless approved by the concessions & exhibits department. No gummed or adhesive-backed labels, stickers or signs are allowed on the fairgrounds. The use of hand-lettered signs is not allowed without approval of the concessions & exhibits department.

PRODUCT PRICES AND COUPONS

Once the fair has begun, licensees may not change the initially posted price of any item of merchandise, food or beverage sold under their license without the prior written approval of concessions & exhibits department staff, unless previously approved in writing as part of an authorized State Fair promotion.

Coupons represent a change in price and, as such, any use of paper or digital coupons (including social media promotions), other than Minnesota State Fair-issued coupons (e.g., Blue Ribbon Bargain Book coupons), is not permitted.

The prices of all products and services (merchandise, food, beverages, services, etc.) sold or dispensed from any concession must be plainly marked in a visible manner. Price signs, tags or lists must be professionally produced, positioned in clear public view and be of a size and placement approved by the concessions & exhibits department.

Sales tax should be itemized separately on price signs, lists, menus and tags. If you include tax in the selling price, you must post a sign, or indicate on your menu, that “all prices include sales tax” so customers know they are being charged tax. (See “MN Dept of Rev – Sales Tax Fact Sheet”)

Advertised prices displayed must be the total price for a product or service and include transparency of any mandatory fees and surcharges.

Learn more about Minnesota’s new Price Transparency Law:

https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Price-Transparency/PriceTransparencyLaw_FAQ.pdf

DEALS (PROMOTIONS)

Deals refer to special pricing on products or services offered during the following designated discount admission days: Opening Day, Seniors Days, Military Appreciation Day and Kids Days. Vendor participation in these promotions is optional, and vendors may choose to participate in any or all of the designated days.

Deals must be submitted by electronic application rather than paper or emailed forms. By completing the application, vendors agree to allow the State Fair to promote their concessions in printed materials at all State Fair information booths, in the Fair Finder at mnstatefair.org and on the Official MN State Fair App.

Guidelines for Participation:

1. Approved Products/Services Only: All submitted deals must involve products or services listed and approved in the description on your signed license agreement. Participation in deals is not required.
2. Prior Approval Required: Any promotional deals associated with an exhibit or concession must be approved in advance by the concessions & exhibits department.
3. Fair Guest Access: Deals must be available to all fair guests on the applicable promotion day(s). For example, a deal offered on Kids Day must be available to all attendees, not just children.
4. Submission Deadline: The deadline to complete the application is Friday, June 12, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact the concessions & exhibits department at 651-288-4456.

DRAWINGS (PRIZE DRAWINGS)

The following rules apply to all sign-up-to-win prize drawings held at the State Fair:

1. Licensees who intend to hold a prize drawing must complete the Prize Drawing application. (Deadline for completion is June 12, 2026)
2. Details and forms submitted will be reviewed by the concessions & exhibits department and will only be allowed upon approval.
3. Drawings must be limited to only the 12 days of the State Fair, unless otherwise approved by the concessions & exhibits department.
4. No prize may be awarded or offered other than what is advertised at the sign-up location (booth space).
5. No further drawing or purchase may be required for a person to be eligible for the prize drawing and to obtain the prize(s) to be awarded.
6. All prize drawing and sign-up slips should clearly identify the name of the organization or individual holding the drawing by the name that appears on their license.
7. A sample of all prize drawing sign-up slips used and the rules for each drawing held during the fair must be filed as part of the application submission on or before June 12, 2026.
8. A sample of the prize(s) to be awarded, or a reasonable facsimile, must be displayed in plain view at the point of drawing registration.
9. If entry is allowed via social media, equipment to do so must be provided at your fair location and without the requirement that an entrant post or complete a step on social media.
10. If persons signing up for a prize drawing are subject to sales appointments, calls or contacts because they have signed up for a prize drawing, it must be clearly indicated in writing at the drawing registration point.
11. All licensees conducting a prize drawing must submit a prize drawing winner(s) form to the concessions & exhibits department by Sept. 25, 2026, listing the names and addresses of all drawing winner(s). This form will be emailed to you upon approval of your prize drawing registration.

Vendors may opt in to allow the State Fair to promote their drawing in printed materials at all State Fair information booths, in the Fair Finder at mnstatefair.org and on the Official MN State Fair App.

Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide and Last Chance Flier

The Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide is a free printed and digital publication and is a great opportunity to promote prize drawings, deals or discounts on one or more of the special day promotions (e.g., Opening Day, Seniors Days, Military Appreciation Day, Kids Days, etc.), and free giveaway items. All approved deals submitted by the deadline of June 12, 2026, will be listed in the guide which is distributed for free at all information booths, in the Fair Finder at mnstatefair.org and on the Official MN State Fair App. All approved drawings and giveaways can opt-in to be included. To be considered and promoted, the application must be completed and submitted to the concessions & exhibits department by the deadline.

All gate admission discount days are subject to change. Participating in a special promotional day by offering a discount is optional. Should you choose to participate, you will receive a booth sign that designates your participation (these can be picked up in the concessions & exhibits office).

• Opening Day – Thursday, Aug. 27

Opening Day features reduced gate admission for adults (13-64) and kids (5-12), as well as all-day discounts on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games. This promotional day is a great way to kick off the fair by offering a special deal or discount on your product(s).

• Seniors Days – Monday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 3

Seniors Days feature special deals and discounts offered by concessionaires for all fair guests and reduced gate admission for seniors (65+). All-day discounts are also offered for all fair guests on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games on Monday, Aug 31.

• Military Appreciation Day – Tuesday, Sept. 1

The Minnesota State Fair salutes and honors active, retired and veteran United States military for their service to our country with a day of admission discounts and special activities and deals for all fair guests. Service members and their families are admitted for $15 by presenting proof of U.S. military service when purchasing a ticket at the gate. Additionally, all-day discounts for everyone on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games are offered.

• Kids Days – Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 7

These special days feature deals and discounts offered by concessionaires for everyone and admission discounts at the gate for kids (5-12). All-day discounts are also offered for all fair guests on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.

• Last Chance Deals – Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 7

This is the last day for concessionaires to offer food or merchandise discounts. All participants will be included in a printed “Last Chance” flier at all information booths and will be listed at mnstatefair.org, in the Fair Finder and on the Official MN State Fair App. Special booth signs that designate the offering of a “Last Chance” deal will be given to all participating concessionaires. All other signage must be approved by the concessions & exhibits department.

Note: This application is available annually in late summer; deadline for return is typically during the first week of the State Fair.

All-day discounts are also offered for all fair guests on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SAMPLING

Any licensee who wishes to offer free food or beverage samples (including water) must seek permission from the concessions & exhibits department and secure required permits from the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4500 and/or Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-201-6027 (subject to fees). Sample size must be limited to 2 oz. or less.

TRADEMARKS AND INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS

Merchandise infringing on intellectual property rights is not allowed. It is the licensees responsibility to make sure that their merchandise does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others, which includes copyrights, trademarks and patents. Licensees are responsible for obtaining appropriate licensing from the holder of any copyrights, trademarks or patents for any merchandise that they have in their booths.

MEDIA AND MARKETING

In order to prevent misconceptions or the spread of misinformation, it is essential that all information given to the media comes from a single source. Never speculate or repeat rumors. As a concessionaire or exhibitor, you may speak on behalf of your business. However, you may not speak or post on social media on behalf of the Minnesota State Fair. All media personnel and inquiries should be directed to the marketing department’s media relations team at media@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4321.

The State Fair’s marketing department promotes the State Fair as a whole, working closely with representatives of newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations and other digital media throughout the region. If you have a story idea that you think may interest the media, please contact the marketing department at media@mnstatefair.org.

You are also encouraged to market your business. We invite you to use the “Fair-Time Marketing and Promotion Resources for Vendors and Exhibitors” document created by the marketing department especially for concessionaires and exhibitors.

Fair Finder

Beginning in mid-August, descriptions of concessions and exhibits are posted in the Fair Finder at mnstatefair.org and on the Official MN State Fair App. Descriptions in the Fair Finder are based on the information submitted in your license. The Fair Finder is a service to guests wishing to locate specific products or services on the fairgrounds and is offered to concessionaires and exhibitors free of charge as a promotional tool. It is recommended that all vendors view their entry prior to the start of the fair. If you have suggested changes or corrections to your concession/exhibit entry on the Fair Finder, please email sales@mnstatefair.org. Your changes will be reviewed and posted, subject to approval by the concessions & exhibits and marketing departments.

Influencer or Media Events

Due to security, increased traffic flow and more, influencer or media events are not permitted on the fairgrounds during lockdown leading up to fair time. If you are interested in hosting any kind of event on the fairgrounds prior to lockdown, please reach out to our events department at events@mnstatefair.org to discuss rental fees, security and more. As a reminder, if you have a permanent location on the fairgrounds, you must receive approval for any and all events hosted within your space, and you are subject to our non-fair events rules, such as hired State Fair security, food & beverage privilege payments to the fair, and more.

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book

The Blue Ribbon Bargain Book is a coupon book produced in the spring by the State Fair. It is available for guests to purchase in the summer leading up to the fair and during the fair through Labor Day, Sept. 7. The coupon book offers discounts on items from participating concessionaires. Applications are available annually in February. Details are available by emailing brbb@mnstatefair.org.

For other marketing questions, please email media@mnstatefair.org.

PERMITS

1. Wholesale permits must be obtained by all distributors and purveyors who sell, provide services, solicit orders or deliver merchandise, parts or equipment to exhibitors and concessionaires at the fair. They may be purchased for $180 per permit upon application at the concessions & exhibits office at sales@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4456. At the time of permit purchase, those seeking permits must present a valid certificate of auto, workers comp. and commercial general liability insurance, listing the Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota State Agricultural Society as additional insureds with respect to purveyor operations on the State Fairgrounds, to insure against claims for bodily injury, property damage and, where applicable, products liability. Wholesale permits are not a gate admission pass; their sole function is to grant outside purveyors the privilege to deliver goods or provide services on the fairgrounds in compliance with the fair’s delivery regulations. (See Deliveries) Wholesale permits are not transferable; each delivery or service vehicle must have a permit firmly attached to its windshield in plain view. Delivery or service vehicles not properly identified with wholesale permits will not be allowed to enter the fairgrounds. Vehicles identified with a wholesale permit must enter the fairgrounds through the Transitway entry, located off Como Ave. west of Gate 14 – Como/Canfield, where permits provide access before 8 a.m. or after 11 p.m. only. No parking fee will be charged for vehicles with a wholesale permit, but the vehicle occupant(s) will be required to present an admission ticket(s) along with having a Transitway Access hang tag on the mirror of the vehicle. If you are delivering merchandise, parts or equipment strictly for your own use and operation, a wholesale permit is not necessary.
2. Supply vehicle permits authorize the use of a designated supply vehicle area and site within same. They may be purchased for $360 per permit from the concessions & exhibits department. This permit must be firmly adhered to the windshield of the vehicle approved for placement in the specified area/site. Vehicles parked in areas without a supply vehicle permit may be towed. Supply vehicle parking space is provided on an “as available” basis and is not guaranteed from year to year or with acquisition of a wholesale permit. Supply vehicle parking permits may not be obtained for personal vehicle parking unless the vehicle is essential to concession or exhibit operation and has been approved by concessions & exhibits department staff. Vehicles identified with a supply vehicle permit must enter the fairgrounds as instructed on the back of the permit. No parking fee will be charged for vehicles identified with a supply vehicle permit, but the vehicle occupant(s) will be required to present an admission ticket(s).
3. The Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture issue food & beverage handler licenses for the State Fair and make frequent inspections of operations during the fair. Licenses to operate a retail food, food service or beverage service establishment must be obtained in advance from the Department of Health and/or Agriculture. All food & beverage concessions must have a license from one or both of these departments and maintain full compliance with their rules. (Also see Food & Beverage sampling.)
4. A Minnesota Revenue Operator Certificate of Compliance ((ST19) form including a Minnesota State Tax Identification Number must be provided by all licensees at the fair. This Tax I.D. Number must correspond with the business entity being licensed. For a Tax I.D. Number, contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Business Registrations, Mail Station 4410, St. Paul, MN 55146-4410, or call 651-282-5225 or 800-657-3605, or visit taxes.state.mn.us. Non-compliance with Minnesota tax laws is grounds for license cancellation.
5. Out-of-state operators are required to file with the Secretary of State before doing business in Minnesota. Secretary of State information can be found at sos.mn.gov.
6. Office and Storage Unit Permits must be obtained for any vehicle authorized by concessions & exhibit department staff to be placed on the fairgrounds for use as an office and/or storage facility.
7. Maintenance, Repair, Remodeling and Improvement Requests/Permits are required for maintenance and improvements being undertaken on the fairgrounds. All maintenance and improvement requests should be submitted before July 1.

DELIVERIES BEFORE THE FAIR

Licensees should advise those delivering their equipment or products, etc., to access the fairgrounds via Snelling Avenue (State Highway 51) to Hoyt Avenue; west on Hoyt Avenue into the fairgrounds and proceed straight ahead.

The State Fair cannot accept your deliveries. If you have merchandise or equipment shipped for use at the State Fair, please have one of your employees at the fairgrounds to receive the delivery. If it is not possible for you or your salesperson to be here, have the delivery company hold your shipment(s) for you at its local office until you contact them with an exact location, date and time when you will be at the fairgrounds to accept deliveries.

SHIPPING INFORMATION

To be sure your packages are delivered to you in a timely manner, they must be labeled:

For Shipping to Inside a Building:

Your company name

C/O Minnesota State Fair

Your concession/exhibit location (such as Grandstand Space 279)

1265 Snelling Ave. N.

St. Paul, MN 55108

For Shipping to an Outside Area:

Your company name

C/O Minnesota State Fair

Your concession/exhibit location (such as Underwood St. Blk 24 Lot 16, 17)

1265 Snelling Ave. N.

St. Paul, MN 55108

DELIVERIES DURING THE FAIR

No motorized vehicles will be allowed to make on-grounds deliveries between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day of the fair. On-grounds passage for deliveries will be allowed before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m. each day (hours subject to change) via the Transitway, west of Gate 14 – Como/Canfield. A Transitway Access hang tag is required for use of the Transitway and can be obtained from the concessions & exhibits office (these are no longer sent in post office mail). All vehicles must complete their deliveries and be off the streets and out of barricaded areas of the fairgrounds by 8 a.m. On Labor Day, no vehicles will be allowed inside barricaded areas of the fairgrounds for teardown/removal until 10 p.m. (Subject to change).

If you are delivering merchandise to your own concession or exhibit before 8 a.m. or after 11 p.m., you must enter as instructed on your entry permit credentials and present an admission ticket.

No deliveries by motorized vehicles will be allowed inside any exhibit building at any time of day during the fair.

RECYCLING

The State Fair has central recycling stations around the fairgrounds for the materials listed below. Contact the concessions & exhibits department for the location of the recycling stations nearest you. Please observe the following recycling guidelines carefully, and do not place recyclable materials into trash receptacles or garbage dumpsters at any time: 

• Clean, dry cardboard must contain no other trash, paper or food waste. Boxes must be collapsed and placed flat in appropriate recycling containers.
• Metal, glass and plastic containers should be rinsed free of food waste, have any labels removed and be crushed before being placed in appropriate recycling containers.
• Cooking grease, oil, fat and gray water is not legally permitted to be dumped in the sewer. These items must be disposed of in the proper receptacles and must not contain paper, trash or food waste. If the receptacle is full, find the next closest available receptacle. Do not place cooking grease, oil or fat in cardboard boxes or buckets near disposal receptacles or in trash cans, garbage vats, sewers, streets or onto the ground. Empty grease containers (cardboard and plastic) need to be separated and disposed of in the proper vat for each.
• Petroleum grease and oil, old tires, etc., must be properly disposed of off the fairgrounds.

Please refer to the Garbage/Recycling/Grease/Compost map available from the concessions & exhibits office or in the exhibitor portal.

TRASH AND SANITATION

Trash removal and sanitation services will be provided for setup and teardown from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15. There will be an added charge for trash removal or sanitation service needed prior to Aug. 1 or after Sept. 15, and for licensees approved to be open for business prior to the first day of the State Fair or that generate an extraordinary amount of trash. Contact the operations department regarding trash disposal prior to Aug. 1 and after Sept. 15 at 651-288-4499.

All licensees must keep their facilities, equipment and the area surrounding their exhibit or concession in a clean and sanitary condition at all times and are responsible for disposal or recycling of their trash. Dumpsters are located around the fairgrounds for this purpose. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up, and dispose of it properly.

Inside exhibit buildings, if a dumpster is not within easy access from your concession or exhibit, you may deposit refuse in the aisles each evening after the building closes. State Fair staff will clean buildings each evening after the buildings close.

Public trash receptacles or barrels and recycling containers may not be moved without State Fair authorization. Use of State Fair barrels and recycling containers inside of concessions and/or exhibits is prohibited. Licensees must provide their own trash receptacles for personal use. Food concession operators providing a seating area must provide their own trash receptacles and container liners. Emptying receptacles and keeping seating areas clean is the sole responsibility of the licensee.

Garbage containing food waste must be stored in tightly sealed, non-absorbent containers. Please do not use public trash receptacles or barrels for food and/or food prep waste from your concession. Compost containers are located throughout the grounds for recycling of food waste. If you have further questions about food waste and composting, contact fairinfo@mnstatefair.org.

Concessionaires and exhibitors may not deposit any grey water, fluid, wastewater or other liquids onto the ground or into the street or storm gutter/sewer. Fluids (not grease/oils) must be discharged into approved sanitary sewer systems or centralized holding tanks placed throughout the fairgrounds.

MACHINERY REGULATIONS

Licensees exhibiting or operating power-driven machinery or tools must comply with OSHA Safety and Health Administration Standards and requirements for presenting, operating and guarding such power-driven machinery and tools.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES

PARKING AND TRAFFIC

All posted parking and traffic regulations are in effect year-round on the State Fairgrounds.

During the fair, parking in the State Fair’s public parking lots costs $25. Parking in all State Fairgrounds public lots opens at 6 a.m. and is filled on a first-come basis. As parking lots fill, gates will be closed to vehicles, or vehicles may be directed to another lot where parking may still be available. Vehicles parked in spaces during the State Fair is at the owner’s risk. Parking prices are subject to change.

A lot is available for motorcycles south of Como Ave. near the International Institute from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Motorcycle parking in this lot is $15; motorcycle parking in other State Fair lots costs $25.

Those who ride a bike to the fair can park in one of three free bike corrals: Near Gate 9 – Loop Gate (on Como); Gate 2 – North End; and at Randall Ave-Buford (enter Gate 16 – Transit Hub). Reference a State Fair map for lot locations.

Vehicle traffic is prohibited on the fairgrounds between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. during the fair.

During the State Fair, vehicle parking and traffic in certain areas within the fairgrounds will be restricted during certain hours each day or prohibited without a special permit.

Parking is prohibited on all fairgrounds streets and in State Fair public parking lots between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. No overnight parking is permitted on the fairgrounds. For the location of overnight and long-term parking, as well as off-site parking for empty trucks and trailers, contact the concessions & exhibits department.

Other Motorized Vehicles (Golf Carts, Utility Vehicles, Carts)

Between the hours of 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., vendors are not permitted to drive vehicles on the fairgrounds. However, the concessions & exhibits department does permit vendors to use electric power utility wagons or similar devices to move product throughout the fairgrounds for delivering product at any hour of the day, so long as important parameters are met: power-operated devices have three or four wheels (two-wheeled devices such as hoverboards, bikes, skateboards and Segways are not permitted); a person may not ride on the device; the device cannot tow a trailer or other devices; it must be operated at a reasonable walking pace or slower (i.e., 5 mph); and it must be of an acceptable size that is small and compact. These wagons or utility vehicles are up to the discretion of the concessions & exhibits department. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the concessions & exhibits department.

Privately owned golf carts, combustion engine vehicles, ATVs and similar vehicles are not allowed on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Only golf carts or similar delivery vehicles authorized and permitted by the State Fair may be used on the fairgrounds.

Employee Parking

Public parking lots are located around the State Fairgrounds. No specially designated on-grounds parking area is set aside for licensees and their employees. Licensees and their employees (staying off-grounds) are encouraged to use the State Fair Park & Ride or Express Buses. Details here. www.mnstatefair.org/get-here/

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

The State Fair operates an Employment Center June through August as a resource for potential applicants and employers. The Employment Center staff can assist you in creating a job order, finding applicants, and coordinating and scheduling interviews for you to conduct. This service is provided at no cost. All employers utilizing the Employment Center must follow the rules and guidelines of the employment department. The last day to contact the Employment Center to schedule interviews is the Friday before the Minnesota State Fair begins at 4 p.m. For more information on the Employment Center, call 651-288-4475, email joborders@mnstatefair.org or learn more.

The Employment Center operates in full compliance with federal and state laws. Persons registering for work are referred without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, familial status, use or enjoyment of lawful consumable products off-premises during non-working hours, or any other classes protected under applicable law.

For more information regarding Minnesota employment laws, please visit dli.mn.gov. For more information regarding Federal employment laws, please visit dol.gov.

HOME SOLICITATION SALES ACT

(Minnesota Statutes #325G.06 through #325G.11)

All licensees are required to comply with the Home Solicitation Sales Act, which applies to the sale of non-agricultural consumer goods and services at a price greater than $25 made at a location other than the seller’s normal place of business.

All retailers/sellers at the fair should be knowledgeable of the statute’s principal provisions that follow:

1. Buyer’s right to cancel any order or sale of purchased product until midnight on the third business day after the date of signing or purchase; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excluded.
2. Seller’s obligation to verbally inform the buyer of this right and provide a completed receipt or contract stating such cancellation privilege as specified by Minnesota Statute #325G.08.
3. Seller’s obligation to return to the buyer any payments, evidence of indebtedness or trade-in made by the buyer within 10 days of cancellation.
4. Buyer’s obligation to take reasonable care of goods received for 20 days after cancellation. Upon the buyer’s receipt of refund, the buyer must make the goods originally sold to them available to the seller.
5. Goods for which the buyer has canceled a contract for purchase become the property of the buyer, without any obligation to pay, if the seller fails to demand possession of the goods within 20 days after cancellation.

Additional information regarding the Home Solicitation Sales Act may be obtained from the Minnesota State Attorney General’s Citizen Assistance Division by calling 651-296-3353 or 800-657-3787.

APPENDIX A – FOOD & BEVERAGE CONCESSION GUIDELINES

All food & beverage concessionaires must obtain a current State of Minnesota Food License. Before operation begins, contact the Department of Health at 651-201-4500 or the Department of Agriculture at 651-201-6027 for license application information and their standards for proper operation.

All food & beverage concessions must comply with current Minnesota Department of Health Food Service Rules (Chapter 4626).

Each concessionaire licensed to sell, distribute, offer samples or handle any type of food or beverage products (including bottled water), whether prepared on-site or pre-packaged, must have at least one person on staff with current certification by an acceptable Minnesota food manager training course. Certification must be posted in the licensee’s concessions stand(s).

Employees must maintain their hands in a clean and sanitary condition per current Department of Health and Department of Agriculture procedures.

Use of alcohol, tobacco or marijuana/THC in any form while working in or operating a food & beverage concession is prohibited.

All products must be served in an appropriate container or wrapping, and proper utensils, straws and/or napkins must be readily available for public use. Condiments must be available at an accessible height to accommodate persons with disabilities. Condiment stations must be maintained in a clean manner.

The public is to be provided with free tap water upon request. You may not charge for the cup or ice supplied for this purpose.

All food supplies and ice must come from an approved commercial source. No home food preparation or use of food stored at home is allowed. Ice must be cubed, block or crushed and be sealed in a bag at the point of manufacture.

The State Fair is the sole supplier of all beverage cups to be used on the State Fairgrounds. Vendors may only use cups provided by the State Fair. Cups must be purchased from the fair’s cup warehouse. Non-alcoholic beverages in cans and plastic bottles do not need to be poured into a cup. Beverages in glass bottles/containers and ALL alcoholic beverages must be poured into a State Fair cup before being handed to the guest. Liquid beverages may not be dispensed, nor carried on the fairgrounds, in a glass, metal or unapproved paper or plastic container.

No concession supplies, equipment, product, etc. may be placed or stored outside or on the exterior of any concession stand unless approved by concessions & exhibits department staff and proper screening, approved by concessions & exhibits department staff, is provided within which to contain such supplies, equipment, product, etc. from public view.

Construction or remodeling plans for all food & beverage concessions (including portable stands and trailers) must be approved by the State Fair concessions & exhibits department and Minnesota Departments of Health or Agriculture before construction or remodeling begins.

APPENDIX B – MIGHTY MIDWAY & KIDWAY LICENSEES

SETUP AND TAKEDOWN

Setup

Mighty Midway and Kidway move-in may begin Friday, Aug. 14. Earlier move-in may be approved by the State Fair upon request.

Please check in at the Midway Office upon arrival. No one is to park or locate their own equipment without Midway staff direction. All attractions, concessions and support equipment must be positioned at Mighty Midway and Kidway by an authorized representative of the State Fair’s Midway Operations staff.

All setup must be completed in a time and manner to ensure that attractions, exhibits and concessions can be inspected and fully operational prior to opening at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Teardown

All Mighty Midway attractions and concessions must remain open, staffed, fully intact and operational until 9 p.m. on Labor Day. Kidway attractions and concessions must remain open, staffed, fully intact and operational until 8 p.m. on Labor Day. Vehicles will not be allowed through barricades for teardown before 9 p.m. on Labor Day for Mighty Midway attractions and concessions and 8 p.m. for Kidway attractions and concessions.

Utility services for teardown and living quarters will be available until noon on Thursday, Sept. 10. License holders must remove all equipment from the fairgrounds by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.

ID BADGES

Identification badges, provided by the State Fair, must be worn in public view at all times by all on-duty attraction, support equipment and service supplier licensees and their employees as prescribed by the State Fair. ID badges may only be obtained at the Midway office with authorization by the licensee.

ID badges will be required for access to services and amenities provided for Midway and Kidway licensees and employees but do not provide admission to the fairgrounds. Moreover, State Fair public safety personnel will be checking the fairgrounds throughout each night for unidentified and unauthorized persons; when found, they will be asked to leave the fairgrounds immediately.

ID badges are $5, if they are misplaced or broken we can reissue and you will be charged for the new badge. Persons terminated or leaving employment prior to the conclusion of the fair must return their ID badge before leaving the fairgrounds.

DELIVERIES BEFORE THE FAIR

Mighty Midway and Kidway licensees should advise those delivering their equipment and attractions to access the fairgrounds via Snelling Avenue (State Highway 51) to Como Avenue; west on Como Avenue approximately a half mile to Gate 14 – Como/Canfield; turn right into the fairgrounds and proceed straight ahead to Mighty Midway.

DELIVERIES DURING THE FAIR

All deliveries must be made between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. through the Transitway, west of Gate 14 – Como/Canfield. No on-grounds deliveries will be allowed by motorized vehicles between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day of the fair. Entry to the fairgrounds for all Mighty Midway and Kidway licensees holding proper credentials and valid admission tickets shall be permitted throughout the day only at the Transitway entry.

This service gate is open 24 hours a day. Persons on foot must enter at the Gate 14 – Como/Canfield.

UTILITIES

Unless otherwise agreed by the State Fair and licensee, the fair will provide all Mighty Midway and Kidway concessions and exhibits with electrical power generated, supplied and distributed by the fair for operation of all Mighty Midway and Kidway attraction(s), concession(s) and support equipment. No “cut-in” or connection fees will be charged to licensees, but a fee for electric consumption will be charged to food, beverage, merchandise and non-ride or game of skill concessionaires.

Mighty Midway and Kidway licensees must supply at least 150 feet of appropriate connecting “lead wire” from the perimeter of each of their concessions, as well as an acceptable and compatible connection device for any concession(s) and/or support equipment they present.

PERMITS

Midway vehicle permits authorize vehicle access in and out of the fairgrounds without charge and vehicle placement at the Mighty Midway area. They are available at the Midway Office for $180 per vehicle. Only those authorized to live at the Mighty Midway area may obtain a Midway vehicle permit for access to and parking at the Mighty Midway area.

Vehicles with Midway vehicle permits must enter and exit the fairgrounds through the Transitway entry west of Gate 14 – Como/Canfield; on and off grounds access through this entry is provided throughout the day. When exiting the fairgrounds, occupants of vehicles identified with a Midway vehicle permit should request a hand stamp for readmission to the fair on the same day without charge (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.).

These permits must be displayed as directed by instructions printed on the permit. Vehicles without this permit, or a storage and stationary unit permit, will be towed from the Mighty Midway area at the owner’s expense.

UNIFORMS

Employees of all licensees must be uniformed with matching shirts, jackets and hats (if worn), provided and/or approved by the State Fair, at the licensee’s cost, and worn in a manner approved by the State Fair. Ride, game of skill and attraction employees and operators will be required to wear either khaki, navy blue or black pants or shorts (no denim jeans). Licensees or their employees who do not comply with this policy may be dismissed.

SAFETY MEETINGS

All attraction licensees, concessionaires, support equipment and service providers and their employees are required to attend all safety, orientation and training meetings scheduled by the State Fair that pertain to their operations and activities. Attendance is mandatory.

SPECIAL SERVICES

As a convenience to Mighty Midway and Kidway licensees and their staff, the following services and amenities are available on the fairgrounds:

• Public restroom and shower facilities
• Coin-operated washers and dryers
• Convenience store
• Copy and fax services: Available in the Midway Office for a nominal fee
• Forklift service: 5,000 lb. capacity with a 20 ft. reach; available at Mighty Midway and Kidway on a first-come basis for a charge of $90 per hour, including the operator. The forklift may not be rented without an operator. Request this service in the Midway office.

APPENDIX C – INDOOR BOOTH GUIDELINES

The following booth design parameters have been developed to create a high-quality, professional presentation to Minnesota State Fair guests. Most indoor lineup and corner booths will be finished with drapery dividers. Equipment placed in booths, such as counters, tables, chairs, carpeting, additional draping, etc., and associated costs, are the responsibility of the licensee. No element of your display may extend beyond the boundaries of your licensed site, and you may not have any unfinished display walls exposed to public view.

Deviation from these guidelines will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be approved by concessions & exhibits staff when deemed appropriate and/or necessary.

Perimeter Wall and Back-to-Back Booths:

Any booth that faces one aisle.

The maximum height in the front half of the booth is 3 1/2 ft. Displays, signs and products must stay below this height for maximum sight lines. The maximum height in the back of the booth is 8 ft.

Island Booth:

A contiguous grouping of exhibit space, freestanding, and bordered on four sides by aisle space.

Display materials may not exceed 3 1/2 ft. in height in the front third of each side. Any obstruction, sign, display or product exceeding 3 1/2 ft., to a maximum of 8 ft. in height, must be positioned in the middle of the booth. The shaded area in the diagram is one-fourth of the booth depth on all sides of the booth side midpoint.

Aisle-to-Aisle Booth:

Booths facing two aisles.

Similar to the Perimeter Wall Booth, in this layout you don’t have a backwall. With a contiguous lineup, the front and back of these booths are exposed to aisles. The maximum height in the middle one-third of the booth is 8 ft. The maximum height in the outer one-third of the booth is 3 1/2 ft. There will be curtains dividing each of the exhibitors using the same height restrictions.

Peninsula Booth:

Booths exposed to three aisles with one adjacent exhibitor.

Any sign, display, obstruction or product above 3 1/2 ft., to a maximum of 8 ft., must be set back 5 ft. from the facing end aisle. A 3 1/2 ft. height restriction is imposed in the remaining area of the booth.

LAYOUT GUIDELINES FOR INLINE AND END CAP PENINSULA BOOTHS

Example given is for 14 ft. x 9 ft. inline and 18 ft. x 14 ft. end cap booth configuration.

Inline Booths:

The maximum height of the front half is 3 1/2 ft. Displays and products must be below this height for maximum sight lines. The maximum height in the back half of the booth is 8 ft., including all signage.

Peninsula End Cap:

The outside 4 1/2 ft. of back wall may not exceed 3 1/2 ft. in height, the center may not exceed 8 ft. in height, including signage. Displays exceeding these dimensions must be approved by Minnesota State Fair staff prior to setup. All displays, signs and products must be placed inside your assigned site and may not be affixed to any exhibit building walls or pillars.

 

All information is subject to change.