The Minnesota State Fair has officially closed the books on its 2026 run, drawing an impressive cumulative attendance of 1,923,325 visitors over its 12-day schedule, according to the official post-fair figures released by event organizers. Running from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7, the annual Great Minnesota Get-Together saw strong community engagement capped off by a robust Labor Day attendance of 159,101 guests on the final Monday of the exposition.
“Each year, I’m reminded that what makes the Minnesota State Fair so special is the people. For 12 days, we bring people together to celebrate the full spirit of Minnesota,” Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander said in a statement detailing the wrap-up of the annual event.
Alexander expressed gratitude for the extensive network required to pull off the massive operation. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful to the thousands of employees, exhibitors, vendors, performers, partners and volunteers who pour so much into making the fair happen year after year. Most of all, I’m grateful to our fair guests. Once again, the enthusiasm, pride, traditions and love for the Great Minnesota Get-Together made the fair come to life,” she added.
Competitions Draw Entries and Millions in Prize Money
Beyond the midway food and grandstand concerts, the 2026 fair served as a massive stage for agricultural and creative talent from across the region. Competitions drew more than 38,000 entries this year, with participants vying for ribbons, trophies, and a share of nearly $2.5 million in prize money. Events spanned livestock, horses, school projects, dog trials, baked and canned goods, horticulture, crafts, and fine arts.
Participation across multiple creative categories surged compared to previous years. The Crop Art Exhibit displayed 593 pieces, up significantly from 450 entries in 2025. Meanwhile, the baking department logged 4,141 entries, outpacing last year’s count of 3,156. The fair’s Fine Arts Exhibition—noted as the largest juried art show in Minnesota—received 3,185 submissions, with 343 works accepted into the gallery. Exhibitors listed accepted pieces for sale, resulting in a record 121 sales. The coveted 2026 People’s Choice Award was presented to Nathan Klok of Burnsville, Minnesota, for his piece titled “The Lee A. Tregurtha (1942) Enters the Icy Duluth, Minn. Harbor.”
Livestock Barns Fill to Capacity as Youth Participation Grows
Agricultural showcases proved exceptionally popular during the 12-day run, with several livestock sectors—including open class dairy goats and open class llamas—filling their respective barns to absolute capacity. Judges highlighted the elevated quality of livestock exhibits, noting that many local champions will advance to compete at major national shows.
Youth involvement through the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H programs also recorded substantial growth. FFA rabbit competitors doubled compared to 2025, while sheep entries rose by 150 head. On Saturday, Aug. 29, the annual Purple Ribbon Auction set six new record prices, raising more than $1.35 million for the 115 participating 4-H members. The auction also distributed $130,000 in scholarships to 44 youth participants.
Top honors in the open class supreme champion livestock categories were awarded to exhibitors from across Minnesota and neighboring states, highlighting the regional reach of the fair’s agricultural program.
2026 Open Class Supreme Champions
- Dairy Female: Jacob Timmer, Mat-Ar-Dor Holsteins, Ellsworth, Minn.
- Dairy Junior Female: Roger Riebe, Meadow Ridge Jerseys, Cumberland, Wis.
- Beef Female: Max Fredrickson, Glenville, Minn.
- Beef Bull: Cale Jensen, Jensen Angus Farm, Plainfield, Iowa
- Beef Cow/Calf: Avery Kohls, Kohls Land and Cattle, Hutchinson, Minn.
- Boar: Mike Patterson, Country Girls Show Pigs, Kenyon, Minn.
- Gilt: Brian Zimprich, Four Star Livestock, Milnor, N.D.
- Ram (Wool Breeds): Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.
- Ewe (Wool Breeds): Tatum Goetz, Everwood Farms, Shakopee, Minn.
- Ram (Meat Breeds): Riley Donkers, Big Woods Babydolls, Faribault, Minn.
Detailed daily attendance breakdowns, alongside complete competition results for agricultural, horticultural, bee, creative activities, and K-12 exhibits, remain accessible through the official Minnesota State Fair website for attendees looking to review specific category standings.
