Minnesota State Fair: What to know about the City’s support for the Great Minnesota Get Together

The Minnesota State Fair is here! City teams have been gearing up for months to host hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond. While the fairgrounds are technically in neighboring Falcon Heights, the City of Saint Paul has a large role to play in welcoming visitors and supporting neighboring residents and businesses.

Video: Watch Mayor Her visit Saint Paul vendors on opening day

Health, traffic and pedestrian safety

The Saint Paul Fire and Police departments provide critical safety support for fairgoers and neighborhood residents and businesses. During the fair, public safety teams emphasize maintaining a safe environment for residents, employees, and visitors—and preserving the normal day-to-day functions of the surrounding community to the greatest extent possible.

• The Saint Paul Fire Department is proud to once again provide emergency medical and first aid services at the Minnesota State Fair. Firefighters, paramedics and EMTs are stationed on the grounds and ready to respond when visitors need help—from minor injuries and dehydration to medical emergencies.  
• The Saint Paul Police Department is responsible for traffic and pedestrian control outside of the fairgrounds. SPPD and partnering agencies work to minimize community disruption while maintaining safe pedestrian and traffic movement and emergency vehicle access.  
• Traffic and neighborhood patrol officers assist residents, visitors, and businesses. They address public safety and quality-of-life concerns as they arise. 

Attending the fair? Be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in shady or air-conditioned locations, pace yourself when walking to avoid falls, and pay attention for symptoms of heat exhaustion like nausea and dizziness. If you’re not feeling well, alert the nearest Saint Paul Fire Department crew member or Minnesota State Fair staff.

Read the Minnesota State Fair Health & Safety FAQ for important information about security, first aid, and more.

Making it easier to get to, enjoy, and work during the fair

The City is committed to working with area businesses, neighbors, and visitors to provide a positive fair experience—from licensing seasonal pop-ups to ensuring roads are smooth and fairgoers are hydrated.

• Saint Paul Public Works crews have been proactively patching potholes, sweeping streets, and clearing and cleaning medians to ensure smooth travel for neighbors and visitors. Public Works staff has also been busy setting up a number of traffic control, signage, right of way management, and safety measures at busy areas around the fairgrounds. 
• The Department of Safety and Inspections works with vendors and homeowners to support pop-up businesses and licensed peddlers along Midway Parkway. Pedicabs for hire are inspected to ensure the drivers are properly licensed, and the cabs have working safety equipment and lighting. 
• For people taking an alternative mode of transportation to the fair, the City has set up dedicated parking areas for scooters and e-bikes near the fairgrounds. 
• The iconic Minnesota State Fair water tower is operated by Saint Paul Regional Water Services. Its unique design allows it to hold up to 1.5 million gallons of water, ensuring fairgoers can stay hydrated in the summer heat.  

How to contact the City for support during the fair

The City of Saint Paul sees a significant increase in traffic and activity during the Minnesota State Fair. Whether you’re a Saint Paul resident, business owner, or visitor, there are many ways to get in touch with the City if you have a concern—both during the Fair and at any time of the year.  

• Excessive noise: Most residential areas in Saint Paul have noise limits. If you are dealing with noise in your neighborhood that exceeds a typical conversation level—averaged over an hour—please call the Saint Paul Police Department’s non-emergency line at 651-291-1111. If the noise is coming from a specific business or vendor, please call the City’s information and complaint line at 651-266-8989, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.     
• Parking violations: Many visitors park on City streets during the State Fair. To report an illegally parked vehicle—including those that are obstructing intersections and driveways—please contact the Saint Paul Police Department’s non-emergency line at 651-291-1111. 
  Personal and public safety concerns: If you or someone around you is in immediate danger, call 911. If it is not an emergency situation, but you would like to report a safety concern, call the Saint Paul Police Department’s non-emergency line at 651-291-1111.