Final preparations underway for the Minnesota State Fair
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. -- Before the gates at the Minnesota State Fair open Thursday morning, there is a lot of behind the scenes work to be done.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources building filled its fish pond.
"Every year we do this I'm like 'God, this doesn't get old!'" DNR Fisheries Supervisor T.J. DeBates said.
Nearly 40 different fish species that call Minnesota home fill the outdoor pond at the fair for 12 days. The DNR also offers "Pond Talks" to allow visitors to ask questions and learn about the species that inhabit Minnesota's waters.
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"It's just that exposure, exposing Minnesotans or out-of-state folks to our tremendous resources and all our cool living creatures living in our water," DeBates said.
Across from the DNR building at the fairgrounds is the WCCO building. Visitors are welcome to stop by to take part in giveaways or view a newscast live from the fair.
"We are ready for the big crowds this year," Deep Fried Candy Bars Manager Beth Tapp said.
Beth Tapp's family owns the Deep Fried Candy Bar stand. They travel from North Carolina to Minnesota yearly for the fair. On Wednesday, they spent the day doing final preparations at the stand.
"Getting the candy bars ready, the fryers, making sure everything works and is cleaned and spotless for the customers," Tapp said.
The state fair gates open Thursday morning at 7 a.m. Tickets are available at the gate or online.