Minnesotans love the state fair -- but we could all do without
the hit our bank account takes to go there and experience it. So I've got some
tips to get there, get in, and to have fun
The number one way to save a buck is to plan ahead -- this tip
applies to so much more than the fair.
Plan to go on a day when they offer cheaper admission or
deals on rides and concessions. The fair has many
special discount
days to help you out -- note that most of these fall during the week.
Paying for parking and gas to get there (not to mention the
headache of traffic) can be enough for you to give up and say, 'Maybe next
year.'
But don’t underestimate the power of the 'Park-And-Ride.'
You can park free and ride to the fair free at many areas
around the fairgrounds.
Click here for
details on those locations. There are also express buses around the greater metro
area ($5 roundtrip)
click
here for those locations. But through today only (08/26) you can get the
roundtrip tickets for $4 if you
buy online.
Save by buying your admission tickets in advance at Cub Foods. Adults can save $2
a ticket by getting them early, through today (08/26). Click on the links below
to find a place near you.
List of
metro Cub Ticket Outlets
List
of Ticket Outlets in greater MinnesotaAnother great thing you can get early at a discount or full
price out at the fair is the
Blue Ribbon Bargain
Book.
The book includes everything from deals on food and drinks,
ride and game coupons, and discounts on attractions and merchandise.
This will pay for itself if you take time to look at the
coupons ahead of time and plot out on a map what ones you want to use. (They
make it easy to do this by putting a map of where you can find the vendors on
the back of the coupon.)
The best way to enjoy the fair on a budget is to realize
that there is so much free stuff out there just waiting to be yours!
Bring in your own food and snacks or share the newest fair food
creation to save some money. Walk through any building and you are sure to pick
up a plethora of pencils, pens, health kits, reusable bags, coupons, water
bottles, t-shirts (Go We Power!), free samples and free food. (Those pencils
come in handy for back-to-school-time.)
You can watch
free concerts
and
demonstrations;
go see
farm
animals or
fine
art.
There's a reason why they call it the Great Minnesota
Get-Together and the rest of the state is just waiting for you to arrive!
