FALCON HEIGHTS, Minnesota — The Minnesota State Fairgrounds is getting nearly $10 million in upgrades for 2020, including metal detectors at the gates for the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
The State Fair's board of managers approved $5.1 million in maintenance projects and another $4.5 million in capital work.
One of the big changes will be metal detectors at all 11 entrance gates.
"We want to make sure we're doing everything we possibly can to have a safe environment, make sure people feel safe here," said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer.
While Hammer said they're still working out the details, he anticipates they'll be using walk-through metal detectors.
During the final hours of the fair last year, three people were shot outside the main gate. Hammer said that incident alone is not why they're adding security. Bag checks started at the gates in 2016 and Hammer said they have been considering metal detectors for a few years now.
"The place is 322 acres. So there's an awful lot that goes into running it and making sure it goes smooth and that everybody has a good experience. This is just one more piece," Hammer said.
Several state fairs use metal detectors including Texas and Wisconsin. Hammer said they have been studying how other venues use them, including theme parks like Disney. Hammer said technology has improved and he does not expect the metal detectors to slow down lines.
The new projects will be funded through State Fair operating revenue and grants from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
According to Hammer, their public safety budget this year is $3.2 million. He estimates about 20% of that will go toward the metal detectors. Some of that money will cover the equipment rental but a big part of it will be used to pay the staff operating the detectors.
"Let's make sure we do everything we possibly can to make sure everybody goes home just as happy and safe as they got here," Hammer said.
The fair's board of managers also voted to keep the admission prices the same as last year: Adults 13-64 is $15; kids 5-12 and seniors 65+ are admitted for $13; and children 4 and under are free.
The fair runs from Aug. 27 through Labor Day.