Preparations for the 1882 Minnesota State Fair
In 1882, Rochester prepared to welcome the Minnesota State Fair with a mixture of pride and anxiety.
Concerns and Hospitality
City leaders feared visitors would notice the rutted, dusty roads even as local merchants touted the town’s impressive storefronts. There was real hope the fair might settle in Rochester permanently after years of hosting the event.
Previous Fairs and Recommendations
Rochester had already staged the state fair in 1866, 1867, 1869, 1880, and 1881. With another visit scheduled to open on August 31, the Record and Union urged that main thoroughfares be fixed up to leave a strong impression on out-of-town guests.
City Council Measures
At the August 25 City Council meeting, officials agreed to take measures to control dust. Dubuque Street was singled out for extra attention, and streets south of College Street would be sprinkled daily during the fair at an expense of $50.
Fairgrounds and Attractions
The fairgrounds occupied about 80 acres in the city’s southeast quadrant and were enclosed by a seven-foot board fence. Prominent on the grounds was the f...