The Eve of the Fair: Why Opening Day Still Gives Me Butterflies

There’s something magical about the Minnesota State Fairgrounds the night before opening day. The gates haven’t swung open yet, the smell of mini donuts isn’t drifting through the air, and the crowds haven’t arrived, but the energy is already buzzing.

I wander through the quiet buildings, peek at the final touches being put on exhibits, and hunt down anything new or quirky to snap a photo with. If you look at my pictures, you’ll see pure joy all over my face.

After working at the fair for 27 of the last 47 years, you might think the novelty would wear off, but it never does. My journey began when I was 13, performing karate demonstrations in the Education Building. Since then, I’ve sold tickets at the gates, managed entertainment acts, run Kidway, trained hundreds of volunteers, and even camped onsite for decades. Each role has carried its own story, its own memory.

But tonight, the eve of opening day, is when it all comes full circle. It’s the same excitement I felt as a teenager standing by the campground fence, watching my Aunt Faye paint her fair exhibit, and whispering to myself, “Someday, I’m going to work here too.”

And here I am again this year.
Still in love with the fair.
Still feeling those butterflies.

That’s the beauty of traditions: they remind us that joy never has to fade if we keep showing up for it.