Minnesota State Fair sets attendance record for the second straight day

The Minnesota State Fair is off to a strong start if you're going by attendance.

After setting a record on opening day , the fair set another attendance record on Aug. 23, the second day of the fair.

The fair had 171,233 people hit the crowded streets on Friday, despite some early-day rain. That's a new record, besting the previous high-water mark of 164,741, which was set last year.

The fair opened with 138,875 people, surpassing the 133,326 fairgoers that previously made 2019's opening the busiest kick-off.

On the surface, it looks possible that the Minnesota State Fair has a record-breaking attendance overall in 2024. However, there are many variables at play. The heat index is forecast to exceed 100F on both Sunday and Monday , which may deter some revelers from trekking to the fairgrounds for a taste of Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing .

The busiest 12-day fair total on record came in 2019 when 2,126,551 people passed through the gates.

Related: Minnesota State Fair 2024: The best new foods, part 1