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State fair hits all-time attendance record

The Minnesota State Fair set an all-time overall attendance record.

The Great Minnesota Get Together could be heading toward its greatest feat: an overall attendance of 2 million people.

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - Nearly 2 million people attended the 2017 Minnesota State Fair, setting a new, all-time attendance record.

Fair officials released the final numbers Tuesday afternoon, saying a record 1,997,320 people attended the Great Minnesota Get-Together this summer.

The previous record, 1,943,719, was set last year.

During its 12-day run, they also saw several daily attendance records set ...

Monday, Aug. 28, with 144,504 visitors
Friday, Sept. 1, with 187,066 visitors
Sunday, Sept. 3, with 242,759 visitors

The state fair credits a favorable mix of weather, old traditions and new attractions.

"We’ve heard really great feedback on the Great Big Wheel, so we’re hoping to get that back next year," said State Fair Spokesperson Danielle Dullinger. “Some of our bandshell acts this year have also had the biggest crowds we’ve ever seen, so everyone is really enjoying what we’re putting out this year.”

Some food vendors say they didn't expect to break records for a second straight year, but many did.

“Last year we did a little over 200,000 pounds of potatoes," said Dan Wozniak, whose family owns Fresh French Fries. “This year, we almost ran out because the crowd was so big yesterday. We’re edging toward 300,000 pounds, which is incredible for us.”

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