2025 Ramsey County Fair Canceled
The Ramsey County Agricultural Society regrets to announce that the County Fair has been canceled for the sixth straight year.
Originally canceled by Governor proclamation due to the pandemic in 2021 and 2022, demands by the county board of commissioners, including an unprecedented $25,000 upfront fee for use of the site, led to cancellations over the next several years. While exploring other options during that time, the Agricultural Society board of directors continued negotiations with the county staff while unable to meet directly with the board of commissioners, hoping to return to the Maplewood site.
This spring, however, county staff took a different approach to the issue.
In a letter written to Ramsey County Agricultural Society board members on April 9, 2025, Ling Becker, Ramsey County Manager, wrote “effective immediately Ramsey County will no longer host outside events at 2020 White Bear Ave. Maplewood, MN 55109 due to deteriorating property conditions and lack of accessibility.” Even though, it appears that county staff is still allowing drone racing at the site.
At their May board meeting, members of the Agricultural Society agreed to start a dialog with the county about the use of the property without the buildings. At the same time, however, they will continue to search for an alternate location.
To host a successful event, the County Fair needs a minimum of 12 acres with areas for a carnival, entertainment stage and fenced in beer tent. Plus a minimal amount of electricity and water.
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