Excessive heat doesn't stop fairgoers at the Great Minnesota Get-Together
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As high heat and humidity blanketed Minnesota Sunday — with heat indices over 100 degrees — State Fair goers paraded forward.
“That does not scare us away,” said David Gurrola from Blaine. “We’re drinking water and beer. Cold beer.”
The first of those beverages is one Dr. Aaron Burnett wants to remind people to keep recharging as the heat advisory continues into the start of the week. Burnett is an EMS medical director for Regions Hospital, the fair’s official first aid provider.
He said the two on-site medical stations have boosted staffing in light of the riskier weather. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning to a large swatch of central and southern Minnesota through 8 p.m. Monday.
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As of Sunday afternoon, there was a slight increase in people seeking heat-related help at the stations — one near the West End Market and another inside the 4-H building. But nothing too overwhelming, he said.
“The good news is that the majority of people who do get into any trouble with heat-related illness were able to get feeling better fairly quickly by getting out of the heat, into some air conditioning and hydrating,” Burnett said.
Going into another day with temperatures in the low 90s, Burnett reminded fairgoers to start hydrating on the way to the fair — on the drive, in the bus — then to keep it up while walking from booth to booth. It’s the folks who come in a bit dehydrated who usually run into the most heat-related problems, he said.
He also wanted to remind people to sit down and “listen to their own body.”
“Sitting down at the State Fair doesn’t mean you’re missing out at all,” Burnett said. “There’s a lot of great places at the State Fair to sit down, stay in the shade, listen to some music, see a performance.”
Beyond the fair, seven Salvation Army service centers across the Twin Cities will be open Monday to anybody who needs a respite from the heat.
“People can come in, take a rest, get cool, have some cool water and stay as long as they want,” said Salvation Army spokesperson Dan Furry. “Rest assured, there will be a place for people to sit and relax.”
A map of public, air-conditioned buildings is also available on the Hennepin County website, highlighting libraries and malls where people in need of air conditioning can escape.
And for those who do plan to stick it out at the fair, be ready to feel drippy.
“I am very sweaty,” said Maria Haley from the grounds Sunday afternoon. “I think all of the people in my group as well are very sweaty. And we just kind of accepted it at this point.”
By nighttime, a cold front is anticipated to roll through — relieving the state from the heat, but bringing potentially severe storms.
Reporter Chandra Colvin contributed to this report.