‘Tis the season for community days, farmers markets, and fairs — and here in Minnesota, none is bigger or more well-attended than the Minnesota State Fair, coming up at the end of the month and running through Labor Day.
If you’re a person who deals with anxiety, the prospect of large crowds and other state fair logistics might have you hesitating on whether or not you want to go. Thankfully, it’s possible to visit the Minnesota State Fair *and* keep your emotional well-being in mind!
Here are a few tips:
- Consider other modes of transportation. Waiting in traffic and worrying about where to park can bring out negative, stress-filled emotions in anyone! Mass transit often gets you there faster and has a designated drop-off area for easy arrival and departure. The State Fair Express Bus service even offers a direct bus ride to the fairgrounds for a small fee from neighboring suburbs. Let someone else worry about the driving!
- Come up with a plan in advance. If there are particular exhibits you want to hit or foods you want to try, it can help to use one of the state fair maps ahead of time and plot out your visit. Making decisions in the moment, when you’re already hot and tired from moving around, can feel overwhelming. This way, you have a general idea of what’s coming up.
- Take breaks. Even the best laid plans get turned upside down sometimes. If a food line is WAY too long, if you get tired sooner than expected, or if you’re just not feeling it anymore, it’s okay to say so! Find a quiet spot to rest when you need to, or bail early entirely if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
For more state fair information, visit mnstatefair.org.
