Planning to attend the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the 2011 Minnesota State Fair? Many accessibility options are available but planning ahead is essential. The fair is Aug. 25 – Sept. 6 in St. Paul.
Accessibility information is available on the fair website, at www.mnstatefair.org or call 651-288-4448. The website includes an online accessibility guide.
The Minnesota State Fair provides services including wheelchair/stroller/wagon/electric scooter rentals, parking on the fairgrounds, wheelchair accessible park and ride, passenger drop-off areas, assistive listening devices, wheelchair battery recharging, sign language interpreters, accessible seating at entertainment venues, curb cuts throughout the fairgrounds and a care and assistance center
Vista Mobility provides manual wheelchairs, wagons, strollers and electric scooters for rent at four locations:
• On the northeast corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Liggett Street
• South of Gate 2 on Cooper Street
• East of Visitors Plaza on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue
• North of Gate 9
Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Rental fees are $15 per day for wheelchairs, $13 per day for wagons. The deposit of a driver’s license or state ID is required. $9 per day for strollers and $50 per day ($35 after 6 p.m.) for electric scooters.
Vista Mobility will accept reservations for electric scooters. Reservations will only be for electric scooters and will only be accepted online.
For fairgoers needing ASL assistance, ASL interpreters will be available to assist guests from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Inquire about this free service at the guest services office in Visitors Plaza. Anyone with additional special requests for interpreter services may call 651-288-4448. ASL interpretation are with special daily events:
• 10 a.m. Ron Schara’s Minnesota Bound: The North Woods exhibit on Cooper St. between Randall Ave. and Lee Ave.
• 11 a.m. IRONJACK Timber Team Show: The North Woods exhibit
• 12:30 p.m. Sean Emery at Family Fair in Baldwin Park.
For grandstand shows, ASL interpreters or audio describers need to be requested at least two weeks in advance. Call 651-288-4427 or e-mail accessibility@mnstatefair.org Ask about the specific show(s).
