It’s that time again – the Great Minnesota Get-Together is here! Are you ready for fried foods of all kinds, award-winning arts and crafts projects, farm animals, music and more?
The State Fair can be tons of fun, but it also can be challenging to navigate the crowds if you have balance concerns.
We have a few tips to think about when planning your State Fair adventure. Strategy plans before any big event or activity can be the key to success.
Before you go
- Choose a less busy time to visit, like an early morning on a weekday, if possible. Avoid evenings and weekends, which can draw as many as 270,000 people.
- Plan your transportation. If you need accessible parking, check out this link for info on park-and-ride lots that have accessible buses and parking spaces. The State Fair also offers the Oscar Johnson Arena Park & Ride lot, which is designated for visitors who have accessible parking permits.
- Reserve a wheelchair or motorized scooter ahead of time if needed. Here’s the link. (Choose “Minnesota State Fair” as the event.) You can pick your device up at the HomeTown Mobility locations throughout the fairgrounds. Find a map here.
While you’re there
- Walking sticks/trekking poles: If you will be walking around the grounds, and you don’t have a cane or walker, consider using Nordic trekking poles. These are rather inexpensive and easy to use, and they can give you extra stability. Often they also retract into smaller forms to make them easier to store on the car or bus ride to and from the fair.
- Pace yourself. It’s impossible to see everything at the fair in one day. Instead, pick a few priority things to see and do, and take rest breaks between each. There are accessible seats at all the music venues – why not stop, put your feet up and listen to some tunes here and there along the way?
- Stay hydrated. It’s just not a State Fair if it isn’t hot and humid, or so it usually seems! Make sure to drink extra water, even if you aren’t thirsty.
Have fun and enjoy the fair!
At the National Dizzy & Balance Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders. If you are having balance problems or dizziness, talk to your doctor. They can refer you to NDBC for a comprehensive evaluation with our medical team, audiologists and physical therapists. Find out more at our website or call to schedule your appointment today!