State Fair to celebrate Prince
Published 7:59 am Tuesday, August 9, 2016
By Tim Harlow
Minneapolis Star Tribune
It will be all things purple at the Great Minnesota Get-Together as State Fair officials have declared Aug. 26 “Unite in Purple” Day in honor of Prince.
All fairgoers are encouraged to dress in purple and wear Prince gear as they take part in the celebration of the beloved musical artist from 5 p.m. to close.
Among the events: Prince music and tributes throughout the park, a lasertainment show, and a “Prince Party in the Park” with music and dancing at Carousel Park led by Prince’s personal DJ, GenerationNOW’s Dudley D.
Fair buildings and carnival rides will be bathed in purple, and glow bracelets will be given to the first 5,000 guests who arrive after 5 p.m. Purple buttons will be given to the first 7,500 guests who pass through the turnstiles after 5 p.m.
Following Charlie Wilson and Fantasia’s show at the Grandstand, the evening will conclude with fireworks set to Prince music and featuring a special pyrotechnic Prince tribute.
“The idea is to get people together around the one icon that transcended generations and cultures and communities and ages,” said fair spokeswoman Brienna Schuette. “He was a person who brought everybody together and the fair is a place that brings people together.”