Fairchild the Gopher Spotted Getting MN State Fair Grounds Ready

Minnesotans aren't the only ones missing the Minnesota State Fair.

The State Fair's mascot Fairchild the Gopher was spotted Monday getting the fair grounds ready for visitors this summer. "Fairchild is over winter," the official MN State Fair posted on social media. "You?" The post included a short video of Fairchild in his iconic green and white pinstripe suit walking the fair grounds, clearing snow, knocking on vendor doors and looking for signs of visitors.

"I can't wait for the fair and getting to see you again Fairchild," said one fan in the post's comments.

"Missing YOU FAIRCHILD and the MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!" exclaimed another.

"Bring on the sunshine, the vaccine, and the hand sanitizer!" enthused a third.

In January, the Minnesota State Fair announced its plans to move forward for a 2021 with a number of different scenarios being considered.

The 2021 Minnesota State Fair is set to run August 26 through Labor Day September 6. Grand Stand acts have already been announced including:

Thursday, August 26 -- Miranda Lambert with special guests TBA
Tuesday, August 31 -- The Doobie Brothers with special guests Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Wednesday, September 1 -- Tim McGraw with special guest Midland
Thursday, September 2 -- NF with special guest TBA
Monday, September 6 -- Darci Lynne & Friends with special guest Okee Dokee Brothers

Find the list of Grand Stand shows and purchase tickets here.

According to the Minnesota State Fair website, Fairchild the Gopher became the official State Fair mascot in 1966; he was joined by his nephew Fairborne in 1983. Fairchild got his name -- a play on the institution he's named for -- after a state-wide naming contest. His name is also a tribute to the man who suggested the Ramsey County Poor Farm as the permanent site of the State Fair -- Henry S. Fairchild.