One of Minnesota's top attractions for more than 50 years is in danger of being shut down.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival may not be able to continue in its current location, near Shakopee, because of an ongoing issue with parking.

According to a report in the Star-Tribune, officials in Scott County are considering revoking the festival's permit to operate after roads leading to the venue were plagued by massive traffic jams during the 2022 event.

KYBB-FM / B102.7 logo
Get our free mobile app

The county says officials at Mid-America Festivals, which runs the Minnesota festival, as well as similar events in Kansas City, St. Louis, Michigan, and Florida, were aware there would be reduced parking this year after a lease had expired on a lot that provided ten percent of the total on-site parking, but that that information was never relayed to local officials.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival Traffic
Francisca Journey/YouTube Screenshot
loading...

At times during the festival's seven-week run from late August to early October, attendees reported waits of up to two hours to get a parking spot.

During a recent public hearing on the matter, some local residents testified that they were unable to leave their homes because of traffic jams in the area.

One area patio furniture shop owner claimed that 80 percent of the local businesses around the site shut down during festival weekends because customers couldn't get to their establishments.

Scott County officials will take up the issue again at a January 17 board meeting. The festival cannot operate without a county permit.

The event has grown into one of the country's largest and most successful Renaissance fairs, attracting about 300,000 people each year.

It has been operating at the current site since 1973.

Inside Minnesota's Largest Candy Store

I had been to Minnesota's Largest Candy Store once before, but they did some pretty cool things since the last time I was there. They added a bunch of superheroes, Star Wars stuff, and a candy band.

According to their Facebook page, Jim's Apple Farm is actually how the now huge candy store got its start. It is located in Jordan, MN and you can't miss it. It is a huge yellow building.

Even though candy is mentioned in the name, they have a little bit of everything. They have fresh baked pies and cookies and fudge. We walked in and it smelled amazing!

They also have the largest selection of sodas! Then there is chocolate and taffy and gummies and chips and puzzles and games. So much stuff!

They even have a Zoltar machine like in the movie, Big. I had to check that out. He told me the only helping hand is at the end of my arm. Gee, thanks Zoltar.

There were even crickets and worms! Not gummy worms, but actual worms.
They also have candy from all over the world!

The store is seasonal, however. November is their last month of operation for the season.

120 Year Old Minnesota Bridge Still In Use And Freaking Amazing

Minnesota known as the land of 10,000 lakes has one of the most unique old bridges still in use today. The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth Minnesota is what they call a span-drive configuration movable lift bridge.

Minnesota's Must See World's Largest Roadside Attractions

If you are making some family summer vacation plans maybe check out Minnesota's Roadside Attractions like the World's Largest Otter, Pelican, Babe The Blue Ox, and more! 

More From KYBB-FM / B102.7