Hubby is a state fair junkie. He would camp there for the entire time if he could. Second best for him is that he takes vacation from his real job to work the information booth at the fair. He knows exactly what you are talking about. Me, going once or twice every year is enough.
There will be a state fair this year. The state fair is not funded in any way by the state of minnesota. The gov't shutdown will not impact the fair...maybe the beer sales, if our gov't hasn't gotten its crap together.