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Fire Destroys Up to 20 Buildings at Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds

The blaze, potentially caused by lightning, was contained after challenging firefighting efforts; no injuries reported, and recovery plans are underway.

The closing weekend for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival saw near perfect Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Shakopee, MN. Here, King Bubba of the Puppet Troupe towers above the large crowd.
A massive fire has broken out at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds.

Overview

  • A massive fire broke out at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds in Scott County on April 17, destroying 10 to 20 retail and food buildings.
  • Fire crews faced significant challenges, including water shortages and poor access due to gravel roads and recent rainfall, but contained the blaze by 8 p.m.
  • No injuries have been reported, and authorities are investigating the cause, with witness accounts suggesting a possible lightning strike.
  • Multiple local fire departments and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office collaborated in a rapid and coordinated response to the fire.
  • Festival organizers have expressed gratitude to emergency responders and have begun planning efforts to rebuild and restore the event’s infrastructure.