On This Date In Twin Cities History - August 23, 1886

On this date in 1886, a grand opening celebration is held for the Industrial Exposition Building in Minneapolis and its first exposition. Local dignitaries such as Senator Cushman K. Davis and Archbishop John Ireland spoke at the dedication.  A congratulatory telegram sent by President Grover Cleveland is read publicly.  The exposition lasts until October 2.  During its run, the fair averaged 8,000 tickets sold per day, but because free passes also were distributed as well, daily attendance may have been as high as 15,000.