After pandemic caused 2020 shutdown, Valleyfair plans to open in May
After COVID-19 prevented its 2020 season, Valleyfair in Shakopee is planning to open this May.
Valleyfair announced Monday that it will open to the public May 22, and its water park will open May 29, Memorial Day weekend. Season passes from 2020 will be honored this year. Unused admission tickets from 2020 can also be used through Sep. 6.
The park's new Grand Carnivale event will take place July 24-Aug. 8.
As of right now, Valleyfair says it will open at "limited capacity" to ensure social distancing can be maintained, and has a series of safety measures in place that may be revised up until the day before opening.
Not all rides will be open as they are "not conducive for social distancing," and some dining locations will also be closed.
Valleyfair will perform COVID-19 questionnaires to screen guests for symptoms and exposure before entry, face masks must be worn except when dining, and those planning on going to the theme park must notify the park in advance.
At this time, it's not clear how many people will be allowed in, though Gov. Tim Walz loosened the state's COVID-19 restrictions last week to allow large sporting venues to operate at 25% capacity above 500 guests.
Last August, Valleyfair determined it would not open for the entire 2020 season.
While loosened restrictions allowed destinations like Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America to open at a capacity of only 250, ongoing COVID-19 challenges and uncertainty from state officials kept the park closed.
