BLUE EARTH - The Minnesota State Fair is trying to stop schools from opening before Labor Day.

Faribault County commissioners were asked Tuesday to support a resolution from the State Fair. Commissioners declined.

The resolution outlined the positive impact the State Fair has on the economy of Minnesota, along with agriculture learning opportunities for youth.

The State Fair also is concerned that early school openings will deprive 4-H and Future Farmers of America participants from experiencing the "educational and life experiences" at the fair.

The resolution says early openings also will cause fair attendance to drop dramatically.

The State Fair believes the drop would cause economic strife for the fair and businesses that benefit from it.

"I'm trying to figure out if this (resolution) is a good thing or a bad thing," said Commissioner Tom Warmka. "In one way, it'll hurt our fair, but in another way it might help our schools that are trying to fight through budget restraints too."

"There's definitely some valid points," said Commissioner Bill Groskreutz. "I don't think we should be in the business of legislating or encouraging legislation that would possibly hinder some of the school districts in better providing education to those youth also. That's just as important, if not more important, than attending our State Fair."

Warmka noticed problems in the past when his sons went through school. He said if his sons missed a day of sports practice, they couldn't play in the game. This problem will increase if schools start their years earlier.

"I'm not gonna get in the middle of this thing," Warmka said. "... With these budget restraints that are on us, everything's gotta be on the table."

Commissioner Tom Loveall said the State Fair's concerns should go to school boards.

"The school boards get elected," he said. "They make decisions. This is a school board issue, not so much a county board issue."

Warmka said he supports 4-H, FFA and the State Fair, but he still didn't want to interfere.