Dayton Says Planned Protest Outside Fair ‘Inappropriate’

FALCON HEIGHTS (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says the group Black Lives Matter has raised valid concerns about vending opportunities at the Minnesota State Fair.

But, Dayton says the group's planned protest outside the fairgrounds is "inappropriate." The governor says the group should have taken their complaints to the State Fair board several months ago. Black Lives Matter members contend minorities are shut out of opportunities to become vendors at the fair.

Dayton says if the group had taken their concerns to the board and the board was unresponsive, it would make more sense to protest. The group plans to demonstrate outside the fairgrounds on Saturday. The governor spoke Thursday at the State Fair.