Subd. 1. Prohibition.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to conduct any circus in any city or within a radius of six miles of any city within a period of 18 days immediately preceding the dates of the annual Minnesota state fair or during the fair. A circus may be exhibited during this time, however, if and when it is engaged or contracted by an accredited agricultural society to form a part of the entertainment program of the annual fair of the accredited agricultural society. Nothing in this subdivision exempts a circus from obtaining a proper license or permit provided by law.

Subd. 2. Penalty.

A person, firm, or corporation violating subdivision 1 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $3,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year or both.