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Dear Fair Fans and Friends,
Who's ready for warmer weather?! Even though we're knee-deep in a Minnesota winter, there's a group of us in St. Paul thinking about summer and working hard to create 12 days of great fun for you and your family and friends.
We're busy scheduling the free stage and Grandstand lineups, working with vendors on what new foods will be featured, developing new attractions and exhibits, and coordinating this year's competitions and contests - all with the ultimate goal of presenting a world-class showcase of Minnesota's agriculture, art and industry with outstanding service in a safe, clean environment that is accessible to all. This newsletter contains highlights of our winter planning.
We hope to see you all again this summer during the 12 best days of summer - the 2014 Minnesota State Fair is Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Sept. 1.
Our best winter wishes,
Minnesota State Fair Staff
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"Farewell to the Ice" at the Warner Coliseum
 Bring your blades to the fairgrounds for a free open skate on the Warner Coliseum ice Saturday, March 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. Reminisce and skate a few laps as we say goodbye to the rink that has been home to decades of storied hockey games and team practices. After this, ice operations at the fair will be discontinued due to deteriorating ice-making equipment and dwindling rink rentals. More information on the March 1 event will be posted here and on Facebook in mid-February.
If you can't join us March 1 or are looking for the perfect way to stay fit even when it's cold and snowy, "Skate & Jog" at the Warner Coliseum is open through Feb. 28. Jog the Warner Coliseum's 1/5-mile heated concourse or hit the ice at the Warner Coliseum rink for some extra practice. For hours and admission prices, click here.
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Despite Snow and Cold, Construction Continues
 Hardy construction crews have been onsite all winter so that the State Fair's newest neighborhood, West End Market, will be ready to welcome you in August.
This one-of-a-kind destination will feature a State Fair History & Heritage Center to showcase treasured fair artifacts; entertainment amphitheater with a new stage and seating area; new food and beverage establishments; dozens of artisans and specialty merchant locations, some featuring live demonstrations; and brand new restrooms.
Additionally, construction plans include a new adjacent entrance gate and transit hub for buses. Watch for updates this spring!
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Artist Chosen to Create 2014 Commemorative Art
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2014 Commemorative Artist: Emily L. Taylor
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Congratulations to Emily L. Taylor! After reviewing 154 submissions from the Commemorative Art Call for Submissions in 2011, 2012 and 2013, a panel of judges named Taylor the Official Artist. She will create her original interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together using watercolor. The artwork will be unveiled in June.
"Having the opportunity to help preserve the State Fair as we know and love it is a privilege," Taylor says. "I hope that my painting will capture for the public what I feel is the essence
of the Great Minnesota Get-Together's community and spirit."
Taylor truly lives, eats and breathes the Minnesota State Fair, living only blocks away. Born in Minneapolis, she graduated
from South High School and earned her BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Taylor is now a professional artist and teacher.
The commemorative poster, a limited number of signed giclee prints and other merchandise featuring her art will be available for purchase after the June unveiling. Proceeds will support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, grounds and educational experiences. The original art will be on display during the 2014 State Fair. Click here for more information.
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Admission Prices for 2014
At this year's fair, adults (13-64) will be admitted for $13, and seniors (65 and over) and kids (5-12) for $11. Children under age 5 will be admitted free. Pre-fair discount admission tickets will be $10. Information on where to buy pre-fair discount admission tickets will be available later this spring. Several promotional days with reduced admission prices will again be offered, including Thrifty Thursday, Seniors and Kids Days, Military Appreciation Day, and Read & Ride Day. For more information, click here.
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Minnesota State Fair Board Elections
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Al Paulson: 2014 State Fair board of managers president
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The Minnesota State Agricultural Society, governing body of the State Fair, held its annual meeting in mid-January. Al Paulson of Shevlin, Minn., was elected to a one-year term as president of the State Fair board of managers. He is the Clearwater County auditor and has represented the ninth district on the fair board since 2004. Paulson is a recipient of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Heritage Award for his decades of volunteer service to the Clearwater County Fair in Bagley, Minn. D.J. Leary of Minneapolis, representing the fifth district, was elected to a two-year term as vice president. Dan Grunhovd of Gary, Minn., was elected to fill one year of an unexpired three-year term to represent the ninth district. Re-elected to three-year terms were: Gordy Toenges of Alden, first district; Sharon Wessel of Hamel, third district; and Joe Scapanski of Sauk Rapids, sixth district.
Jim Foss was elected to honorary life membership in the Minnesota State Agricultural Society. He was elected to the Minnesota State Fair's board of managers in 2002 and was president in 2012 and 2013. Foss is a retired farmer and lifelong resident of Goodhue County who has served on the boards of the Goodhue County Fair and State FFA. His many accolades include induction into the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Fame and election to the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame, and he is the recipient of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Heritage Award and the Goodhue County Citizen of the Year Award.
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Upcoming Events at the State Fairgrounds
February
18-28: Minnesota State High School League Boys Hockey Section Semi-Finals
March
1: Farewell to the Ice Open Skate
6-9: St. Paul Bird, Buck, Bait & Boat Show
15-16: Weapons Collectors Show & Sale
21-23: Super Golf Sale
23: Riders & Ribbons Horse Show
27-30: St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus
April
5-6: GSTA Rod & Custom Spectacular
12: MHAHA Spring Schooling Show
12-13: Military Relic Show
12-13: Weapons Collectors Show & Sale
15, 22, 29: Tuesday Night Worlds Bike Race
18-19: Antique Spectacular Show & Flea Market
25-27: Minnesota Horse Expo
26: Straw Bale Garden Day
26-27: Munchkin Markets Children's Consignment Sale
26-27: Minnesota Reptile Show and Sale
For information on events at the fairgrounds, click here.
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Host Your Next Event at the State Fairgrounds!
The State Fairgrounds are conveniently located and provide the perfect venue for events year-round: corporate parties and meetings; sales and trade shows; sporting events; large group and community functions; automobile, motorcycle and motorcoach assemblies; equestrian and livestock events; concerts and festivals; and wedding receptions.
The fairgrounds offer more than 320 acres of versatile space with 18 buildings available to rent. We feature great rates, free parking, a central location, easy access to grounds, full-service catering and concessions, and labor and equipment.
Click here for more information or email [email protected]
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Already a Fan of the Fair? Become a "Friend" and Get
Great Perks
 The Minnesota State Fair Foundation's Friends of the Fair membership program gives fair fans an opportunity to receive great benefits for as little as $25. The Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, State FairWear discounts, donor receptions and more are available at the Green Ribbon membership level. You may also consider jumping up to the $100 Red Ribbon membership level to receive admission/parking tickets and access to preferred seating for Grandstand concert tickets. Visit msffoundation.org for more details.
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Watch for Grandstand and Free Stage show
announcements coming this spring!
If you're receiving this email, you're on our list and will be among the first to know when artists are announced. Click to forward this email to your friends, so they can sign up for the inside scoop too!
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The 2014 Great Minnesota Get-Together runs
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