“It was clear from the first moments on opening day that people were more than ready to return home to their State Fair. ‘We really need this’ is what we heard from many very happy people. Our thanks to everyone who visited the State Fair this year and also to the tens of thousands of people who worked so very hard to make State Fair magic – State Fair staff, vendors, exhibitors, agriculturists, youth groups, volunteers and especially our many partners who stepped up to provide public safety and security for the fair.”
- Minnesota State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer
Photo: Kaylen Larson
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Shop FairWear Now for Less! |
For the lowest prices and the best post-fair selection of your favorite State Fair merchandise, shop now! Save 25% on apparel for all ages, plus hats, crossbody bags (they’re all the rage!), totes, magnets, drinkware and other novelties, when you shop at StateFairWear.com. And there’s more – all clearance items are already marked 50% off!
A portion of all sales benefits the Minnesota State Fair Foundation mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, fairgrounds and educational programs. (Note: This sale is online only; there will not be a clearance sale event at the fairgrounds this fall.)
Hurry! The online sale ends Oct. 14! (Use code FALLSALE at checkout to access sale pricing sitewide, excluding clearance items.)
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Checking Off Items on Our Fall To-Do List |
The State Fair is over and winter’s approaching, so we’re busy this fall with a myriad of clean up and maintenance projects. Our year-round facilities and operations staff is busy moving picnic tables and benches indoors, taking down hundreds of signs across the fairgrounds, clearing gardens, turning off water, cleaning up leaves and more. |
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Fair Friends Voted and the Winner Is Concrete (literally)! |
At the State Fair, more than 2,000 votes were cast by Friends of the Fair members for the second annual Friends of the Fair Special Project Grant. As selected by voters, the $50,000 award will fund a project to improve the fairgrounds environment – the replacement of a stretch of deteriorated and damaged sidewalk, helping to make the fairgrounds more accessible and a better experience for everyone who visits. The goal of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation’s Fairgrounds Environment giving area is to improve the fairgrounds to be universally accessible, green and welcoming for all.
Watch a future issue of this newsletter for photos of the new sidewalk! We appreciate the support of our Friends of the Fair and donors. Every project – both big and small – that you have funded has made an impact. Thank you!
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Accessibility Guest Services Expand With New Offerings at the Fair |
To enhance the fair experience for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing or are blind or have low vision, the State Fair provided open captioning and audio description at select performances on its free entertainment stages, as part of a pilot project to test how we might offer these services on a more expansive level in the future.
Open captioning, using a screen showing the song lyrics and spoken dialogue, was operated by a captioner at the Schell’s Stage during four performances of History On-A-Schtick, a fun, fast-paced, satirical musical about Minnesota icons. (The photo above shows the screen in front of the stage and the captioner holding a laptop in the lower right corner.)
Audio description, using headsets that carried a verbal description of what was taking place on stage, was offered at the History On-A-Schtick and All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash shows on four days. Laura Wiebers, who provided the audio description, explains her role as similar to that of a radio play-by-play announcer for a ball game with the added challenge of not speaking over what is being said on stage.
If you attended any of the free stage performances this year, you may have heard welcome messages in Spanish, Hmong and Somali, in addition to English. The fair worked with local media channels serving each of these communities to record welcome announcements, as well as weather emergency messages.
The opening captioning and audio description pilot project and the translations were funded with support by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
For more information about accessibility at the State Fair, including ASL services and visiting the fair with sensory sensitivities, check out the Accessibility Guide.
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Best of the Best Were Showcased at the Fair! |
More than 32,000 entries were judged this year in one of the best State Fair traditions – competing for blue ribbons, bragging rights and more than $1.7 million in prize money. A big shout-out to those of you who put your best to Minnesota’s blue ribbon test!
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3,327 entries in handcrafts, needlecrafts, collections, garment making and senior citizens categories
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3,202 baked goods entries
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1,446 preserved foods (canned, pickled, dried, etc.) entries
This year, in the Recipe Card Round-Up competition, exhibitors were asked to create a hot dish using at least one signature Minnesota State Fair ingredient – such as fried pickles, cheese curds, French fries, pretzels – you get the idea! Melissa DeBilzan of St. Paul wowed the judges with her “I Like It Elote" recipe featuring corn on the cob. Want to try this at home?! We'll feature this blue ribbon-winning recipe as one of the Recipe Card Roundup collectibles given away at next year’s fair!
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The work of talented Minnesota students in kindergarten through grade 12 was showcased in the Education Building. (Photo: Second grader Meg Schmitt won several ribbons for her entries. This photo appeared in Eden Prairie Local News courtesy of Melissa Schmitt.)
The ribbon winners were selected from:
- 2,225 entries in drawing, painting, sewing, jewelry, reports, creative writing and more, completed at home or at school; and
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646 technology education entries, including architectural drawings, photography, welding, woodworking, CO2 cars, solar boats and more, completed at school
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In the largest juried arts exhibition in Minnesota, 2,207 artists registered to submit one piece of work; 324 pieces were then selected to showcase during the 2022 State Fair. Of these, 104 were sold with 20 percent of sales proceeds going to support Minnesota State Fair Foundation projects and programs focused on art at the fair. People’s Choice winners (pictured) are Erik J Fremstad’s “The Grizzly” (Adults’ Choice), and Scotty Z’s “PesCATarian” (Kids’ Choice).
- 117 Christmas tree entries
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1,105 entries in bee and honey divisions
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326 crop art and scarecrow entries
- 734 flower entries
- 347 fruit and amateur wine entries
- 2,154 vegetable entries, including the 1,676.5-pound winner of the Giant Pumpkin Contest grown by James Magnuson of New London
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Grant and Mentor Program Brings 15 First-Time Exhibitors to the Fair |
In its second year, the Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) Grant program awarded grants to 15 youth livestock exhibitors who participated in the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2022. With funding from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, large-animal exhibitors received $500 and small-animal exhibitors received $250 each to help offset feed, animal care, transportation, supplies, lodging and other costs of exhibiting livestock at the State Fair. Exhibitors were also paired with a youth mentor to help guide them through their experience. To cap off the program, during the fair, the group attended a reception with State Fair staff and the boards of the State Agricultural Society and the Foundation.
“I learned so much from my mentor Kendra who came to visit me at my county fair,” writes Hayden Lennes, one of this year's BELLE recipients, pictured here with Kendra. “I had so much fun being a part of the BELLE Grant program and the State Fair, and I plan to buy a goat or two next year to keep showing!”
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Minnesota’s Top Talent Shines on Grandstand Stage |
In an evening showcase of vocal, instrumental, dance and spoken word performances, winners of the 49th Amateur Talent Contest were crowned on the Grandstand stage Sept. 4.
Aurora Wang of Shoreview won the open division with her solo piano performance of “Paganini Variations,” taking home the $10,000 top prize. (Photo: Patrick Dunn)
Vocal group Six, with singers from across the metro area, won the teen division with their performance of “Ex-Wives.” Performing a dance solo to “Ain’t That A Kick,” Tahari Conrad of Shoreview won the preteen division.
Held the last Sunday of the fair, the Amateur Talent Contest Finals is a free event in the Grandstand. The 2023 contest will be the 50th MSF Amateur Talent Contest, with auditions taking place in July.
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State Fair Supreme Champions Crowned |
- Open Class Supreme Champion Dairy Female: Anthony Kohls, Do-N-Joy Genetics, Arlington, Minn. (Breaking news: Winner Bermuda went on to receive Reserve Grand Champion Brown Swiss and Intermediate Brown Swiss Champion honors at World Dairy Expo this week in Wisconsin! Bermuda is pictured above along with the State Fair's Junior Supreme Champion, Knapps Tempest in a Teapot - ETV, a Guernsey heifer exhibited by Adhyn Schell of Lewiston, Minn.)
- Open Class Supreme Champion Beef Female: Benjamin Hawkins, Hawkins Cattle, Lowry, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Beef Bull: Ennis Wallace, Kip Wallace Cattle, Emerald, Wis.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Beef Cow Calf: Aiden Hiniker, Pipestone, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Boar: Mike Patterson, Country Girls Show Pigs, Kenyon, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Gilt: Jackson Roll, Bingham Lake, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Ram, Wool Breeds: Tim and Brenda Lobdell, Lobdell Dorpers, Freeport, Ill.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Ewe, Wool Breeds: Leland Thiesen, Thiesen Columbias, Windom, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Ram, Meat Breeds: Charles Bobendrier, Bobendrier Hampshires, Pipestone, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Ewe, Meat Breeds: Bret Oelke, Riverview Livestock, Barrett, Minn.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Dairy Goat Herd: Mary Adamson, Marran, Milton, Wis.
- Open Class Supreme Champion Boar Goat: Karley Hamilton, Owatonna, Minn.
Minnesota State Fair Horse Show Supreme and Signature Winners
- Supreme Champion Stallion Draft Horse: Glenview Percherons, Glenwood City, Wis.
- Supreme Champion Mare Draft Horse: Zubrod’s Percherons LLC, Guthrie, Okla.
- Supreme Champion Gelding Draft Horse: Welton Ridge Farms, Delmar, Iowa
- Draft Horse Supreme Six-Horse Hitch: Ames Percheron Farm Inc., Jordan, Minn.
- Draft Horse Supreme Cart Classic Series: Shining Stars Percherons, Altoona, Iowa
- Youth Cart Classic Series: McKenna Shaw driving for Ames Percheron Farm Inc., Jordan, Minn.
- Signature Tandem Bareback Champion Team: Victoria Mailand, Isanti, Minn., and Lydia Jones, Isanti, Minn.
- Signature Mounted Costume: Kylie Jo Lawrance, Monticello, Minn.
- Four-In-Line Barrels Champion Team: Minnesota Valley Riders Saddle Club (Jan Deile, Madison Deile, Ginny Olson and Stephanie Wall)
Photo: Dale Raduenz
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Four Creations Added to Joyful World Mural Park |
In 2021, the Minnesota State Fair launched the Joyful World Mural Park in partnership with Forecast Public Art and with support from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. During the 12 days of the fair, 12 artists created murals onsite, enlivening the green space south of the Grandstand with public art that reflected the world they want to live in and giving fair visitors an opportunity to watch a wide range of artists work in a variety of styles.
Joining those 12 pieces, murals by four new artists were added to the Joyful World Mural Park at the 2022 fair. Each artist created an 8’ x 8’ piece of art onsite. Shown above are murals by (left to right): Danielle Clifford, Suyao Tian, Noah Lawrence-Holder and Wes Winship. If you’re starting your 2023 State Fair bucket list now, check out all of these pieces at the Joyful World Mural Park!
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CHS Miracle of Birth Center Welcomes Newborns |
During the 12 days of the 2022 State Fair, 138 animals were born at this award-winning exhibit, including 104 piglets, 10 calves, 21 lambs and three kids (goats). At the Hen House in the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, 61 hens laid 566 eggs during the fair’s 12 days!
The CHS Miracle of Birth Center started in 2001 and is staffed by volunteer veterinarians from the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary students from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and members of the MN FFA organization. This exhibit, a popular free attraction at the fair, educates the public on the vital role that animal agriculture and veterinary medicine play in the state of Minnesota and highlights the importance of animals to our economy, health and quality of life. (Photo: @MN.VMA on Instagram)
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MSF Scholarships Awarded to 24 Outstanding Young Adults |
Invested in the education endeavors of young people from greater Minnesota, the Minnesota State Fair established the Minnesota State Fair Scholarship program in 1994, annually awarding up to 22 scholarships of $1,000 each and two scholarships of $2,000 each. Since its inception, more than $584,000 has been awarded.
This year’s scholarships, recognizing young adults from greater Minnesota or those enrolled in an agriculture program in 2021-22, were funded by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation and presented by members of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society board during a program in the Warner Coliseum during the fair.
Congratulations to these outstanding recipients:
Gracie Ash of Milaca; Natalie Beckendorf of Renville; Miles Flack of Lake Crystal; Tayler Franz of Bingham Lake; Hailey Frericks of Albany; Garett Johnson of Byron; Amelia Lawver of Garden City; Brynn Lozinski of Clara City; Grace Moeller of Lake Crystal; Olivia Nienaber of Scandia; Torii Nienow of Motley; Isabella O'Brien of West Concord; Elle Penzenstadler of Chisago; Baleigh Peterson of Gibbon; Allison Rients of Waterville; Carson Ruen of Lanesboro; Cody Sievert of Gibbon; Kylie Stafford of Rose Creek; Magen Tol of Canby; Morgan Townshend of Plymouth; Ryan VanPelt of Austin; Jessica Willegal of Gibbon; Catie Erickson of Fertile (Christensen Family Scholar); and Allison Wright of Hutchinson (Christensen Family Scholar).
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Miss the Fair? Get Your Fair Fix With the Info Booth Ladies Podcast |
What do you do when you have decades of experience working at the Minnesota State Fair and are fascinated by the countless stories and personalities that make the Great Minnesota Get-Together great? You start your own podcast!
Enter the Info Booth Ladies – Kathy, Margie and Kristen (pictured above). They’ve all held assorted jobs at the fair in the past, but for the past seven years, they’ve worked together at the Gate 5 information booth on Dan Patch Avenue right inside the Snelling Avenue gate. Their podcast, aptly named "Info Booth Ladies," is billed as an unofficial behind-the-scenes podcast about the Minnesota State Fair. Interview guests have included performer Sean Emery, Martha of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, Grandstand operations superintendent Craig Flor, State Fair horticulturalist Jenny Cunningham, U of M Driven to Discover co-founder Ellen Demerath, Steichen’s Grocery proprietor Jimmy Steichen, and so many others.
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Premier Beef Industry Event Brings Beef Producers, Youth and Industry Leaders to the State Fairgrounds
The Minnesota Beef Expo has been serving the Midwest beef industry since 2000. One of the premier beef industry events in the Midwest, the expo is supported and hosted annually by the Minnesota State Fair and welcomes nearly 5,000 participants and visitors each year. It features more than 800 head of cattle exhibited in the Junior Show, plus opportunities to learn from experts and connect with livestock companies and cattle enthusiasts. In addition to exhibitions, the schedule includes a trade show, auction, knowledge bowl, judging and showmanship contests, and seminars and symposiums for youth and adult participants.
A highlight will be the awarding of heifers to youths ages 12-16 who have been selected to be a part of the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP). Each year, cattle producers from across the region generously donate heifers to help young people get started in the beef business.
Each MYBEP winner is responsible for raising, breeding and maintaining complete records on care of the animal, while providing monthly progress reports to the original owner and the Minnesota Beef Expo. MYBEP recipients must also commit to participating at the expo the following year. The breeders who donated heifers will serve as mentors to the MYBEP youth and help guide them through their first year as cattle owners. Nearly 150 heifers have been donated to youth across the Midwest since MYBEP started in 2004.
The 2022 Minnesota Beef Expo is Oct. 20-23 in the Warner Coliseum and Livestock Complex. For the first time, the event will be livestreamed. More information will be posted at mnbeefexpo.com.
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Lorenz Family Honors Their Daughter and Family Time at the Fair |
“Our love for the fair goes back to when my wife Diane and I were just kids. When I was a kid going way back now, I remember my parents would take us to the fair. We’ve been going probably for more than 60 years,” recalls Dave Lorenz.
“But the fair meant a lot more to us when we had our own family, our two daughters. They loved going to the fair, visiting the animal barns and seeing all the animals, going on rides and watching concerts.”
Dave and Diane’s youngest daughter, Kristin, passed away 18 years ago at age 16 in a car accident. In 2021, they purchased a recognition bench. “We were looking for things to honor her, to remember her by, and she loved the fair. We knew about this (bench) program, and we just thought, ‘Wouldn’t this be a nice way to remember Kristin and our whole family?’”
“This bench had a big impact on our family,” Dave continues. “It wasn’t just meaningful for our family, but especially for family members and friends of our daughter. It wasn’t just us remembering. It’s unbelievable that people … looked for the bench, sat down, took a picture, and then sent it to us. It meant a lot to them too.”
The Lorenz Family bench honoring Kristin is placed in the central part of the fairgrounds in front of the Grandstand, somewhere between the West End and the Corn Roast, along with the other blue benches. Read more about the Dave Lorenz donor profile on the Minnesota State Fair Foundation website.
If you're interested in donating a bench in time for the 2023 State Fair, the deadline is May 1, 2023.
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Congratulations to the 2022 Best Award Winners! |
On Sept. 1, the Minnesota State Fair presented awards to 13 of the very best of the State Fair’s nearly 1,000 commercial exhibitors, concessions, attractions and food and beverage vendors at the 2022 Great Minnesota Get-Together.
These Best Awards recipients were selected because they exemplify these characteristics: Provide exceptional, efficient customer service and an outstanding experience for fair guests; knowledgeable staff with positive attitudes who are courteous, thoughtful and professional; an amazing visual presentation and positive image; present a premium quality product/service; and offer great value.
- Ball Park Cafe: Known for a wide selection of craft beers, gourmet burgers, garlic fries and more, plus a fun, lively atmosphere
- Break-A-Bottle Game by Thornberry Concessions: Classic Mighty Midway game by longtime operators who consistently provide exceptional service
- Fiore Trees: Garden featuring hand-forged metal flower-basket trees that greeted guests at the West End Plaza with color and light, enhancing the area especially at night
- Hansen’s Amusement Foods: A mainstay in the barns area that provides good meals for livestock exhibitors with kind, respectful service, and is well-respected in the business
- KMOJ Radio: Brings great energy to their area, creating a fun, interactive atmosphere that brings the crowd together
- Minneapple Pie: Family-owned business that always provides a high-quality product and friendly customer service
- PuzzleTwist: Unique special-edition puzzles, including Minnesota-themed puzzles, plus a State Fair puzzle and puzzle accessories
- Rick’s Pizza R&J Concessions: Owners who are easy to work with and provide a great product in a trailer with an outstanding appearance
- Root’d: Visually appealing booth selling unique accent furniture, home and garden décor and accessories
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community: Well-done exhibit showcasing educational information on the Sioux community’s history, culture, language, values and giving
- Soul Bowl: A new vendor with staff who are innovative, easy going, on the ball and provide great customer service
- TechnoPower: Popular ride at Mighty Midway
- Tilt-A-Whirl: Longtime Kidway ride
At the Best Awards program, a special award was also presented to Candice Anderson, longtime midway operator, for legacy achievement.
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Thank You to Our Hard-Working Employees! |
Our dedicated team of 1,900 employees helped us bring back the Great Minnesota Get-Together in a big way in 2022! We salute all of our barn attendants; greenhouse assistants; IATSE employees; parking and park & ride attendants; police; ticket sellers and takers; workers in educational programs, entertainment, guest and information services, operations, public safety, sales, sanitation and transportation; and interns in competition, employment services, finance, the ticket office, and more. Thank you for making the 2022 State Fair the best!
We will begin hiring for 2023 summer jobs in January and fair-time jobs in June. For employment updates, check out our employment web page, and join our email list to receive notices about State Fair jobs.
State Fair Staff MVPs Are the Best of the Best
In a long-standing tradition, summer and fair-time employees nominated by full-time staff and department superintendents for their exceptional work and commitment were recognized in a program at the Grandstand Sunday evening, Sept. 4, prior to the Amateur Talent Contest Finals. Congratulations to this awesome group representing these State Fair departments: 4-H, Agriculture Horticulture, Attraction Ticket Takers, Employment Services, Grandstand Building, Greenhouse, Home Improvement/Creative Activities Annex, Lost & Found, Machinery Hill, Operations, Sales, Sanitation, Ticket Office and Web & Publications.
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2022 Marks 75 Years of the FFA Show at the State Fair
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What began in 1948 with 37 boys exhibiting sheep and swine has grown into an expansive show with opportunities for nearly 15,700 Minnesota FFA members from more than 200 chapters across the state to participate in livestock and non-livestock competitions. Today, MN FFA’s vision is to impact the lives of students through agricultural education so they develop their potential to achieve academic and personal growth, strengthen American agriculture, and provide leadership to build healthy local communities, a strong nation, and a sustainable world.
Several programs were held during the last four days of the State Fair to commemorate the fair’s partnership with FFA, including a weekend kick-off event outside Compeer Arena (pictured); recognition of Legacy FFA Show families and chapters, past recipients of the D.K. Baldwin Award (the highest FFA honor awarded at the fair), and families that have exhibited in the FFA Show for three generations or more; and an awards program featuring 2022 FFA Supreme Champions in several livestock categories, as well as this year’s student exhibits (awards program sponsored by Bremer Bank).
As evidence of how much the FFA Show at the fair has grown, 2022 featured FFA exhibitions throughout the fair including agriculture technology and crops in the Agriculture Horticulture Building; landscape design & construction showcased on the east side of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center; and agricultural interactive exhibits/demonstrations at the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center. Competitions held Sept. 2 to 5 included beef & dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, judging contests and safe tractor operation.
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Recognizing 50 Years of State Fair Participation
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In a ceremony held Sept. 2 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, the Minnesota State Fair recognized individuals who have actively participated in the fair for at least 50 years. Recipients’ names will be added to a permanent plaque located in the Administration Building. Congratulations to the 2022 recipients of the 50 Year Award!
- Boy Scouts of America – Northern Star Scouting
- Joel Chesin, Café Caribe
- Lynn Charles Ewald, Open Class Beef Cattle
- Dr. Edward Frederick, Moo Booth and University of Minnesota Booth
- Paul Fritsche, Open Class Dairy Cattle
- Michel & Sharon Kawas, Bible Land Crafts
- LuAnn Peters McArdell, Peters Hot Dogs
- Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party
- Minnesota Department of Education
- Minnesota Honey Producers
- Tina K. Isaac, Sonny’s Fair Food
- Leah O’Neil, Poncho Dogs
- Keith Oxford, Televac Computer Co.
- David Pellowski, Home of Elegance
- Lynn Peters Meadows, Peters Hot Dogs
- Lori Ribar, Corn Roast
- Kathleen Riewe, State Fair Information Services
- Lou Skarda, Luigi Fries
- Alice Spidahl, About A Foot Long Hot Dog
- Jimmy Steichen, Steichen’s Food Market
- Dave Wildung, State Fair Fruit Department
- Dave Woodis, Grandstand Admissions
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We Salute Our Volunteers!
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Our many education experiences would not be possible without the help of thousands of volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who helped fair guests experience the activities or were presenters at Alphabet Forest, Christensen Farms Stage, CHS Miracle of Birth Center, The Common Table, The DIRT stage, EquiMania!TM, Kemps Little Farm Hands, Math On-A-Stick and more. If you'd like to volunteer next year, watch for notices in early summer! (Photo: Andy Berndt)
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A Win-Win for Fundraising Groups and the Fair
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Thank you to the dozens of groups who pitch in year-round and during the 2022 State Fair! Sports teams, community organizations, clubs, schools, churches and other groups provide much-needed help with barn clean-up, sanitation, parking lots and other tasks. In return, the groups earn money to put toward whatever they’re fundraising for – equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, facility maintenance, and more.
Fundraising for a small nonprofit bully breed rescue has always been a
struggle for us. When we found this fundraising opportunity, we were thrilled...
a little intimidated at first, but we quickly learned what we needed to do and realized it was so worth it! The barn staff and machine drivers were all amazing and helped us quickly learn the ropes.
4 Pits Sake Rescue is blessed with amazing adopters, fosters and volunteers
that join us every year to help us clean. Two of our volunteers drive from central Wisconsin, about two hours away, every year to help us. As strange as it may sound, we really enjoy our barn shifts. It provides a chance for us to have some laughs with our fellow rescue warriors and enjoy our favorite fair foods together when we take a break between barns.
The funds we raise are used to support our efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing Minnesota’s homeless bully breeds. This ranges from covering our veterinarian costs, professional training, supplies & administrative costs.
If you’re part of a group of at least 10 who are age 16+ and are interested in raising funds by helping out at the fairgrounds, visit the Fundraising Opportunities page of our website for more information.
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Thank you for making the Great Minnesota Get-Together the best!
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Allina Health | Aetna, sponsor of the Cosgrove Stage
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August Schell Brewing Co., sponsor of the Schell’s Stage at West End Market
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Bremer Bank, sponsor of the Agriculture Horticulture Building and FFA Awards Ceremony
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Cal Spas, sponsor of Ramberg Center
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Cargill, sponsor of the Little Farm Hands Tractor Shed
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Cub, Official Grocer and sponsor of the Little Farm Hands Grocery Store
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DISH, sponsor of The DIRT Demonstration Stage
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DragNFly Wireless Inc., sponsor of the Wi-Fi Hotspot west of the Grandstand
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Explore Minnesota, sponsor of the #OnlyInMN Photo Op
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Giggles’ Campfire Grill, sponsor of the Milk Run Breakfast & Awards Ceremony
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Good Health Saunas, sponsor of The North Woods
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Great River Energy, sponsor of The Milk Run
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Green Mill Restaurant, sponsor of the Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park
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Humana, sponsor of the Information Booths
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Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., title sponsor of the Leinie Lodge Bandshell
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Kemps, title sponsor of Kemps Little Farm Hands and sponsor of the Kemps Little Farm Hands Dairy Barn
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Kwik Trip, sponsor of Kidway
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LeafFilter, sponsor of the Home Improvement Building
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M Health Fairview, day sponsor of Saturday, Aug. 27
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Mazda, sponsor of the Nightly Fireworks Spectacular
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Midwest Dairy, co-sponsor of the Milk Run
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Minnesota Corn Growers Association, sponsor of the Little Farm Hands Grain Bin
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Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation, sponsor of the Thank a Farmer Magic Show
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Minnesota Farmers Union, co-sponsor of the Milk Run and sponsor of the 4-H and FFA Number Cards
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Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association, sponsor of the Thank a Farmer Magic Show
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Minnesota Lottery, sponsor of the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
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Minnesota Rusco, sponsor of the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
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Minnesota Senior Linkage Line, day sponsor of Senior Days – Monday, Aug. 29 and Thursday, Sept. 1
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Paddle North, sponsor of the Dairy Building
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Sleep Number, sponsor of the Grandstand Exhibit Building & Concert Series and Date Night Sweepstakes
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Star Tribune, sponsor of the official State Fair Maps
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Summit Brewing Co., sponsor of the International Bazaar Stage
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Treasure Island Resort & Casino, sponsor of The Garden, The Garden Stage and Clear Beverage Cups
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United Rentals, sponsor of the Sponsor VIP Tent
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USDA/Protect Our Pigs, sponsor of Swine Shows and Livestream
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Xcel Energy, sponsor of Eco Experience
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Xfinity, sponsor of FAN Central
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Host Your Get-Together in the History & Heritage Center
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The stunningly unique ambience of the State Fair History & Heritage Center is the ideal setting for a business meeting, a fun, casual gathering or a more formal affair – at the holidays or any time of year. An abundance of natural light and two walls of sliding glass doors envelop a wide range of table and chair set-ups and free-flowing reception layouts. So much more than just an event space, the center will enthrall your guests with State Fair stories that come to life in exhibits throughout the venue.
We offer great rates, free parking, friendly and professional staff, a convenient location easily accessible from anywhere in the Twin Cities metro, and an affordable a la carte menu of rental equipment and catering services. For more information, call 651-288-4400 or email events@mnstatefair.org. Let’s start planning!
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Event Spotlight: Girls on the Run Minnesota Fall 5K |
Event Spotlight: Girls on the Run Minnesota Fall 5K
Through dynamic, interactive lessons and physical activity, Girls on the Run Minnesota teaches critical life skills and inspires girls of all abilities to be joyful, healthy and confident. The fall season program comes to an end with a celebratory 5K through the State Fairgrounds on Sunday, Nov. 13.
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Event Spotlight: North Star Roller Derby |
Event Spotlight: North Star Roller Derby
They’re back! North Star Roller Derby hosts three of its Season 17 bouts at the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, Nov. 19, Dec. 17 and Feb. 11. Four intraleague home teams compete this season - Banger Sisters, Delta Delta Di, Kilmores and the Violent Femmes. NSRD is a member-run, nonprofit roller derby league based in Minneapolis and proud members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, an international organization that governs the rules and structure of modern roller derby.
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Upcoming Events at the Fairgrounds |
October
4-9: Minnesota Harvest Horse Show in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum and Livestock Complex
5-8: Curio Brands Warehouse Sale in the Education Building
7-8: Twin Cities Oktoberfest in the Progress Center
13: Minnesota Prayer Breakfast in the North End Event Center
15: Twin Cities Book Festival in the Progress Center
20-23: Minnesota Beef Expo in Warner Coliseum and Livestock Complex
November
5-6: Body Mind Spirit Expo in the North End Event Center
13: Girls on the Run Minnesota Fall 5K at the Fairgrounds
19: North Star Roller Derby in Warner Coliseum
December
2-4: Horse Crazy Holiday Market in Warner Coliseum
9-11: 2022 Compulsory and Xcel Bronze/Silver State Gymnastics Championships in Warner Coliseum
17: North Star Roller Derby in Warner Coliseum
January
7-8: 2023 Ironmaiden and Ironman Gymnastics Invitational in Warner Coliseum
14-15: Winter Antique Show in Warner Coliseum
21-22: Twin Cities Invitational Gymnastics Meet in Warner Coliseum
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As we parade off and say goodbye to the 2022 Great Minnesota Get-Together, we look forward to welcoming fair fans in 2023. To stay up to date on fair news and year-round happenings, follow us on social media. See below for links. Photo: Shannon Sackett, Old Iron Show |
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