Issue: 49 | June 11, 2021 |
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The Great Minnesota Get-Together Is Officially BACK! |
After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Minnesota State Fair will return Aug. 26-Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021! While planning has been ongoing as we’ve remained hopeful, the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, governing body of the State Fair, voted today to officially give the green light.
The health and safety of everyone is the State Fair's top priority, and the fair continues to follow and monitor current guidance from federal and state health officials. Restrictions regarding large gatherings have recently eased, so at this time, the State Fair does not anticipate daily attendance limits. Further, at this time, masks will not be required for fair guests but are strongly encouraged for those not fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination will not be required for guests, staff or vendors. Cleaning and sanitization measures will adhere to federal and state guidelines. Additional information on the fair’s current health and safety protocols
“It feels really good to officially say that the Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together is actually happening,” said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer. "We're working hard to ensure a healthy and safe environment so if you're ready to get together later this summer, the fair will be here and ready to welcome you back."
Throughout the world, the pandemic was particularly hard on fairs, festivals and their allied industries including agriculturists, educators, entertainers, attraction providers, vendors, suppliers and others involved in fair production. “Recovery from the past year will take some time for many of our partners, so this year’s fair may look a little different from what we’re used to,” Hammer said. “I guarantee, though, that we will do our very best to give you the full-on Minnesota State Fair experience.”
With today’s board action, gate admission ticket sales for the 2021 State Fair have resumed. Pre-fair discount admission tickets, on sale through Aug. 25 for all ages, will be $13. Admission at the gate for adults 13-64 will be $16; kids 5-12 and seniors 65+ will be admitted for $14; children 4 and under are always admitted free. Note: Gate admission tickets purchased for the canceled 2020 fair, as well as tickets already purchased for 2021, will be valid for this year’s fair.
As always, discounted admission will also be available at the entrance gates on select discount days during the fair, including Opening Day (Aug. 26), Seniors Days (Aug. 30 & Sept. 2), Military Appreciation Day (Aug. 31) and Kids Days (Sept. 1 & 6).
In other business conducted at the board meeting, Hammer updated the board of managers on State Fair public safety. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is currently providing round-the-clock security for the State Fairgrounds and for non-fair events. The State Fair and the Sheriff’s Office continue planning discussions for security services during the State Fair. The fair's comprehensive public safety program will include enhanced gate security with metal detectors at entrances, upgraded technology and communications systems, liaison with federal and regional law enforcement agencies, first aid and emergency medical services, and community ambassadors. Safety and security updates will be posted on our website throughout the summer.
With just 76 days until opening day, it will be a busy summer as we announce the new foods at the 2021 State Fair, the complete Grandstand lineup, the free entertainment schedule, specialty brews, the commemorative art unveiling and more. Watch your inbox for the latest news!
The most current information about the 2021 State Fair can also be found online. This webpage will be updated throughout the summer. Check back often!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together, Aug. 26-Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021!
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Sold-Out Weekend of Fair Fans Celebrates a Kickoff to Summer |
We laid out the welcome mat for the first time in almost 21 months to host strolling guests who kicked back to enjoy classic fair food and brews at 24 vendors, live music on several stages, rides on the Giant Slide, inaugural BINGO at the fair, board and yard games, trivia, fabulous prizes, and plenty of space to hang out and visit with friends and family at the iconic State Fairgrounds.
The first-ever Kickoff to Summer at the Fair event was held over five days, May 27-31, 2021.
Thank you to guests who participated in our Minnesota State Fair Community Gives Together drive and brought thousands of new clothing, toiletry and household items or donated financially to three local organizations helping veterans and teens facing housing instability – Every Third Saturday, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and YouthLink.
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It was great to see our guests again! Proceeds from this event support fair operations in a year when we were essentially out of business and without nearly all of our revenue. Thank you – your support overwhelmed us! |
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Thank you to our Kickoff to Summer at the Fair sponsors! |
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New Grant and Mentor Program Gives a Boost to First-Time Youth Fair Exhibitors |
Committed to showcasing our state’s finest agriculture and recognizing the importance of cultivating youth experiences in the livestock industry, the Minnesota State Fair is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) Grants, a program that will award grants to 15 youth livestock exhibitors who commit to participating in the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2021.
Thanks to funding from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, 11 large-animal exhibitors will receive $500 and four small-animal exhibitors will receive $250 each to help offset feed, animal care, transportation, supplies, lodging and other costs of exhibiting livestock at the Minnesota State Fair. Participants will also be paired with a peer-to-peer mentor to help guide them through their experience.
Congratulations to these Minnesota youth who were selected to receive BELLE Grants:
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Mara Clarke of Dundee (pictured) - Swine
- Chase Dohrn of Zumbrota - Sheep
- Logan Einck of Pipestone - Sheep
- Harley Eldeen of Janesville - Goats
- Elliana Doll of Stillwater - Beef
- Stella Holstrom of Sartell - Poultry
- Sydney Kapsner of Hillman - Alpacas
- Alyssa Klouse of Rose Creek - Rabbits
- Reagan Lennes of Alexandria - Swine
- Gavin Lewison of Owatonna - Beef
- Carly Olson of Ortonville - Goats
- Matthew Scheffler of Zumbrota - Dairy
- Carol Schrader of Faribault - Rabbits
- Alex Schroeder of Courtland - Dairy
- Edie Stenglein of Minneapolis - Rabbits
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Your Time to Shine Is Now! |
Whether you’ve used the past year to hone your skills or to add challenges to your bucket list, 2021 is the year for you to enter a State Fair competition! Learn more about the variety of categories, rules for entering, judging criteria and registration and drop-off processes by clicking the links below to get more information. Or, take a look at the premium books online and contact our competition department with your questions - reach us at competition@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4417. Entering is free, and online registration is open now!
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Ag-Hort-Bee: Bee & Honey; Christmas Trees; Crop Art & Scarecrow; Farm Crops; Flowers; Fruit & Wine; and Vegetable & Potato
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Creative Activities: Baked Products; Canned & Preserved Foods; Collections; Garment Making; Handcrafts; Needlecraft; Work of Senior Citizens
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Fine Arts: Oil/Acrylic/Mixed Media; Sculpture; Watercolor/Gouache/Casein/Tempura; Drawing/Pastel; Prints; Ceramics/Glass; Textiles/Fiber; Photography
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K-12: Drawings; Paintings; Sewing; Jewelry; Reports; Creative Writing; Architectural Working Drawings; Photography; Welding; Robots; CO2 Cars; Supermileage
For tips and tricks on entering at the fair, watch our YouTube videos.
All entries must be registered in order to be accepted for competition. Registration for horse, FFA and livestock competitions will open on July 12.
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Get Ready for Talent to Take Center Stage |
Know anyone whose talent has been couped up for the past year and is now ready to bust out on the big stage? Auditions for the MSF Amateur Talent Contest at the Bandshell are July 26-Aug. 1! Semifinalists will go on to compete during the State Fair at the Bandshell, and finalists will compete on the Grandstand stage Sept. 5 for more than $20,000 in cash awards.
Help us find Minnesota’s most talented - spread the word about auditions!
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Fairgrounds Improvement Projects Carry On |
While we didn’t get to tackle many items on our to-do list because of the financial impact of canceling the 2021 State Fair, the lobby of the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum did receive a new roof and new doors – small but mightily needed improvements to this iconic building! |
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Don't Miss Out on the Perfect Way to Celebrate and Commemorate |
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is not only a gathering place for people, but it is also a home for stories, histories, special occasions and treasured memories – all of which are captured in the names and text on recognition bricks purchased through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
For more than a decade, brick donors have honored and celebrated events and memories such as:
- Wedding anniversaries, babies, birthdays and graduations
- Proposals
- Loved ones who LOVED the fair
- Military service
- Years of fair participation
- Treasured occasions
- Fun quotes
- A designated meeting place (“Let’s meet at our brick!”) and your own spot on the fairgrounds to visit
To be installed in time for the 2021 State Fair, the deadline to order a recognition brick is July 1. Then, make sure to visit your gift when you come to the fair!
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Great Summer and Fair-Time Job Opportunities Await! |
We’re hiring for positions on our summer team and looking for great people to help us get ready for the Get-Together. Visit our employment webpage to learn more about current openings, including operations service assistants. These critical employees assist with indoor and outdoor maintenance of our iconic, world-renowned State Fairgrounds, including the grounds and the buildings, and they set up and tear down for the fair and non-fair events. Employees tell us the friendships, connections and behind-the-scenes insight make for an awesome summer experience!
If you're interested in working for our operations department or any other department, please visit our career portal to apply.
We’re also getting ready to begin hiring staff to work during the fair, Aug. 26-Sept. 6. The Employment Center and online registration open on Monday, June 21, 2021. Instructions on how to complete the registration process will also be available via our employment webpage on June 21.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any State Fair employment news, sign up to receive email updates about employment opportunities.
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Aug. 31, 2021 (only single seats available)
Stay tuned! More shows will be announced in the coming weeks!
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Get Back Together With Your Group at the Fair! |
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is the perfect backdrop for birthday and anniversary celebrations, reunions, company picnics, weddings and receptions and team-building events – any summer get-together.
While you’re at the fair, gather your group at the Horton Pavilions at Heffron Park. This private, covered event space is secluded from the hustle and bustle, but still close enough to the action. The affordable hourly rental price of the Horton Pavilions at Heffron Park includes an on-site event manager, tables and chairs, group activities and more. Additional services such as catering and audio/visual production are available for an added fee. Learn more about bringing your group to the fair.
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With a Little Help From Our Friends |
Thank you to the thousands of fair fans who became official fair Friends over the past year when we counted on your support more than ever. Thank you, Friends – we hope to see you soon!
Haven’t signed up to become an official Friend of the Fair yet? As we look to brighter days ahead and welcoming you back to the 2021 State Fair, consider joining our membership program through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation to receive great benefits, which can include a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, admission tickets, presale access to Grandstand shows and more, depending on the membership level. You’ll join an incredible group of fair supporters in enriching the unforgettable memories and traditions you experience only at the Minnesota State Fair. Sign up today!
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A Busy Summer of Events Returns to the State Fairgrounds |
Event Spotlights
June 18-20: Recognized as the #1 Best Car Show in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards poll, the Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the ‘50s Weekend returns for its 47th annual event with 10,000 street rods and custom cars, along with vendors, swappers, crafters, entertainment and much more.
July 10: Dedicated to craft beers, the St. Paul Summer Beer Fest features sampling from more than 70 breweries in a commemorative tasting glass, plus live music, tasty food, a silent auction benefiting the YMCA of St. Paul, and the fun atmosphere of International Bazaar.
More Upcoming Events
June
9-13: Region 10 Arabian and Half Arabian Championship Horse Show
12-13: Minnesota Weapons Collectors Association Show & Sale
18-20: Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the ‘50s Weekend
23-26: Tanbark Cavalcade of Roses Horse Show
24: Midsummer Mile
25-27: BMW Ultimate Driving Experience
27: Northland Vintage Toy, Train, Advertising & Pop Culture Show
July
10: St. Paul Summer Beer Fest
16-18: O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine Summer Nationals
17-18: Capitol Classic Horse Show
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We can't wait to welcome you back to a get-together unlike any other! To stay up-to-date on State Fair preparations, follow us on social media through the links below. We’ll also continue to post details about the 2021 fair on our website. Check it out and see you soon!
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