FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the mission of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation?
The Minnesota State Fair Foundation preserves and improves the historic Minnesota State Fair buildings grounds and educational programs.
Why does the State Fair have a Foundation?
Our nationally-acclaimed State Fair is at a crossroads with inadequate funds for capital and program improvements. To address this problem, the State Fair established the Foundation in 2002 to bring forward private contributions.
The State Fair receives no government appropriations, and has a long history of being independently funded. The State Fair has taken a number of actions to generate revenue including, increased ticket prices, increased fees to exhibitors and concessionaires and bonds to keep the historic Grandstand open.
How has the State Fair Foundation supported the Minnesota State Fair?
The State Fair Foundation was founded in 2002. Since then, contributions have funded:
- the new CHS Miracle of Birth and FFA Center;
- improvements to the newly named Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum;
- restoration of the historic greenhouse residence with naming for J.V. Bailey;
- preservation of the historic towers atop the Agriculture-Horticulture and 4-H Buildings;
- more than 200 recognition benches saluting great names on the fairgrounds;
- more than 1,000 recognition pavers with names and stories; and,
- the addition of more than 60 trees, including disease resistant elms.
For more information on State Fair Foundation projects click here.
How can I support a specific program or improvement project through the State Fair Foundation?
There are several restricted funds (meaning the Foundation can only use the money for a specific purpose) that have been established to support State Fair Foundation projects. Those funds include: beautification of the fairgrounds, preservation of historic Minnesota State Fair Buildings, agricultural education and the Moo Booth, restoration to the Fine Arts Center and improvements to the Grandstand Marquee. If there is a specific project you are interested in supporting that is not included in our existing restricted funds please contact Ana Heath at (651) 632-2621 or ana.heath@msffoundation.org.
For more information on State Fair Foundation projects click here.
Does the State Fair Foundation accept in-kind gifts?
Yes. The Minnesota State Fair Foundation accepts in-kind gifts that fit within our mission. Contact Mary Chung at (651) 632-2620 or mary.chung@msffoundation.org for more information.
How can I volunteer for the State Fair Foundation?
Hundreds of volunteers promote the Foundation mission, primarily during the summer months and at the Minnesota State Fair. Groups and individuals bring a variety of skills and expertise.
If you are interested in volunteering with the State Fair Foundation, please contact
Mary Chung at (651) 632-2621 or mary.chung@msffoundation.org.
What does the State Fair Foundation do at the fair?
The State Fair Foundation hosts donors and fair guests at the J.V. Bailey House on Cosgrove Street across from the Space Tower. Foundation Day at the 2008 State Fair is Sunday, August 31st – look for special programming in Carousel Park.
If you would like more information about fairtime activities or if you are interested in meeting with a member of the Foundation staff during the State Fair contact Ana Heath at (651) 632-2621 or ana.heath@msffoundation.org.
