With your involvement, the Minnesota State Fair Foundation (501)(c)(3) preserves and improves the historic Minnesota State Fair buildings and grounds, and supports State Fair agricultural, scientific and educational experiences.
Minnesota State Fair Foundation
J.V. Bailey House
1265 Snelling Avenue North
Saint Paul, MN 55108
info@msffoundation.org
(651) 632-2621

Environmental Applications

The Foundation accepts contributions to create a fairgrounds that is universally accessible, green and welcoming with visitor amenities, energy efficiencies and beautiful landscaping such as plazas, shade, seating and gardens.

Gifts of any amount may be restricted to this program area.

PROJECTS UNDERWAY

Vines on the Fence Lines

One exciting project underway is testing a variety of vines along the State Fair fence lines. Adding vines to the fence lines will enhance the green environment on our fairgrounds and in our neighborhood. This is one example of projects supported with gifts restricted to the Environmental Applications program area.

To inquire, call Kay Cady at (651) 632-2630 or info@msffoundation.org.

Trees

To millions of annual visitors, the trees on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are truly a treasure. Many of the majestic trees and lush canopies that shade the fairgrounds have been lost in recent years to disease and storms. The Foundation is active in preserving the “urban forest” on the fairgrounds.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

Grandstand Marquee

In 2009, the 5,200 light bulbs that light up the Grandstand Marquee were replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs with the support of Foundation donors.The Grandstand Marquee is an icon of the Minnesota State Fair. When lit, the giant letters signal that our nationally-acclaimed State Fair is just around the corner.

Seating and Plazas

Foundation donors help to improve seating while recognizing friends and loved ones. Close to 300 Foundation recognition benches are placed throughout the fairgrounds during the State Fair. Each bench tells the story of a special fair experience. Many have been donated in honor or memory of people who have been a part of State Fair history.

Near the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, Horse Barn and in the Grandstand Plaza visitors to the fairgrounds will find hundreds of bricks that honor great fair fans.

Click here if you are interested in adding a brick or bench to the fairgrounds.

State Fair Story

The State Fair Foundation is inspired by history, as exemplified by this remark from J.V. Bailey, president of the Agricultural Society in 1934: "The State Fair teaches by exhibit, lecture and pamphlet, the means whereby two blades of grass can be grown with less cost and less effort than ever before. The fair approaches in scope and merit an institution of learning. It has taught practical methods and given encouragement for greater production."

-J.V. Bailey (1934)
From the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society