August 1, 2019, marks the launch of our new 2020 Friends of the Fair program which includes some changes.

Over the years, we’ve heard that our Friends of the Fair felt confusion surrounding the number of levels and the benefits received at each level. Our recent member survey also helped us understand which benefits were most desirable to Foundation supporters. With thought and care, we have decided to make these changes to make the Friends of the Fair program as straight-forward as possible for our donors so the funds it raises can do the most good for the Minnesota State Fair.

What are the changes?

  • Bricks, Benches, and Tables now stand alone, pulled outside of the Friends of the Fair membership program
  • Tables: $5,000 donation
  • Benches: $2,500 donation
  • Bricks: $250 donation

The deadline for placement at the 2020 Fair is June 1, 2020 for tables and benches, July 1, 2020 for bricks

  • Fewer membership levels:
  • Green Ribbon- $25
  • Yellow Ribbon- $50
  • Red Ribbon- $100
  • Blue Ribbon- $500
  • Purple Ribbon- $1,000

The deadline for 2020 memberships is July 31, 2020

  • 2020 Friends of the Fair will have the choice between a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book or a State Fair annual Friends of the Fair pin
  • Grandstand presale access
  • Now at the Red Ribbon level ($100), you can receive presale access for up to four shows
  • Now at the Blue Ribbon level ($500), you can receive presale access for all shows

How did these changes come about?

We want to make our giving programs work well for the greatest number of donors. We also want to best meet your desire to support the Foundation mission while still offering popular membership and recognition benefits.

Friends of the Fair is a way to support our beloved fair with levels that fit into every budget!

All Friends of the Fair receive standard benefits:

·   Blue Ribbon Bargain Book (filled with more than $500 in savings!)  OR State Fair annual Friends of the Fair pin  (you choose!)   

·   Friend of the Fair ribbon

·   An invitation to the J.V. Bailey House during the fair

·   Discount at State FairWear Shops on the fairgrounds

Friends of the Fair levels and additional benefits are as follows:

2020 Green Ribbon – $25

·       Standard Benefits

2020 Yellow Ribbon – $50

·       Two State Fair admission tickets (mailed in the second week of August)

2020 Red Ribbon – $100

·       Two State Fair admission tickets (mailed in the second week of August)

·       Access to Friends of the Fair Fan Club Presale Seating for any four 2020 Grandstand shows (up to four tickets).

2020 Blue Ribbon – $500

·       Four State Fair admission tickets (mailed in the second week of August)

·       Access to Friends of the Fair Fan Club Presale Seating for all 2020 Grandstand shows (up to four tickets per show)

2020 Purple Ribbon – $1,000

·       Four State Fair admission tickets (mailed in the second week of August)

·       Access to Friends of the Fair Fan Club Presale Seating for all 2020 Grandstand shows (up to four tickets per show)

·      Grand Champion Club membership, including special recognition and invitations to behind-the-scenes events throughout the year!

A portion of Friends of the Fair gifts may be tax-deductible. You may also waive your benefits, so the full amount of your donation supports the Foundation mission.

Friends of the Fair annual memberships run from August 1, 2019 through the 2020 Fair. The deadline to become a 2020 Friend of the Fair is July 31, 2020.