Your personalized bench awaits! Add your story to the fairgrounds today.
Customized Bench Text
You can personalize the back of one 8-foot bench with 14 characters including spaces.
We invite business names or logos to be included on the plaque. However, text on the backrest may not include business names or advocacy messages. The Minnesota State Fair Foundation reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. To ensure accuracy, a certificate will be mailed for confirmation.
The deadline to have a bench placed in 2021 is June 1, 2021.
Customized Plaque Text
A 8.5″ x 7″ tamper-proof plaque can also be affixed to the back of the bench for no additional charge. Plaques have room for five lines of text with up to 21 characters, including spaces, in each line. Any photos for the plaque should be emailed to info@msffoundation.org.
Bench Colors and Location
Benches are placed in one of four zones on the fairgrounds:
- Blue – Area surrounding the Grandstand – includes Dan Patch Park
- Green – North fairgrounds – includes Little Farm Hands and Baldwin Park
- Red – Historic livestock area – includes all barns, Warner Coliseum and CHS Miracle of Birth Center
- Yellow – Southeast fairgrounds – includes Agriculture Horticulture Building, International Bazaar, Bandshell and J.V. Bailey House
Frequently Asked Questions (click drop down)
What is customizable on the bench?
You can personalize the back of one 8-foot bench with 14 characters including spaces, plus a 8.5” x 7” plaque can be added.
Plaques have room for five lines of text with up to 21 characters, including spaces, in each line to allow for larger font. Additional wording and photos are okay with the understanding the font will be smaller. Any photos for the plaque should be emailed to info@msffoundation.org.
Can I add an image to the plaque?
Yes, you can add an image or logo to the plaque. Any photos for the plaque should be emailed to info@msffoundation.org.
Can I promote my business or cause with a personalized bench?
We invite business names or logos to be included on the plaque. However, text on the bench may not include business names or advocacy messages. The Minnesota State Fair Foundation reserves the right to edit or reject submissions.
When will my bench be placed on the fairgrounds?
Bench orders received by June 1, 2021 will be placed on the fairgrounds for the 2021 fair. Recognition benches are stored during the winter months and placed annually before the State Fair.
Where will my bench be placed?
You select the color of the bench (red, blue, green or yellow), which determines placement on the fairgrounds:
- Red – Historic livestock area – includes all barns, Warner Coliseum and CHS Miracle of Birth Center
- Blue – Area surrounding the Grandstand – includes Dan Patch Park
- Green – North fairgrounds – includes Little Farm Hands and Baldwin Park
- Yellow – Southeast fairgrounds – includes Agriculture Horticulture Building, International Bazaar, Bandshell and J.V. Bailey House
Can I request where my bench is placed?
With the growth of the recognition bench program over the last several years, we, unfortunately, can no longer accept specific location requests for benches. All benches are GPS located prior to the State Fair and the location can be found by calling the Foundation or stopping by our office at the J.V. Bailey House during the fair.
How long will my bench be in use by the Minnesota State Fair?
Recognition benches are stored during the winter months and placed within their color zone on the fairgrounds annually before the State Fair. Benches are taken out of rotation when they are deemed unsafe or damaged.
Can I keep my bench once it is deemed unsafe or removed from the fairgrounds?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate this request.
What if my bench is damaged?
Benches are covered by a five-year limited warranty. Please contact us at info@msffoundation.org for more information.
I don’t know what I want my bench or plaque to say yet, when do I need to provide that information by?
Bench orders and information must be received by June 1, 2021 to guarantee placement at the 2021 State Fair.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
This contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Can I make a donation for a personalized bench with a donor-advised fund or stock gift?
Yes! Please notify us of your intent by emailing us or by sending in a printed copy of the 2021 Bench Form.
The Minnesota State Fair Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your gift may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.