Friends and neighbors,
This week marks the kickoff of the 2022 Minnesota State Fair, fittingly known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” This summer staple runs through Labor Day and showcases the finest of our state’s agriculture, art and business along with countless entertainment and many of our favorite food options.
This enduring tradition can be traced back to when Minnesota was still a United States territory. In 1854, the Minnesota Agricultural Society was founded with a mission to promote the Minnesota Territory’s agriculture through an annual fair. The first Territorial Fair was held in 1855 and located near what is now downtown Minneapolis. After three years of these fairs, Minnesota was granted statehood in 1858 and the Society then held its first State Fair in 1859.
During its early years, the Fair’s location varied annually at sites including Owatonna, Rochester, Red Wing and Winona. The State Fair eventually found a permanent home at its current location after Ramsey County donated 210-acres to the state for sole use by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society – the governing body of the Fair.
Since then, the Minnesota State Fair has continued to grow in both scale and attractions offered and now welcomes more than a million fairgoers each year. While agriculture is still a focus of the Fair, the exhibitions have evolved to reflect our state’s advancing technological and industrial industries. From the History & Heritage Center to the Fine Arts Center, there are now more than 25 buildings, barns and areas to explore.
Notably, the Agriculture Horticulture Building’s – one of the Minnesota State Fair’s most famous buildings – is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. This iconic octagon-shaped building was built after the Fair’s Main Building burned down in 1944. The Agriculture Horticulture Building is a must see at the fair and honors Minnesota’s farming heritage through a range of competitions and interactive demonstrations and displays. I personally always enjoy seeing the intricate crop art and beautiful floral displays.
This year is also the 75th celebration of the Fair’s FFA show. Minnesota FFA is a statewide organization with a variety of agriculture-focused programs that prepare its members for leadership, personal growth and career success. Every year, FFA members from around the state partake in livestock shows, educational project exhibitions and competitive events. You can attend most of these competitions at the Livestock Complex area and the Agriculture Horticulture Building. Additional programs are also held at the Miracle of Birth Center and the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center.
I have many fond memories of my time at the Fair. I always love seeing the butter carving contest and trying all the amazing foods – especially the fresh french fries, and of course, Sweet Martha’s cookies. I also look forward to visiting the Veterans pavilion with my husband.
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is truly a beloved celebration that brings Minnesotans together to recognize all that makes our state so great. Everyone who attends has their own stories and unique memories, and I invite you and your family to spend a fun day creating your own. See you at the Fair!
Contact me
As always, if have questions or concerns on any legislative topic, feel free to contact me any time. You can call me at 651-296-5655 or send me an email at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn. It is a privilege to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
Mary