2022 Official Commemorative Art Unveiled! |
“I wanted the piece to feel cosmic and out of this world, as well as to communicate the energy, excitement and joy that the fair brings me. The fair often feels otherworldly, especially near the midway, with all the sounds, laughter, bright lights and activity. I wanted my work to represent that. ... This color palette is kind of new for me. It relies heavily on pink and green, because I was going for a youthful, sci-fi energy. ... What you also see are the neon lights from the midway reflected in the faces, communicating how bright and lively the fair is at night."
- Artist Leslie Barlow
Commemorative art posters currently are for sale for $20 (includes shipping and handling) from StateFairWear.com. Limited-edition, signed prints are available for $100 from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Proceeds from sales support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
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100 Ways to Save! Get Your Blue Ribbon Bargain Book!
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The State Fair's little book of big savings is just $5!
- 100 coupons - the best deals at the fair - on food, merchandise and attractions.
- Every coupon is worth at least 30% off.
- Coupons valid all 12 days of the 2022 State Fair.
- Use just one or two coupons and you'll cover the $5 price of the book!
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Buy online now at Etix.com, and your book will be mailed to you in early July.
- Stop by Cub stores and other locations in the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., beginning July 17 (while supplies last).
- Come to the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office beginning Aug. 1.
At the fair, buy Blue Ribbon Bargain Books at State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book & State Fair Poster Carts. Proceeds from books sold at the fair support the mission of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
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Get Ready for Talent to Take Center Stage |
Know anyone who’s been perfecting their talent and is now ready to bust out on the big stage? Auditions for the MSF Amateur Talent Contest at the Bandshell are July 25-31! Semifinalists will go on to compete during the State Fair at the Bandshell. Finalists will compete at the Grandstand Sept. 4 for more than $20,000 in cash awards – just like 2021 open division, teen and pre-teen winners did (pictured above)!
Help us find Minnesota’s most talented - spread the word about auditions!
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If you caught the Amateur Talent Contest auditions and finals in 2001, you saw a star in the making! Caitlyn Smith of Cannon Falls, Minn., took home the top prize in the teen division with her vocal and guitar solo. She’s now one of the brightest rising stars in Nashville, writing songs for James Bay, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, John Legend and Meghan Trainor. In 2022, Smith received a nomination for New Female Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Aug. 27 & 28. Read more about her journey from fair-time to big-time in this article published by The Current.
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Urban Ag Day Connects Metro Third-Graders with Farms and Food |
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How do you teach about pollination to young students? With a cheese puff, of course!
This was just one of the hands-on lessons shared as part of Urban Ag Day, an innovative program developed to bring the farm and farmers to the city to help share the story of production agriculture. Typically held at the State Fairgrounds, Urban Ag Day was canceled in 2020 and presented virtually in 2021. This year, on May 11, the program traveled to more than 750 third graders at elementary schools in St. Paul (including Battle Creek, Chelsea Heights, Highland Park and Randolph Heights), Minneapolis (including Armatage, Barton, Cityview, Hmong International and Howe) and Brooklyn Park (Prairie Seeds Academy).
Learning stations on modern farm equipment, how farmers produce all parts of a cheeseburger, future careers in agriculture, the water cycle, what soil is and more were led by Minnesota FFA students and alumni from Dassel-Cokato, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Hancock, Morris Area, Randolph, School of Environmental Studies, Tracy Area and West Central Area.
The next week, the FFA youth followed up the in-person teaching with videos that answered the third-graders’ questions and showed livestock and farm equipment.
Thank you to the partners who joined the Minnesota State Fair in presenting Urban Ag Day - Riverview LLP, Minnesota Ag in the Classroom and the FFA chapters, and to our sponsors Culver’s, Compeer Financial and AgCountry Farm Credit Services.
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Is Your Group Looking for Fundraising Opportunities? |
The Minnesota State Fair offers a great way for community organizations, teams, schools, churches and other groups to team-build while raising funds. Opportunities available include working on fairgrounds sanitation clean-up teams, in the Coliseum, barns and Grandstand, as attraction ticket takers, and with our parking and Park & Ride services. Fundraising opportunities throughout the year also are available.
If you're part of a group of at least 10, who are age 16+, and are interested in raising funds by helping out at the fairgrounds, visit the Fundraising Opportunities page of our website for more information.
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Get Free Admission to the Fair When You Volunteer! |
Volunteers are critical to the Great Minnesota Get-Together! These essential folks help make many of our exhibits memorable and engaging. Can you pitch in? Absolutely! No expertise required - just a willingness to engage with your fellow fair fans to make the most of their day! Most shifts are two to three hours, and we'll show you what to do. Each volunteer receives a FREE admission ticket to the fair!
Here are some of the great opportunities available:
Alphabet Forest: At this favorite destination for families and children, help with photo opportunities, alphabet games and easy crafts.
The Common Table: Introducing Minnesotans to the idea of local, sustainable food, this uniquely designed destination in the Agriculture Horticulture Building needs volunteers to help visitors try the interactive exhibits.
EquiMania!™ (pictured): At this award-winning exhibit in the Horse Barn, visitors take photos on a model horse, wrap a model horse’s leg and try a variety of easy activities to learn more about horses. Volunteers do not need equine knowledge. Get a free volunteer T-shirt too!
Kemps Little Farm Hands: Designed for kids ages 3-10, this pint-size mock farm experience lets the little ones plant seeds and feed pretend animals as they learn where their food comes from. Volunteers help them along the way. Free
T-shirt, too!
Math On-A-Stick: This exhibit is a welcoming space where kids and grown-ups can explore fun math concepts. Volunteers help visitors sort, count, arrange and match with reptile-shaped tiles, colored eggs and more.
Minnesota State Fair Foundation: Summer and fair-time opportunities abound – everything from helping with mailings and rolling posters to staffing Blue Ribbon Bargain Book sales kiosks and providing donor hospitality during the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Sign up solo or with friends and family! Thanks for pitching in to make this Great Minnesota Get-Together even greater!
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Great Full-Time, Summer and Fair-Time Job Opportunities Await! |
We’re looking for great people to help us get ready for the Get-Together! Visit the career portal on our employment webpage to learn more about current openings, including:
- Coliseum & Livestock Complex Specialist (full-time, year-round)
- Competition Administrative Assistant (summer)
- Creative Activities Kitchen Demonstration Coordinator (fair-time)
- Digital Design Intern (summer)
- Greenhouse Assistant (summer)
- Greenhouse Assistant – Watering Crew (summer)
- Grounds & Facilities Assistant (summer)
- Home Improvement & Creative Activities Annex Superintendent (fair-time)
- Minnesota State Fair Police Officer (fair-time)
- Minnesota State Fair Reserve Officer (fair-time)
- Ticket Office Intern (summer)
Interested in fair-time jobs?
We’re also getting ready to hire staff to work during the 12 days of the State Fair, Aug. 25-Sept. 5. Here are examples of fair-time jobs that may be available. The first step in the application process is to complete an online registration form. The Employment Center will open on Monday, June 20, 2022, to schedule screening interviews and hiring.
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A Gift of Natural Shade and Greenery |
One of the most iconic features of our State Fairgrounds is the abundant shade provided by beautiful trees. While visiting the grounds last year, Jerry and Jan Albrecht noticed that we had lost several trees to severe drought. The Albrechts have a long history of being involved in the dairy programs at the Minnesota State Fair and at county fairs. They met as 4-H'ers in Renville County, ran a Holstein dairy farm near Watertown, Minn., for 40 years, and have been recognized for their many contributions to Minnesota’s livestock industry.
Longtime supporters of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, the Albrechts gave a dedicated gift for the purchase of 15 trees. They also funded the purchase of tree maintenance and safety equipment, including a chainsaw, and for two State Fair staff members to attend tree care education programs. Decades of fair guests will benefit from the Albrechts’ gift – thank you!
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Grant and Mentor Program Gives a Boost to First-Time Youth Fair Exhibitors |
Committed to showcasing our state’s finest agriculture and recognizing the importance of cultivating youth experiences in the livestock industry, the Minnesota State Fair is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) Grants, a program that began in 2021 and awards grants to 16 youth livestock exhibitors who commit to participating in the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2022.
Thanks to funding from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, large-animal exhibitors will receive $500 and small-animal exhibitors will receive $250 each to help offset feed, animal care, transportation, supplies, lodging and other costs of exhibiting livestock at the Minnesota State Fair. Participants will also be paired with a peer-to-peer mentor to help guide them through their experience.
Congratulations to these Minnesota youth who were selected to receive BELLE Grants:
- Molly Albers of Dundas, Minn. (dairy cattle)
- Leah Alvord of Saint Joseph, Minn. (rabbits)
- Brienna Boersma of Lake Benton, Minn. (sheep)
- Brooklyn Boersma of Lake Benton, Minn. (goats)
- Riley Ebeling of Dunnell, Minn. (swine)
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Evelyn Griffin of Thief River Falls, Minn. (dairy cattle)
- Hanna Gudknecht of Wanamingo, Minn. (dairy cattle)
- Olivia Hollenkamp of Milaca, Minn. (dairy cattle)
- Kensey Johnson of Boyd, Minn. (swine)
- Hayden Lennes of Alexandria, Minn. (goats)
- Madycyn Leyk of Pine River, Minn. (beef cattle)
- Ava Muellerleile of Elysian, Minn. (beef cattle)
- Allison Ratka of Cold Spring, Minn. (dairy cattle)
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Aubree Roerick of Burtrum, Minn. (sheep)
- Sawyer Schendel of Milaca, Minn. (swine)
- Denica Sleiter of Morris, Minn. (rabbits)
Pictured above: BELLE recipient Evelyn Griffin says she can't wait to show her Red and White Holstein calf, Swirl, at the State Fair for the first time in 2022.
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Your Time to Shine Is Now! |
Whether you’ve used the past couple of years to hone your skills or to add to your bucket list, 2022 is the year for you to enter a State Fair competition! Learn more about the variety of categories, rules for entering, judging criteria, registration and drop-off processes by clicking the links below to get more information. Or, take a look at the premium books online and contact our competition department with your questions - reach us at competition@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4417. Entering is free, and online registration is open now!
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Ag-Hort-Bee: Bee & Honey; Christmas Trees; Crop Art & Scarecrow; Farm Crops; Flowers; Fruit & Wine; and Vegetable & Potato
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Creative Activities: Baked Products; Canned & Preserved Foods; Collections; Garment Making; Handcrafts; Needlecraft; Work of Senior Citizens
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Fine Arts: Oil/Acrylic/Mixed Media; Sculpture; Watercolor/Gouache/Casein/Tempura; Drawing/Pastel; Prints; Ceramics/Glass; Textiles/Fiber; Photography
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K-12: Drawings; Paintings; Sewing; Jewelry; Reports; Creative Writing; Architectural Working Drawings; Photography; Welding; Robots; CO2 Cars; Supermileage
All entries must be registered in order to be accepted for competition. Registration for horse, FFA and livestock competitions will open on June 20.
Job Opportunities! If you love the Creative Activities building and activities, we’re hiring! Check out our career portal for information on a position opening for a Creative Activities Kitchen demonstration coordinator.
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Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Youth: Applications Due Aug. 1
Invested in the education endeavors of young people from greater Minnesota, the Minnesota State Fair established the Minnesota State Fair Scholarship program in 1994. This year, up to 22 scholarships of $1,000 each will recognize outstanding youth from greater Minnesota or those enrolled in an agriculture program in 2021-22. The application deadline is Aug. 1.
Since its inception, more than $500,000 has been awarded. This program is supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation and the Christensen Family Fund for Youth Scholarships of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
Photo credit, Faribault County Register: 2021 Minnesota State Fair Scholarship recipient Issabelle O’Rourke also received the Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award for United South Central High School. A four-sport athlete in volleyball, tennis, basketball and softball, Izzy was named to the All-Conference Academic Team and sang in the USC choir. She was the vice president of the Barber Flyers 4-H Club, a member of the youth council for the Faribault County 4-H and has shown sheep since kindergarten.
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The Best Time to Save on Rides, Games and Admission Tickets Is Before the Fair! |
The biggest deal on tickets for rides and games at Kidway, sponsored by Kwik Trip, and Mighty Midway is the discounted pre-fair price of $15 for a sheet of 20 tickets - that's a savings of $5 off full price! Pre-fair ride and game tickets are on sale now online. (Please allow two weeks for processing and delivery. Orders will be fulfilled in late June.)
How to buy pre-fair discount tickets:
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Online at Etix.com: Tickets on sale NOW until 9 p.m. Aug. 24.
- By phone: Call Etix at 800-514-3849 NOW until 7 p.m. Aug. 21. Choose the print-at-home/mobile option to save on fees. Tickets can be mailed to you if you order online or by phone by 5 p.m. Aug. 11 (allow two weeks for delivery).
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Visit the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office, open Aug. 1-24; check our website for dates and hours.
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Pre-fair discount tickets and ride & game tickets will be available July 17 to Aug. 24 (while supplies last) at participating metro-area Cub stores and locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis. Specific locations are posted on our website.
Photo credit: A big thank-you to Alex Beckman, who sent us this photo via Flickr. Don't forget to share your best fair photos to the Official Minnesota State Fair Group Pool on Flickr. We're always on the lookout for great photos to use in our marketing materials!
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Be Careful When Buying Tickets |
Please note that the ONLY authorized seller of State Fair admission, ride & game and Grandstand show tickets in addition to the Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office is Etix.com. Participating Cub stores and locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., are also authorized to sell admission and ride & game tickets. If you purchase tickets from an unauthorized agent or third party in the secondary market, you risk purchasing counterfeit or invalid tickets, which may result in refusal of admission, and those invalid tickets will not be eligible for refunds or exchanges.
Authorized places to purchase State Fair tickets:
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Online at Etix.com: Make sure you are purchasing from Etix rather than a secondary market ticket site. On sale until 9 p.m. Aug. 24.
- By calling Etix: 800-514-3849 until 7 p.m. Aug. 24.
- State Fairgrounds: Our ticket office is open Aug. 1-24, or buy at a State Fair ticket booth when you come to the fair. (The State Fair does not sell tickets outside the gates during the fair.)
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Participating metro-area Cub stores and locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., July 17-Aug. 24 (while supplies last). See website for locations.
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Ten Grandstand Shows On Sale Now! |
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Thursday, Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.
$79 (general admission pit); $62, $53, $36 (reserved seating)
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Friday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.
$51, $41, $34 (all reserved seating)
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Saturday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.
$37, $27 (all reserved seating)
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Sunday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
$84, $59, $49, $39 (all reserved seating)
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Monday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
$50, $37 (all reserved seating)
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Tuesday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m.
$94, $79, $59, $39 (all reserved seating)
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Thursday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.
Single tickets available only!
$51, $41 (all reserved seating)
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Friday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.
Single tickets available only!
$194 Golden Circle, $106, $96, $75 (all reserved seating)
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Saturday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
$60, $51, $34 (all reserved seating)
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Monday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m.
$37, $27 (all reserved seating)
Experience your favorite Disney princess songs performed live by Broadway stars!
This just in! The cast will feature Susan Egan, Isabelle McCalla, Anneliese van der Pol, Syndee Winters, Benjamin Rauhala and Adam J. Levy!
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Grandstand tickets are on sale now online at Etix or by calling 800-514-3849.
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If you missed our announcement of the 2022 free entertainment lineup, get all the details on our website. We've filled 12 days and nights with national and regional acts and top local talent - entertainment surprises around every corner for everyone - and it’s all free with fair admission!
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Music, Memories and More on State Fair Radio |
Dedicated exclusively to all things State Fair, the first and only Minnesota State Fair radio station returns to the iHeartRadio app.
The State Fair is Minnesota’s largest music festival, so the playlist is vast and varied. You'll hear songs by this and previous years' Grandstand artists, plus bands playing on the fair's free stages, including the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Sprinkled in between the music, listen for interviews and fun facts.
To tune in, download the iHeartRadio app and search for "Minnesota State Fair Radio" on your phone, laptop or tablet - or go to 101.3 HD3 on your radio. It's on 24/7, so you can get your fair fix anytime!
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Minnesota State Fair Foundation Celebrates
20 Years!
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Because of the generosity of thousands of fair fans over the last two decades, the Minnesota State Fair Foundation has enjoyed great success and has been able to support the State Fair in a vast variety of ways, especially through some of the fair's toughest times. Since 2002, the Foundation has granted more than $16 million for projects and improvements across the fairgrounds in agricultural education, arts and culture, education, fairgrounds environment, history and heritage and much more.
Consider joining the Foundation’s membership program, Friends of the Fair, to receive great benefits, which can include a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, admission tickets, presale access to Grandstand shows and more, depending on the membership level. You’ll join an incredible group of fair supporters in enriching the unforgettable memories and traditions you experience only at the Minnesota State Fair.
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Get Together With Your Group at the Fair! |
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is the perfect backdrop for birthday and anniversary celebrations, reunions, company picnics, weddings and receptions and team-building events – any summer get-together.
While you’re at the fair, gather your group at the Horton Pavilions at Heffron Park. This private, covered event space is secluded from the hustle and bustle, but still close enough to the action. The affordable hourly rental price of the Horton Pavilions at Heffron Park includes tables and chairs, group activities and a staff person to help with day-of hospitality. Additional services such as catering and audio/visual production are available for an added fee. Learn more about bringing your group to the fair.
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Fair Fans Kicked Off Summer at the Fairgrounds!
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During the traditional start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend, fair fans gathered for a Kickoff to Summer May 26-30, a slice-of-the-fair special event with classic fair food and brews at more than 30 vendors, live music and entertainment on several stages, rides on the Giant Slide, shopping at Minnesota specialty merchants, Trivia Mafia challenges, board and yard games, fun photo ops, and a donation collection to support veterans, first responders, frontline medical staff and their families – all with plenty of space to hang out and visit with friends and family at the iconic State Fairgrounds. Thanks to everyone who attended and made this event such a success - guests, vendors, entertainers, staff and sponsors - it was great to have you at the State Fairgrounds! |
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Photo credit: Kaylen Larson
Thank you to our Kickoff to Summer at the Fair sponsors!
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Find the Minnesota State Fair on TikTok @mnstatefair for fun fair content! We'll be posting all summer long getting ready for the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Follow along to get glimpses of favorite foods, rides & attractions, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, mascot shenanigans and more. There will be plenty of content to come leading up to and during the 12 days of fun ending Labor Day. Tag us in your State Fair content - we'd love to send a like or comment your way!
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Fairgrounds Event Spotlights: |
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June 17-19: Recognized as the #1 Best Car Show in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards poll, the Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the ‘50s Weekend returns for its 48th annual event with 10,000 street rods and custom cars, along with vendors, swappers, crafters, entertainment and much more.
July 9: Known as the Happiest 5K on the Planet, The Color Run is a unique event that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. In its 10th year and now the largest running series in the world, The Color Run has been experienced by more than 8 million runners worldwide in 50 countries.
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Coming to the Fairgrounds |
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June
8-12: Region 10 Arabian and Half Arabian Championship Horse Show
10-11: Viking Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America
11: St. Paul Summer Beer Fest
11-12: Minnesota Autosports Club MOWOG #3 Autocross
17-19: Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the ‘50s Weekend
21, 28: Machinery Hill Criterium Bike Race Series
22-25: Tanbark Cavalcade of Roses Horse Show
25-26: Morgan’s Motorplex Autocross Competition
July
2-3: Parking for Hmong International Freedom Festival
6-10: Minnesota Amateur Quarter Horse Association Corporate Challenge
9: The Color Run
12, 19, 24, 26: Machinery Hill Criterium Bike Race Series
15-17: O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine Summer Nationals
16-17: Capitol Classic Horse Show
25-31: Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Auditions (free to attend at the Bandshell!)
27: Minnesota State Fair Job Fair
30: Twin Cities Classic Car Auction
August
4-7: North Central Reining Futurity & Derby Show
25-Sept. 5: Great Minnesota Get-Together!
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Watch This Website Page for Updates |
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As plans continue for this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together, we've created an Updates page on our website as the starting point to share news and announcements. This page will be updated as needed. Check back throughout the summer!
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