Introducing the newest recognition opportunity on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds: Recognition Tiles on the Welcome Wall – a double-sided, art installation at the Gate 9 green space! Find more information about this opportunity on the tiles page.
Recognition benches and tables
We are no longer accepting recognition bench or table orders. The Minnesota State Fair Foundation has come a long way in helping to meet the State Fair’s need for seating inside the fairgrounds’ gates, and after 15-plus years, we have ended the recognition bench and table program. All bench and table donations made as of January 17, 2024 will be honored.
While we are sad to see this popular program end, we want to be sure to celebrate its success and express our heartfelt gratitude to all our bench and table donors through the years. Each bench and table donated adds a unique story to the State Fairgrounds and provides meaningful tributes for the donors who place them – in addition to providing much-needed seating for fair guests. Your generosity has truly enhanced the experience of all who come to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. We cannot thank you enough for your overwhelming support.
Why are you ending the recognition bench and table program?
Thanks to the generosity of Foundation donors, we have added approximately 2,500 benches and tables to the fairgrounds since the program began – an incredible amount of seating that has filled the fairgrounds areas that best accommodate these types of benches and tables. Considerations regarding indoor storage space that is near capacity and the logistics of moving all of these benches and tables into and out of storage every year were also part of the decision to sunset the program.
What if I already donated a bench or table for 2024?
Your donation has been processed and the bench or table will be ordered and placed for the 2024 State Fair.
What will happen to the bench or table I donated in a previous year?
It will continue to be placed on the fairgrounds annually during the State Fair while it is in good condition and meets the State Fair’s need for guest seating.
What happens if the bench or table I donated is damaged or is no longer safe to use?
If the bench or table is within the 5-year warranty period, we will replace it. If it is beyond its warranty, we will try our best to repair it. If we are unable to make repairs, it will be removed from the fairgrounds, and we will do our best to notify the donor of a bench or table’s removal when possible.
When the bench or table I donated is no longer going to be used on the fairgrounds, am I able to take it home?
No. At this point we do not anticipate being able to accommodate this request. Additionally, for the most part, benches and tables that are removed from the fairgrounds will no longer be in usable condition.
Will you bring this recognition program back in the future?
Currently, there are no plans to bring this particular program back, as we have fulfilled the State Fair’s need for this type of seating on the fairgrounds. There may be other recognition seating opportunities in the future as improvements to the fairgrounds continue.
Will you continue to GPS-locate the benches and tables during the fair?
Yes. At this time, we plan to continue to tag the location of the benches and tables during the fair for the foreseeable future.
Recognition bricks
Recognition bricks have been a favorite of Foundation donors throughout the years, so successful that our plazas filled in 2022.