Kari Willey is an evangelist for the Minnesota State Fair Foundation- she LOVES the Minnesota State Fair and regularly encourages friends, family and fair guests to support the fair by becoming Friends of the Fair. We are so pleased to call her a Friend and volunteer. You can find her donning a bright green Foundation Volunteer shirt at one of our Blue Ribbon Bargain Book carts or the Friend of the Fair tent throughout the fair.
What are some of your happiest moments/stories at the Minnesota State Fair?
Since 2015, I have come to the fair all 12 days. Since my wife has a love/hate relationship with the fair (growing up on Midway Parkway may be the reason why…), I use fair time as my opportunity to catch up with friends I haven’t seen for some time. I create a schedule starting in mid-July and start plugging in my “dates.” I love spending this time with each friend as I get to see the fair through their eyes as we focus on the parts they most enjoy. I get a lot of satisfaction when I “convert” a non-fair lover into someone who sees all there is to soak in and experience.
Running into people I know and insisting I take a selfie with them for my daily Facebook “blog” – I didn’t see as many people this past year so am excited for what I hope is a pandemic-free or almost free in 2022!
The two times I was given the opportunity to represent the Foundation in the parade was so much fun.
Why do you love the fair?
The energy and how it celebrates all the good parts of Minnesota. I didn’t grow up in Minnesota, but it reminds me of the farm shows I attended as I grew up in rural Pennsylvania – a combination of that and the energy/smells of the boardwalk on the Jersey shore. Plus, there’s so much to love: the food (cheese on a stick, wild rice cheeseburger, mini donut latte, pickle beer), seeing the llama dress-up contest (AMAZING!), riding the Sky Glider, re-finding our bricks each year and watching live radio and TV shows.
You’ve been volunteering with the Minnesota State Fair Foundation since 2014, what has your experience been like?
I love the opportunity to volunteer during fair time! Hosting guests in the Bailey House (back in the days when we made coffee and ensured there was plenty of ice water), connecting with Friends of the Fair as they pick up benefits, or helping people find their brick outside of the Grandstand – it’s a wonderful way to show hospitality and connect with fairgoers in a deeper way.
Who should consider volunteering during the fair?
Anyone who enjoys the fair and wants to experience it from a different perspective – it is fun to be part of the inner workings of the fair, even if it is only for a few hours.
You joined Friends of the Fair during the 2012 Fair, what made you give your first gift to the Foundation?
It was during a solo trip to the fair that year – I came across the “yellow house” and was curious what was inside (our house was built in 1914 so it has a similar look & feel to this one). When I was told that Friends of the Fair were welcomed inside back then, I wanted to know right away how to become one.
You’ve been giving consistently since 2012 and recently upgraded to a Grand Champion level gift for 2022. What prompted you to increase your giving?
I am known for being a fair fanatic by my friends and family – as much as I want to purchase a bench, I also want to put my money where it can best be used for the ongoing upkeep and continued development of one of my favorite places on earth (yes, a bit dramatic, but true).
You also attend Taste of the Fair annually, what is your favorite part of this event?
To me it’s the official kick off for fair time – it’s such an excitement builder as the International Bazaar is filled with people who love the fair as much as me. My favorite part is the live auction and the auctioneers. One of these years I want to bid on and win the daily parking spot!
Why do you think it is important to continue supporting the Minnesota State Fair Foundation?
I appreciate the various ways the Foundation funnels donations knowing there are continuous needs for upkeep of buildings/grounds at the same time there are opportunities for the development of new sections like the West End or North End.
What do you hope to accomplish through your volunteering and giving to the fair? (How do you plan to continue your support of the fair?)
Being a Friend of the Fair is a talking point as people ask me why I love the fair so much – whether it’s sharing that we are consistent donors or explaining what I do as a volunteer. It provides an opportunity for me to promote the work of the Foundation. My wife and I have just started our estate planning – I would like to ensure that Foundation continues to receive donations from me long into the future.
What do you think other people should know about giving to the fair through the Foundation?
There is a misconception that the fair is flush with money based on the price of entry tickets. I feel a responsibility to myth bust when I hear someone say this – it’s important for those who love the fair to understand why the Foundation exists and how they can contribute money and time as a Friend of the Fair or volunteer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The fair is an amazing source for gifts – we buy a lot of our Christmas gifts for our friends and family during fair time…I call them “a state fair special” when the gift is unwrapped. Throughout the 12 days, I make a list of what catches my eye and spend the last weekend making the rounds to pick up everything.
Kari volunteering at the Food Parades 
Kari and her wife at the fair