Larry and Amanda Konsterlie own and operate a 2,500-acre farm raising corn, soybeans and alfalfa in West Central Minnesota. They are fourth-generation farmers and were honored as a Century Farm by the Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau in 2014.
Larry’s connection to the State Fair started by attending with his family and exhibiting with 4-H and FFA. He and his family have been supporting the mission of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation since 2005, benefiting programs and campaigns across the fairgrounds.
Tell us about your family’s history at the Minnesota State Fair?
The Konsterlie Family has been attending the Minnesota State Fair starting back in the 1950s with my father, Lowell Konsterlie. Our family began coming almost every year beginning in the early 1980s up to now. I was an exhibitor in 4-H in the late 1980s and participated in some FFA exhibits in the early to mid-1990s. I have been the only family member to exhibit so far but look forward to my children getting involved.
How has your involvement with the fair been a positive experience for you and your family?
Coming as a kid to exhibit, I always looked forward to attending the Fair. I liked getting together with other kids to show our exhibits and hang out, meeting new friends. As Amanda and I started our family, we have had many fun experiences. We love coming to see some shows and enjoying some fair foods.
What are some of your happiest moments/stories at the fair?
I loved visiting Machinery Hill with my dad when I was a kid. It was also cool to see all the animal exhibits, and we had our traditions of eating at certain food buildings. Also, we usually got to the fair early in the morning to park on the grounds, which as a kid, made for a long day.
When I would show pigs, I had fun at the arcade and hanging out with friends. I also attended some of my first Grandstand events at that time. The only part that was hard while showing was the sleeping dorms. The 4-H building was nice, but it was a different experience above the barns. Late nights and early mornings to get ready to show.
Having my family attend now, we enjoy seeing some shows and checking out exhibit buildings. Amanda and I have shared in a few Grandstand shows and enjoy our times at the fair.
Your first gift to the Foundation was in 2005 for the new CHS Miracle of Birth Center. What compelled you to give this gift?
Supporting the CHS Miracle of Birth Center in 2005 through the Foundation was important because it was close to my heart. As an FFA member, I spent many summers helping in the previous Children’s Barnyard. I knew this facility was needed to help connect with fairgoers about agriculture and what farmers do.
Your generosity over the years reaches every corner of the grounds, especially agriculture. How are the programs and campaigns for agriculture at the fair important to you?
Agriculture is the backbone of society, at all levels. From your local towns to the biggest cities, people need to know and understand where their food is grown and what we do as farmers to preserve and care for our resources. The Minnesota State Fair has been a great beacon to keep those messages and connections going.
What does it mean to you to give annually to this historic and beloved event?
It is nice to get recognition for what we have given and will continue to give. We do it to keep the fair strong and vibrant and enjoyable to all. We hope that we can take our grandchildren to the same fair someday.
Why is continuing to support the fair important to you and your family?
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the best ones in the country, in our opinion. And with our diverse backgrounds and geography in the state, we need a venue like the fair to bring all that together.
What do you think other people should know about giving to the Fair through the Foundation?
We all know there are many charities and entities that need help financially. For us, giving to the fair through the Foundation is a great way to support something that everyone can attend and enjoy. Any age, any culture, any background can come for a day or two and enjoy time with other people from Minnesota and other locations. We love that the fair is considered “The Great Minnesota Get-Together!”