Joe Fox’s connection to the Minnesota State Fair started when he was a 4-H exhibitor as a youth in Dakota County. He spent his career working for the University of Minnesota Extension Service in a variety of roles, staying connected to 4-H, county fairs and the Minnesota State Fair. In retirement, he has been involved with the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and the Minnesota Agricultural Society Board (Minnesota State Fair).
What are some of your happiest moments or stories at the State Fair?
Oh, I’m not sure where to start. As a young person, taking my first calf to the State Fair in 1944 and staying in the 4-H Building overnight. It was probably my first time away from home, probably ever. Meeting new people and the experience of just going to the State Fair was a highlight of being in 4-H.
I had been to the State Fair as a younger person before I was in 4-H. I remember my dad and our next-door neighbor buying their first one-row corn picker at the State Fair.
How long have you been involved with the Minnesota State Fair in an official capacity?
I’ve been involved with the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs since I joined the Ramsey County Fair in 1966, which I am still at today, so for almost 60 years.
After I retired, I was still involved with the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and was their president in ‘93 and ‘94. In 1997, I joined the Minnesota State Fair Board as a vice-president. And, of course, have held that position until the current time.
Do you have any special memories or stories from your time on the Board of Managers?
The amount of building construction and major repairs, significant changes in buildings and grounds during these 26 years that I’ve been on the Board. Seeing these changes made and helping with approving annual budgets has been a highlight of my time on the Board.
Why do you think starting the Minnesota State Fair Foundation was important?
We (the State Fair Board and staff) knew that facilities on the fairgrounds had to be upgraded or redone, new facilities needed to be built, and we felt that we needed additional funding outside of raising admission prices, exhibitor fees or fees on food stands and so on.
You were one of the first 100 donors supporting and establishing the fair Foundation. How did that come to be?
Well, it was a stepping stone to establishing the Foundation. I was so invested in the future of the Foundation as the first president and a founding board member. I felt like my First 100 gift was a commitment of more than that year, more than one term, but for the future of the fair.
Why do you continue to support the Foundation as a Grand Champion?
I was fortunate enough for the Foundation Board to make me a member emeritus, and I’ve stayed very active with the board. But there were other opportunities, like when they started the Grand Champion Club. I was involved and making donations both in time and financially and then most recently gave towards a named endowment.
I felt that I just wanted to stay committed. And that is one way I could do that during my lifetime. And then, hopefully, my family and heirs will see a need to keep my endowment active, past my leaving this earth.
You’ve established an endowment to benefit the Minnesota State Fair 4-H Building and programs. Can you tell us more about that decision?
As I explained, my roots really started as a young person in 4-H and were part of my whole career. My kids were in 4-H growing up too. So yeah, 4-H has been a part of our life and our family for many years.
Because of this, I am interested in improving the 4-H experience at the fair. I see a need and a lot of potential there and hope for a strong legacy of 4-H.
You also have the Minnesota State Fair in your estate plans with the Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA, which makes you a member of the 1854 Society. Why did you make the choice to support the fair in this way?
I joined the 1854 Society to again show my commitment to the long-term visions of the Minnesota State Fair. I think one of many ways of showing interest in the fair and its future is leaving the Minnesota State Fair Foundation as a beneficiary of my IRA.
I am sure the amount is not as much as maybe other contributors, but my family and I have agreed that they are who they are today because of my background. And they want to follow through with my commitments and my interest in helping young people involved in 4-H programs at the fair.
What do you think other people should know about giving to the fair through the Foundation?
The Foundation is broader than just major donors. The Friends of the Fair members make a difference on the fairgrounds each year. This is an opportunity to support the State Fair outside of buying tickets to see exhibits, to be entertained and so on. All the improvements and programs can’t just happen through just gate fees and commissions. The Minnesota State Fair Foundation lets us see a bigger picture for the future of the fair.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I think everybody should support the Foundation in whatever ways they can to be a part of the Foundation’s mission. I think the fair would not have the same look today if we hadn’t started the Foundation 20 years ago. I think we would’ve had to go back maybe to the government both financially and for the direction of the future. If we had to get these same funds coming directly from the government, we would not be able to make our decisions in the same way. This way, we can focus on the future of the State Fair with that Foundation input.