Sherry Turner Oleson is a long-term donor to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation who discovered her love for the Minnesota State Fair through her father’s participation in various fair events and activities.
“The Minnesota State Fair is one of the best in the United States. It offers people the opportunity to enjoy the many special educational activities, exhibits, competitions, and Grandstand shows during the 12 days of the fair. There is also delicious food to eat, animals to see, new innovations to observe, and fun rides to experience!
I am a proud and staunch supporter of our Minnesota State Fair. A much appreciated thank you to the Foundation and state fair employees for their dedicated and diligent work to make the fair so successful. I’m so glad our beloved Minnesota State Fair will provide a rich legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
Sherry’s love of the Minnesota State Fair comes from watching her father participate in various State Fair activities while she was growing up. He supported FFA, judged 4-H competitions, and loved working in the Kiwanis Malt Shop after his retirement from the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture.
Sherry has always had an interest in history. As a child, her family took many road trips to historical sites in the United States. As a result, Sherry enjoyed learning about historical events, people, and places that affected the growth and development of the United States. She particularly liked to read biographies and autobiographies to better know the people who shaped America.
Sherry’s background and love for history and research is why she was so passionate about supporting the fundraising campaign for the fair’s History and Heritage Center. This campaign supported the building of the current History and Heritage Center located at the west end of the fairgrounds.
The Minnesota State Fair has such a rich history and I was happy to support the development of the History & Heritage Center on the fairgrounds. Now, so many people can learn about the Minnesota State Fair through the educational exhibits at the West End Market.”
Sherry loves supporting the fair, not only with state fair projects like History & Heritage but also by assisting the youth who participate in the fair. That is why Sherry has created an endowment to fund Minnesota State Fair Youth Scholarships. She hopes the recipients of this fund will have a rewarding and fulfilling state fair experience.