Dave and Erika Rustad both grew up with the Minnesota State Fair, have celebrated many special milestones during the annual 12 days, and consider making memories and traditions at the fair an important part of their family’s experience. The Rustads have been Grand Champion donors of the Foundation (giving annual gifts of $1,000 or more) since the program started, as a way to ensure the fair is around for future generations of their family and others.
How long has your family been going to the Minnesota State Fair?
We both have been attending the State Fair since we were young kids. But our experiences were polar opposite. Dave worked behind the scenes in the commissary building starting around age 14 and only attended in a work capacity. It wasn’t until he was in his 20’s that he joined the crowds as a “fair goer.” Erika has been attending since she was a child with family and friends and loved all the aspects of the fair, from the animals and rides to the art exhibits and music.
Since we met in 1998, the only year we didn’t attend the fair was in 2000 when we got married over the Labor Day weekend. But because our anniversary occurs during fair time, we have celebrated many anniversaries on the fairgrounds with great food, drink and entertainment.
Your first gift to the Foundation was in 2009 for a recognition bench on the fairgrounds and you have been a Grand Champion donor ever since. What compelled you to give your first gift to support the Minnesota State Fair through the Foundation?
We lost a close family member in 2008 who was a local Shriner and very involved in everything Minnesota State Fair. Our son was born six months later and thus never got to meet him. When we learned about the Minnesota State Fair Foundation bench program, we thought it would be an excellent opportunity to create a legacy piece to show our kids and support such a wonderful cause. We were able to honor him and have something we could visit and tell our children and family about what he meant to us. We have continued to purchase benches for other family members and friends and now make a game of “who can spot the benches” and pass photos between the family of where they are that year.
Your generosity reaches every corner of the fairgrounds. How are the programs and campaigns at the fair important to you?
We have watched the Minnesota State Fair grow and change so much since we were kids. Supporting these programs ensures our children and future generations get to see the grandness of this fantastic fair (that’s right in our backyard!) and that’s something not everyone gets to experience like we can. We had the greatest pleasure of being able to bid on a private tour of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center at the Taste of the Fair fundraiser. The tour was the highlight of our memorable moments at the fair with our kids, especially when our son got to name the new calf that was born during our tour! Without these donations, some of the programs wouldn’t be as fabulous as they are, so we will continue to give to ensure they grow and prosper for future generations.