There are a number of ways to show your support of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation during the State Fair:
*New in 2024* Welcome Wall at Gate 9
Introducing the Minnesota State Fair Foundation’s Welcome Wall – a new opportunity to commemorate a fair fan or special occasion. Located inside Gate 9, this impressive double-sided art installation measures 40′ long x 8′ tall and features personalized, engravable tiles.
Beginning Aug. 22, opening day of the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, fair fans will be able to order custom-engraved 7″ x 3″ tiles with a tax-deductible contribution of $600 to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Tiles will be installed in time for the 2025 State Fair and will welcome guests from near and far as they enter the fairgrounds. During the fair, tiles are available for purchase by visiting the J.V. Bailey House or ordering online.
*New in 2024* State Fair History Snapshots
Take a brief trip down memory lane by joining the Minnesota State Fair Foundation for State Fair History Snapshots! Volunteers will share the history of several State Fair favorites, including food, rural youth programs and more! (Presentations vary throughout the day.) After the presentation, step inside Ramberg Center to play Blue Ribbon BINGO for a chance to win State Fair admission tickets and other prizes. BINGO proceeds benefit the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
Daily, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Friends of the Fair Tent at the J.V. Bailey House
One of the highlights of our year is getting to see Foundation donors and supporters during the State Fair! You can stop by to pick up your Friends of the Fair membership benefits, look up the location of a brick or bench, enjoy light refreshments and learn more about what the Foundation is currently working on.
Buy a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
When you buy a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book at the fair, you’re not only accessing more than $500 worth of savings but you’re also supporting the Foundation! Yes, that’s right. All proceeds from Blue Ribbon Bargain Books sold on the fairgrounds go to the Foundation.
Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are available to purchase at the State FairWear Gift Shops and Blue Ribbon Bargain Book Carts located around the fairgrounds.
Blue Ribbon BINGO Supporting the Minnesota State Fair Foundation
Have a blue-ribbon blast! BINGO proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3). All winners will receive a pair of admission tickets to either come back again during the 2024 fair or to plan ahead for the 2025 fair. Winners will also receive an exclusive blue ribbon to proudly display they won at Blue Ribbon BINGO, as well as a soft-sided Minnesota State Fair cooler! Plus bragging rights of course, after all, you just won BINGO at the State Fair!
Located in Ramberg Center (sponsored by Cal Spas), on the west side of Underwood Street just north of Judson Avenue.
Shop at FairWear Gift Shops
Plenty of mementos are to be found at the State FairWear Gift Shops located around the fairgrounds. Show your State Fair pride with options for all fair fans – and even select some items with the new 2024 exclusive design! While you’re shopping know that a portion of the proceeds benefits the Foundation.
History Walking Tour
Want to take in history throughout the fairgrounds? Available year-round is the Minnesota State Fair History Walking Tour. Created in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, the tour consists of various stops that focus on a particular subject. During the fair, you can pick up a brochure at any of the 12 stops located around the fairgrounds.
Friends of the Fair Day
Friends of the Fair Day at the fair is Sunday, Sept. 1! Stop by the J.V. Bailey House, sport your Friends of the Fair ribbon and help us spread the word about becoming a Friend of the Fair!