Today our club heard from Jeff Hawkins. Jeff was a prominent business man in Dakota County, now retired but not inactive. Two of our members have worked under him. Jeff's topic was the Great MN Get Together (MN State Fair). Jeff serves on the Board of Managers. He told us of the rich history of our State's Fair, the economic impact that it has made, the behind the scenes work that has to be done and how COVID has affected the Fair.
Some of the things we learned were:
* The Fair is governed by the MN State Agricultural Society represented by delegates from all 87 County Fairs in MN.
* The Fair receives NO State funding.
* The 10 member Board is responsible for all capital work and maintenance of the Fairgrounds.
* Showtime magazine listed the MN Fair as the best State Fair 2 years in a row.
* Newsweek listed the MN State Fair as the #2 best late summer festival in the WORLD!
* There are 220 events that take place on the Fairgrounds during the non-fair time.
* They have their own Full Recycling Center.
* 90% of their revenue is made during this 12 day event.
* Jeff has 30 grandchildren.
There were so many other interesting facts/trivia to mention.
Thanks Jeff for that great presentation....we hope to see you next year when you help plan the Great MN Get Back Together Fair.
