The following are examples of sponsorship opportunities at the Minnesota State Fair. This list does not represent all opportunities, and some on this list may currently be sold.
Sponsorships typically start at $25,000-$50,000 and increase when adding booth space, depending on location, and other benefits specific to each sponsorship.
- Grandstand Concert Series. The Grandstand hosts national/international acts from all genres of music and is centrally located on the fairgrounds. The Grandstand requires an additional paid ticket.
- Free Stages. With more than 900 free concerts during the 12-day run, the State Fair’s free stages are a highlight to the visitor’s experience. Whether your focus is educational opportunities, music, arts, age groups, ethnicities or location, one of these stages is right for your company.
- Family Fair at Baldwin Park. Continuous family entertainment is held on the Family Fair Stage all 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair. Artists include jugglers, mimes, singers, puppets, etc.
- International Bazaar Stage. Continuous entertainment from around the world all day and into the night in this exciting ethnic shopping area.
- The Garden Stage. Placed in the center of a food and beverage pavilion, this stage features karaoke or other entertainment all day and night.
- Fireworks show after each Grandstand Concert. The Grandstand is centrally located on the fairgrounds and hosts national acts from all genres of music. The Fireworks Spectacular concludes each show and Grandstand guests have prime seats, but the fireworks are visible across the grounds for all fair visitors to enjoy.
- West End Market Stage. This stage offers fiddlers, guitar picking contests, square dancers, comedy, music and more.
- Bandshell Stage. Trendy local and national acts perform for a variety of preferences. Also includes the popular Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest celebrating 40+ years.
- Bandshell Tonight! Stage. Each night a huge national or local act hits the stage. This is a highlight for all fair guests.
- Attractions. New and popular attractions change each year and are located throughout the grounds. Examples include Little Farm Hands, Giant Sing Along, the Great Big Sandbox and many more.
- The North Woods. Outdoor activities including lumberjacks, logrollers, dock dogs, a “campfire grill” and more.
- Blue Ribbon Bargain Book. This coupon book grows every year and lands in the hands of more than 100,000 families. Sponsor it and receive the back cover for advertisement and a coupon or information section inside the book.
- Food Building. The State Fair’s Food Building has long been one of the most popular spots on the grounds housing more than 30 food concessions, from wild rice cheeseburgers to walleye on-a-stick to Minnesota lefse. Branding on several entrances on separate streets.
- Daily Parade. Every day at 2 p.m., thousands stop to watch the 30-minute parade filled with floats, dairy princesses, more than 500 high school band members, your mascot and more. The parade covers a 1-mile route through the fairgrounds and is narrated in two locations. 50,000-150,000 viewers annually.
- Amateur Talent Contest. The Amateur Talent Contest is a Minnesota State Fair tradition. More than 400 talented acts audition for a chance to move on to the semifinal rounds held the first 10 days of the fair on the largest free stage. One hundred and twenty semifinalists compete for a place in the finals rounds. Due to popularity, the finals move to the Grandstand and feature the 26 remaining contestants vying for cash prizes and the distinction of the most talented amateur of this year’s State Fair.
- Trolleys. Trolleys carry thousands of visitors throughout the fairgrounds. Hundreds of thousands of impressions are captured by visitors as the trolleys wind their way through the State Fair streets. Your logo and message are placed on the outside of the trolleys, and promotional items may be given to riders.
- Pet Pavilions. The Pet Pavilions feature Minnesota Purebred Dog Breeders Association, dog demonstrations, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association surgery suite and other pet-oriented commercial exhibits and concessions. Admission is free. Pet surgeries are presented in the Surgery Suite daily.
- Eco Experience. Eco Experience was introduced at the Great Minnesota Get-Together in 2006 and was an instant success. The 25,000-square-foot educational attraction, presented by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is a unique opportunity designed to inspire people to lead healthier and more sustainable lives that improve our environment and quality of life. Featuring exhibitors and many partners, the exhibit consists of several focused areas including Solar, Wind, Green Buildings, Water, Recycling, Transportation and Healthy Local Food. Other areas included the Sustainability Stage, Kid’s Activity Areas and Climate Change. The success of the Eco Experience has been recognized through many awards and recognition throughout the years:
- 2016: Bagnado display won Best of Show from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators, and the Gold Quill Excellence Award in business communication from the International Association of Business Communicator’s (IABC). The IABC Gold Quill Awards are the mark of global distinction and is the highest level of professional acknowledgement within business communication today.
- 2014: Guinness World Record Holder for the largest wad of paper
- 2013: Minnesota State Fair People’s Choice Award for Best Attraction
- 2010: Excellence in Renewable Energy Award from the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society for the most significant contribution by local government.
- 2007: Gold Quill Excellence Award in business communication from the International Association of Business Communicator’s (IABC). The IABC Gold Quill Awards are the mark of global distinction and is the highest level of professional acknowledgement within business communication today.
- 2007: The Environmental Initiative Award in the environmental Education category, from the Minnesota Environmental Initiative.
- 2006: The Western Fair Association honored the Eco Experience with two awards: Best New Non-Competitive Exhibit, and their highest honor, the Merrill Award, awarded to the program that most demonstrates outstanding vision and leadership.
- 2006: The International Association of Fairs and Expositions recognized the Eco Experience with an Award of Excellence for the best new Fair and Partner Joint Exhibit Program.
- 2006: MnGREAT! Award acknowledging environmental achievements by government employees in the areas of pollution prevention, toxicity reduction, waste reduction, energy conservation, water conservation, recycling and composting.
- Eco Experience Stage. The Sustainability Stage is Eco Experience’s location for environmental demonstrations, entertainment and presentations.
- Fine Arts Show. The Minnesota State Fair’s Fine Arts Exhibition is the state’s largest juried art show. Winning pieces are displayed every day of the fair in the Fine Arts Center. Select artwork will be sold in the Fine Arts Center with 20% of the proceeds benefiting State Fair arts programs through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3).
- Studio: HERE: Each day of the fair, a practicing Minnesota artist will create artwork and have specific opportunities to interact with fair guests. The “special exhibition” provides a window into the working artist’s world.
- Midway and Kidway. Two areas featuring rides, games, attractions and food concessions. Kidway focuses on children and families. More than 1 million visitors enjoy Mighty Midway and Kidway with nearly 70 rides and more than 50 games.
- And many more!
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Varriano
Sponsorship Supervisor
651-288-4306
melissa.varriano@mnstatefair.org
