Native to the western United States and Canada, mountain pine beetle is considered the most devastating forest insect in North America. Trees usually die as a result of infestation and an unprecedented outbreak in the west is currently decimating pine forests there. While mountain pine beetle is not presently believed to reside in Minnesota, there are risks posed by an expanding species range resulting from warming climate and the potential for accidental introduction via lumber imports from infested areas.
To provide educational opportunities for fair visitors to learn about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in southern Minnesota. Between 1933 and 1939, the Olmsted County Fairgrounds was home to the regional headquarters of the CCC company 1774-V. The fair will create two exhibits documenting the living conditions of CCC and WPA workers, and the long-term impact of both programs.
To construct a stage and bring in artists and entertainment. Artists will demonstrate woodworking, yarn spinning, and photography. A local bluegrass band will be featured for the first time at the fair.
To enhance fairgoers experience of arts programming at the Pine County Fair. A new sound system and sun screen for the arts and culture stage will allow the fair to bring more diverse events and artisans to the fair. These additions will allow the fair to offer several bands that play historic music, a chainsaw artist, and a cattle dog demonstration.
To improve access to the historic 1918 barn on the fairgrounds by adding ventilation and cooling. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the barn once served as the county poor farm. Today, it's home to various 4-H and youth programming.
To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Ramsey County Fair by providing new history programming. The fair will feature demonstrations of "lost arts" such as canning, quilting, and woodwork, in addition to creating a video featuring fair history and a written narrative.
To provide a variety of programming at the Winona County Fair that preserves and promotes Minnesota's history and cultural heritage. Art demonstrations will feature painting, watercolor, drawing, oils, spinning, weaving, and quilting. Visitors will be able to view antique tractors and learn about their history and restoration process. Children can watch a marionette show and learn about ventriloquism. The fair will feature a bluegrass band and a dog sledding display.
To construct the Arts and Cultural Celebration Center at the Rice County fairgrounds. This heated, year round and handicap accessible building with ADA bathrooms and presentation stage will be home to arts presentations by regional individuals and performances by county arts and theater organizations.
To highlight past agricultural practices at the Steele County Fair. The Milk Buds are an eight horse miniature hitch, and will stroll the fairgrounds on a regular schedule to showcase a time when horses and hitches were a key method to moving freight in the country. The fair will also rebuild display cases and tables for their Organic Crops department. All displayed crops are certified organic and will feature the ways crops were grown over 50 years ago.
To improve the lighting in the arts area that features textiles, photography, culinary, gardening and hobbies exhibits, and the antique automobiles display area. Funds will also be used to hire a strolling performer during the fair.
To host a children's show about life on the farm through songs and stories, and offer a presentation about, and create a display area of, antique horse drawn machinery used by farmers from the Le Sueur County area.
To educate fairgoers about the early history of the area. The Le Sueur County Fair will create an exhibit on the Native American and early settlers life in the area. The exhibit will include a large tipi, fire pit, artifacts, tools, hides, and more. Funds will also be used to host demonstrations on native and log cabin construction techniques, and drawing and painting activities for children.
To preserve the one room schoolhouse on the fairgrounds. The Little Red Schoolhouse will need painting, window repair, and electrical upgrades. The Winona County Historical Society will help organize materials for programming and exhibiting.
Funds will also improve lighting in two art exhibit buildings.
To offer new arts and cultural heritage programming at the Waseca County Free Fair. Programming will include a performance by a Minnesota band, a German heritage band, and Homeward Bound Theater.
