The annual Minnesota State Fair is here, and you can probably already smell the scent of fried foods wafting through the air, see the flashing lights on the revolving Ferris wheel and hear the laughter emanating from happy attendees.
Did you know the fair is a host to a variety of sustainable attractions, vendors and food? In addition to your favorite bucket of cookies and delicacy on a stick, you’ll want to check out these attractions:
Name: West End Market
Location: Corner of West Dan Patch Avenue and Liggett Street
Info: Upcycled products; Minnesota-themed home furnishings and apparel; and handmade goods, including pottery, holiday décor, jewelry, soaps and original artwork.
Name: Driven to Discover Building
Location: Driven to Discover Building
Info: 30+ university departments are looking for people of all ages to participate in research studies with topics such as language, social skills, public health and technology.
Name: Eco Experience
Location: Eco Experience
Info: Interactive exhibits on green technology, transportation alternatives, clean air and water, renewable energy, organic agriculture and healthy cooking, plus simple reduce-reuse-recycle tips.
Name: Health Fair 11
Location: Across the street from Merchandise Mart
Info: Annual flu shots, hearing assessments, gluten-free fair-food guides, food allergies, blood-pressure checks, blood typing, and nursing and infant care facilities.
Name: Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstrations
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Renewing the Countryside relays the story of “Artisan Grains of Minnesota,” which involves millers, cereal and snack makers, brewers, local farms, bakers, malters and consumers.
Name: Energize Your Home: Consumer Power Now and in the Future
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Ben Bratrud from Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota shares the most energy-efficient ways to power your home today and in the future.
Name: Creating an Allergy- & Toxin-Free Home
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Hear Shaylee Oleson from Eco Shaylee LLC describe the best products to use around your home to avoid toxins and allergies.
Name: Secondhand Fashion Is for Everyone!
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Watch a fashion show of the trendiest local secondhand clothing and accessories hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Name: DIY Organic Lawn Care
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Refresh your lawn by creating do-it-yourself organic solutions to use the next time it needs care such as weeding or cutting. (Bob Dahm from Organic Bob hosts.)
Name: The Denim Challenge – New Life for Old Jeans
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Theresa Hornstein from Grey Lady Designs teaches you how to convert an old pair of jeans into innovative new items.
Name: Pruning Young Trees and Large, Old Shrubs
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Listen to Monica Randazzo from Minnesota Tree Care Advocate discuss insightful ways to prune young trees and large, old shrubs.
Name: How to Lower Your Carbon Food Print
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Examine how to be better about food waste in order to lower your carbon footprint in a workshop hosted by Kristine Kvamme from Do It Green! Minnesota.
Name: Electric Vehicles in Minnesota
Location: Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience
Info: Gain information on electric vehicles, how they benefit customers and the future of EV. (Jukka Kukkonen from Minnesota Electric Vehicle Owners hosts.)
Enjoy the time you get to spend exploring the sustainable options at this year’s Minnesota State Fair—and be sure to drive safely!
