The Minnesota State Fair board of managers on Friday announced the cancellation of the State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Minnesota released the following statement:
Like every Minnesotan, all of us at the University of Minnesota look forward to the State Fair with excitement and pride. It is a 12-day celebration of our state, located in the University’s back yard after all.
We are saddened by the decision to cancel the 2020 Minnesota State Fair.
The Fair has been an integral part of the University’s outreach and research missions almost as long as both Minnesota institutions have existed. Each year thousands of alumni, students, staff, and faculty visit our U of M Central and Driven to Discover (D2D) buildings. Through the great efforts of University of Minnesota Extension, approximately 5,600 Minnesota 4-H youth earn trips to the State Fair to showcase their experience, skills and dedication to the community.
We regret we will not be able to do that this year, but we are ready and excited to return in 2021 in ways that are even better than before.
At last year’s State Fair, the University invited Minnesotans to participate in more than 50 academic research projects at the D2D building; receive free cancer screenings during Goldy vs. Cancer Day; learn about yard and garden best practices from more than 100 Extension Master Gardener volunteers; and so much more. Our researchers, students, and 4-H’ers will proudly present these opportunities when we are next able to get together.
In the meantime, the University’s work on behalf of all Minnesotans continues. Extension educators serve youth, families and communities in all 87 counties. Our invasive species researchers are protecting lakes and landscapes across the state. The Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network is improving cancer outcomes for those living in Greater Minnesota. Amid the pandemic, our researchers and experts have turned their focus to tackling COVID-19. And, of course, our five campuses are educating 67,000 students—Minnesota’s future doctors, teachers, engineers, and leaders. Learn more about the University’s impact in your community here.
We look forward to celebrating the 2021 Minnesota State Fair with pronto pups and cheese curds, a trip down the Giant Slide and a concert at the Grandstand, a visit from the Pride of Minnesota marching band and, we’re confident, Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Until then, we are committed to our mission of serving Minnesotans across our state, every single day.
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