Update, August 2026: The State Fair Foundation has ended the opportunity to dedicate a bench due to its popular demand.
People on my Facebook page asked me about the memorial benches you see around the Minnesota State Fair. They wanted to know how many there are, who gets one, and if you get to choose where they go. I asked State Fair officials how the program works.
As of the 2019 State Fair, there were approximately 1,200 benches around the Fairgrounds. Benches are organized by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, the group responsible for the upkeep of the Fairgrounds and its buildings.
Each bench can have a 14-character message on the backrest and can additionally have a plaque to commemorate the person you’re dedicating the bench to. Business logos can be on the plaques, but business names or advocacy messages cannot be on the backrest.
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You get to choose the color of your bench: green, yellow, red or blue. The color determines what part of the Fairgrounds your bench will go. Due to popularity of the program, you cannot choose the exact location of your bench. Click here to see a map of how benches are distributed. During the Fair, fairgoers are encouraged to stop by the J.V. Bailey House to learn the exact location of a specific bench, as the benches have GPS tracking.
Benches have a minimum five year warranty and are stored during the winter months.
In addition to the benches, the Minnesota State Fair Foundation offers picnic tables which can go in one of three zones at the Fairgrounds. Those cost $5,000.
The brick recognition program was extremely popular and as of 2022, all of the plazas have been filled.
Photo credit Minnesota State Fair
If you’re looking for more suggestions on navigating the Minnesota State Fair, check out Give Me The Mike’s entire Minnesota State Fair guide here.
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
I would like to donate a bench in memory of my 12 year old daughter
Who donated the WESSEL bench? Thanks for your time.
Garry Wessel 80 years old. Shakopee Minn.