Minnesota State Fair announces online marketplace, virtual competition showcases
[KSTP-TV]
The Minnesota State Fair announced on Tuesday the creation of the Minnesota State Fair Online Marketplace, as well as four virtual competition showcases. The showcases will range from cookie decorating to crop art, for fair guests to enter and showcase their creativity this summer.
According to the fair, the marketplace is a searchable hub to help fair fans support their favorite merchandise vendors and discover new shopping surprises. The marketplace currently features 240 vendors, with many of them offering State Fair deals and special merchandise. The online hub will be available through Dec. 31, 2020, making it an option for some holiday shopping.
"There will be the hard-to-find gifts and gadgets, handmade and made-in-Minnesota goods, foodie fun, upcycled décor, helpful home services, hobby gear, treats for furry friends, apparel, and more," the State Fair said in a news release.
For more information on the website, click here.
Additionally, the State Fair competition department is offering four virtual showcases for 2020. Entry photos will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. Then, staff picks will be announced on the fair’s social media channels between Friday, Aug. 28 and Labor Day, Sept. 7.
The showcases will include:
- Cookie Decorating: Decorate cookies depicting a favorite fair activity. One person, chosen by State Fair staff and notified by email, will receive two free tickets to the 2021 Minnesota State Fair.
- Crop Art: Join virtually for the beloved crop art tradition. The fair says one entry in the advanced class and one entry in the amateur class, chosen by State Fair staff and notified by email, will each receive two free tickets to the 2021 Minnesota State Fair.
- K-12 Network and Photography: Students from across the state are welcome to submit their artwork and photography. All who enter will receive a certificate of participation via email. State Fair staff will select three photography and three drawing/painting entries from each grade to feature on social media. Entries include photography (black and white or color) and drawing/painting (using any medium including but not limited to: crayons, markers, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media).
- Quilt On-A-Stick: One of the fair’s most unique competitions, Quilt On-A-Stick features the 2020 theme, "Fishing in Minnesota: The One That Got Away." Maximum dimensions are 8" x 9" and can use any quilting method – machine or by hand – with a paint stirrer as the stick. This competition will be judged, and the top five submissions will be highlighted on social media.
For more information on the virtual competitions, click here.