The Minnesota State Fair isn’t just about deep-fried treats and Midway rides, it’s also a golden opportunity to show how much you care for our shared home. Every action, from how you travel to the fair to how you dispose of your lemonade cup, can be a chance to practice stewardship and inspire others to do the same.

When you take the time to notice, care, and act, you become part of a growing culture of Minnesotans who are loving where we live, together. Here are 8 ways you can be a steward at the Great Minnesota Get-Together (and share your story to inspire others!):

1. Take the Bus, Bike, or Carpool

Skip the solo drive and opt for Metro Transit’s State Fair Express, bike to the fairgrounds, or ride with friends. Snap a photo of your eco-friendly arrival and post it with #LovingWhereWeLive.

2. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Hydration stations are sprinkled throughout the fair. Using your own bottle keeps hundreds of single-use plastic bottles out of the waste stream, and it’s a simple visual that inspires others.

3. Support Local & Sustainable Vendors

From Minnesota-grown produce to locally made crafts, your spending choices matter. Chat with vendors about where their ingredients come from and why they choose sustainable practices. Share their stories online so others can find and support them too.

4. Try the Fair’s Compost & Recycling Stations

The Eco Experience area is a great place to learn about waste sorting and green innovations. Be a sorting role model: when people see you composting correctly, it encourages them to do the same.

5. Choose Minimal Packaging

When given the option, skip extra napkins, plastic utensils, or unnecessary packaging.

6. Learn at the Eco Experience Building

The Eco Experience showcases Minnesota innovations in clean energy, healthy living, and conservation. Take photos of your favorite exhibits and post a short note about what you learned, it’s a fun way to share knowledge with your community.

7. Show Kindness to People and Place

Being a steward isn’t just about our natural places, it’s also about caring for people. Help someone find their way, hold a door, or thank a vendor. Fairgrounds are shared spaces, and kindness is contagious.

8. Share Your Fair Stewardship Story

Whether you post on social media, tell a friend, or submit your story to Upstream, sharing your stewardship actions can spark someone else to take their first step. Stories have power; they create connection, build community, and inspire action.

Your small actions can have a big ripple effect. By practicing stewardship at the Minnesota State Fair and sharing what you do you help create a culture where caring for Minnesota is just part of the fun.

📸 We’d love to see your fair stewardship moments! Share them with #LovingWhereWeLive and tag @minnesotaupstream.