The Annual Convention of the MFCF, Midwest Showman's Association and the MN State Fair is January 15-18, 2026.
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Friend of County Fairs Award

The Friend of County Fairs Award is an esteemed recognition presented by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs to individuals who have made significant contributions to the success, sustainability, and growth of Minnesota’s county fairs. This award celebrates those who are dedicated advocates for the county fair system, whether through volunteer efforts, financial support, or actions that help preserve and promote the traditions, culture, and educational opportunities provided by county fairs.

The award highlights those who go above and beyond in supporting the agricultural, educational, and community-driven aspects of county fairs. Recipients are recognized for their tireless work in ensuring that county fairs remain vibrant, relevant, and accessible to the communities they serve.


Qualifications:
Nominees for the Friend of County Fairs Award should meet the following criteria:

  • Significant Support: Demonstrated exceptional support or contribution to one or more Minnesota county fairs or to the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs.

  • Community Partnership: Shown a strong commitment to community involvement and partnership that enhances the fair experience.

  • Promotion of Fairs: Actively promotes the mission, visibility, and value of county fairs within the community or statewide.

  • Lasting Impact: Contributions have made a positive, lasting difference in the success or sustainability of fairs.

  • Spirit of Cooperation: Demonstrates a cooperative and positive attitude that embodies the true spirit of Minnesota’s fair community.

Nomination Process:

Nominations may be submitted by any county fair, MFCF district, Associate Member, or other member of the Federation. The recipient will be selected by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs Nominations Committee and recognized at the annual convention.

The Friend of County Fairs Award is a way for the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of individuals that help keep the spirit of county fairs alive, and ensure that these beloved traditions continue to thrive for years to come.

Know someone who stands out and meets these qualifications? Fill out the nomination form for them to be considered for the Friend of County Fairs Award.

Nominations close December 1st.

Friend of County Fairs Award Nomination Form

Individual Being Nominated

Qualifications

Supporting Document:
Additional Supporting Document:

Person Nominating Potential Awardee

Previous Awardees

  • Senator Carrie Ruud
  • Representative Jeff Brand
  • Senator Roger Chamberlain
  • Representative Joe McDonald
  • Representative Paul Marquart
  • Senator Gary Dahms
  • Lisa Sawyer, MN Dept of Agriculture
  • Leon Lillie, Representative
  • Bob Gunther, Representative
  • Jeanne Poppe, Representative
  • Paul Torkelson, Representative
  • Bill Weber, Senator

  • Rod Hamilton, Representative
  • Greg Harder, MN State Fair
  • Gene Sanford, Rice County
  • Dianne Hohrman, Rice County
  • Douglas Tuman, McLeod County
  • Senator David J. Thomassoni
  • Mark Ditlevson
  • Marlin Krupp, Faribault County
  • Rep. Dean Urdahl
  • Joe Scapanski, MN State Fair
  • Senator Bill Ingebrigsten
  • Cliff Bussler
  • Arlon Fritsche
  • Jerry Hawton, Swine Superintendent, MN State Fair
  • John Thomforde, Poultry Superintendent, MN State Fair
  • Governor Tim Pawlenty
  • Melvin Sprengler
  • Robin Kinney
  • Joleen Hawkins
  • Kent Thiesse
  • Jerry Schoenfeld, Lobbyist
  • Nicole Nault, Sheraton Bloomington
  • Eastside Beverage
  • Markus Sampson, Board of Electricity
  • Dr. Paul Anderson, Board of Animal Health
  • Cheryl Huber, MN State Fair
  • Marlys Dorfer, Hotel Staff
  • Rep. Howard Swenson
  • Rep. Elaine Harder
  • Senator Steve Murphy
  • Senator Dallas Sams
  • David Kjome, Olmstead County
  • Jerry Hammer, MN State Fair
  • Ken Giannina, MN State Fair
  • Gene Hugoson, Commissioner of Ag
  • Larry Tande
  • Henry Kalis, Legislator
  • Loren Solberg, Legislator
  • Steve Imbo, Legislator
  • Tracey Backman, Legislator
  • Stan & Darlene Wandersee, Showmen
  • Ron Hamm, Showmen
  • Jim Ertl, FFA
  • Steve Pooch, MN State Fair
  • Doug Hansen, Newspaper Editor
  • Juanita Reed Boniface, 4-H
  • Mark Vetvick, St.Paul Radisson
  • Kathy Roberts, Radisson
  • Fred Stein, Radisson
  • Elton Redalen, Secretary of Ag
  • Leonard Harkness, 4-H
  • Mike Hildebrand, Showmen
  • Dale Merriam, Showmen
  • RK Rolly Larson, OABA
  • Lee Luebbe, Winona County
  • John Magel, Showmen
  • Paul Day, MN FFA
  • Warren Sheaf
  • Curt Norenberg, U of MN
  • Senator David Fredrickson
  • Rep. Roger Cooper
  • Mary Goeffon, MN State Fair
  • Alan Dupay, MN Dept. of Ag
  • Joseph Komro, MN Dept. of Ag
  • Rep. Paul Ogren
  • Rep. Steve Dille
  • Senator Florian Chimelewski
  • Rep. Rick Krueger
If you have names of previous Friends of the County Fair award winners and the year they won the award or additions and/or corrections, please send them to mfcf.zach@gmail.com

Thank You

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