#CFANSproud at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair

In addition to the CFANS exhibit in the Agriculture Horticulture Building (Southwest Wing), the CFANS community can be found throughout the Fairgrounds, celebrating agriculture and science, and connecting with visitors from across the state. If you are participating in the Fair, let us know!

All You Can Drink Milk Stand

CFANS students and members of the Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club, will be serving Fair visitors all the milk they can drink. If you would like to support the club, sign up for a shift at the milk stand here.

Andersen Horticultural Library

The Andersen Horticultural Library will be exhibiting in the Agriculture Horticulture Building (Flowers Wing) on Wednesday and Thursday, September 2 and 3, showcasing their "Three Minneapolis Seedswomen" display, along with information about the library, a trivia game, and prizes.

Ask a Tree Care Advisor

UMN Urban & Community Forestry volunteers and staff will be at the Ask A Tree Care Advisor booth daily at the Eco Experience. They can provide research-based answers and information to help fairgoers cultivate healthy trees in their communities.

Bell Museum

Catch the Bell Museum team tabling across five days during opening weekend:

• Thursday, August 27 (STEM Day): Dan Patch Park
• Friday, August 28: U of M Crossroads Building
• Saturday, August 29: Eco Experience Building
• Sunday, August 30: Agriculture Horticulture Building
• Monday, September 1: U of M Crossroads Building

Christensen Farms Stage

Several CFANS researchers are scheduled to present at the Christensen Farms Stage, right next to the Miracle of Birth Center. 

• The Bee Squad will be presenting on Monday, August 31, at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

DNR Fish Pond

CFANS student Kai LaBella will help maintain the popular Minnesota DNR Fish Pond on the State Fairgrounds, as part of his role as a Fisheries Invasive Carp Intern with Minnesota DNR East Metro.

Driven to Discover

Participate in research from the Department of Horticultural Science (Chengyan Yue Lab) in the Driven to Discover Building on Monday, August 31 from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Learn about consumer preferences for eco-friendly sod—such as reduced watering, less mowing, and lower fertilizer needs—to help make informed choices for healthier lawns.

Gopher Dairy Bar

The largest student group on the St. Paul campus is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year. The Gopher Dairy Bar, hosted by the Gopher Dairy Club, serves milk, chocolate milk, and milkshakes.

Livestock & Ag-Hort Exhibitors

Keep an eye out for CFANS community members in the livestock barns and halls, including Kirby Schmidt, who will be judging the Open Class Sheep Show and exhibiting in the Ag-Hort-Bee building!

Offal Wildlife Watching Project

The Offal Wildlife Watching Project will be exhibiting throughout the Fair at the DNR Building, the Eco Experience, and with CFANS in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, talking with fairgoers about research goals, results, and how they can get involved. 

Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Two University of Minnesota students — Claudia Frenchick and Morgan Morrow — are finalists in the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition. This year's princess will be announced on Wednesday, August 26, and each student will have her likeness carved into butter as part of the tradition. 

Water Day with Minnesota DNR

Researchers from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) will be exhibiting during MN DNR Water Wednesday at the DNR Building (Wednesday, September 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Stop by to learn more about protecting Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

Weavers Guild: Perennial Flax Fiber

Matt Holen from the University of Minnesota will present on perennial flax fiber production for sustainable yarn with the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in the Creative Activities Building on Thursday, August 27 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.