DNR exhibit ready for 2010 Minnesota State Fair

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DNR exhibit ready for 2010 Minnesota State Fair
(Released August 19, 2010)


A wide range of free educational exhibits, presentations and entertainment, including several new activities and displays, will be part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair, which runs Aug. 26-Sept. 6 in St. Paul.
 
“The DNR building and surrounding park area is often the traditional first stop for many fairgoers,” explained Adele Smith, who helps coordinates the DNR exhibit. “Minnesotans are passionate about our natural resources and this is an effective and entertaining way for us to communicate conservation messages.”

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR

The first camp-out on the DNR grounds at the State Fair. A few lucky families, some of whom are veterans of the State Parks “I Can Camp!” program, will be spending the night in tents on Thursday, Aug. 26. They’ll help spread the word about this popular new program. “I Can Camp!” teaches families all the necessary camping skills they need to have affordable family fun.
Web cams providing live view from Fire Tower and other DNR locations.
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) simulator that lets folks experience what it is like to ride an actual ATV. Visitors will learn safe riding techniques, find out how to get started in the sport, and discover where to ride.
The world-record white tail deer antlers seized by DNR enforcement officers during a poaching investigation will be on display on the DNR grounds near the DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage on Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A sculpture of a giant beaver, made out of objects collected from public waters, will be on display daily at the DNR Adopt-a-River exhibit.
An interactive, touch-screen kiosk display in the shape of Minnesota that will help fairgoers find information about recreational opportunities in state parks, state trails, water trails and more!
An actual state park camper cabin. The cabins are built to provide a “camping out” experience, but with the comfort of four walls, year-round at Minnesota state parks. Fairgoers will be able to step inside the 24′ by 12′ cabin to check it out. The cabin has two sets of bunks allowing accessibility for a wheelchair. A camper cabin is complete with picnic table and a fire ring with grill.
STATE FAIR FAVORITES
Opened in 1934, the beautiful historic building has been the centerpiece of the DNR State Fair exhibit. It serves as a landmark, a meeting place and a must-visit educational and entertainment destination, where generations of fairgoers have created life-long memories.

The DNR celebrates the structure’s 76th anniversary during this year’s State Fair.

Displays inside the main DNR building cover a wide range of natural resource topics, including watersheds, aquatic invasive species, rocks and minerals, state lands, forests, trails and parks.

The DNR outdoor fish pond and indoor fish tanks give visitors a chance learn about the different fish that call Minnesota home. This year’s exhibit features about 45 fish species.

The DNR fire tower will be open for people interested in climbing the 84 steps to get a bird’s-eye view of the State fairgrounds. The tower is open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Another popular stop is the Fire Prevention Building which offers property owners tips on how to keep their homes and cabins safe from wildfires.

The lasershot booth and archery range are located in the DNR indoor theater and will be open from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily.

Smokey Bear is celebrating 66 years of reminding children and their parents about the dangers of wildfires. In conjunction with the Governor’s 12th annual Fire Prevention Day on Friday, Aug. 27, the DNR Forestry Division will host a variety of special activities and events.

Special stage presentations on the Emerald Ash Borer will be given at 11 a.m., 1, 3, and 5 p.m. Smokey Bear makes daily appearances at DNR Park at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Inside the “DNR Wildlife…forever Wing,” fairgoers can learn about Minnesota species and wildlife habitat. Special sound and lighting effects help create an experience of moving from day to night and through the four seasons, as visitors walk through the display.

The DNR Nature Store carries a wide range of merchandise, including gift items, clothing, jewelry, educational toys, games, posters, calendars and books. Most items are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and many are available for sale only during the State Fair. The Nature Store also sells hunting and fishing licenses, state park permits and the complete line of Public Recreation Information Maps. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise help fund communication and education efforts at the State Fair.

At the DNR Information Center on the north side of the building, visitors can pick up free materials such as hunting and trapping regulations and state parks, trails and recreation guides. DNR staff will be available to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP
A full program of educational and wildlife presentations along with music and theatrical performances are scheduled for the DNR outdoor and garden stages and the fish pond area.

A variety of groups will offer demonstrations on the DNR volunteer outdoor stage and the garden stage (on the west side of the building). There will be presentations promoting state parks, ATVs, fishing, water trails, skiing snowshoeing, volcanoes, horseback riding, bicycling, decoy carving and collecting; duck and goose calling and much more.

There will also be performances by Last Chance Forever - The Bird of Prey Conservancy of San Antonio, Texas; the Plymouth Playhouse (How to Talk Minnesotan) and the University of Minnesota Raptor Center.

Musical acts include the Brass Kings; Clearwater; Pete Neuman and the Real Deal; Red Rock Swing Band; Standing Room Only Dance Band; The Roxxy Hall Band; Doug Wood and the Wild Spirit Band, Joe Meyer Band; and Ecuador Manta.

DNR STATE FAIR BUILDING STATISTICS

The DNR State Fair building opened Sept. 1, 1934.
It cost $73,000 to build (almost 10 times the net profit of 1934 State Fair).
Gate tickets in 1934 cost .25 cents
Funding came from federal and state emergency relief administration and State Fair funds.
Civilian Conservation Corps erected the building in less than six months using machined logs.
The main building is 186 feet by 66 feet.
DNR’s State Fair building is 40 feet high at its highest point.
The fire tower opened in 1966, was closed in 1978, then repaired and reopened in 2007.
The fish pond and animal displays were added in 1970.