County fairs have long been a place where neighbors come together to celebrate community. They also offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with residents, showcase programs and foster deeper connections.

Starting July 25, 2026, the University of Minnesota will have a booth at various county fairs this summer:

• East Otter Tail County: July 25
• Pine County: July 30
• Redwood County (FarmFest): August 4-6
• Stevens County: August 14
• Dakota County: August 16
• Steele County: August 20-21

Fairgoers will get the chance to meet University leaders—including President Rebecca Cunningham and members of the Board of Regents—right at the fair. They’re eager to chat about what the University means to Minnesotans and how we’re working together for our communities.

They’ll be diving into big topics like rural prosperity, healthcare, and agriculture—issues that really matter to Greater Minnesota.

Faculty and staff from various campuses will also attend to share their research and experiences on making a difference for all Minnesotans.

“I’m looking forward to conversations about how the University fuels agricultural innovation across Greater Minnesota, builds our skilled worker pipeline in all 87 Minnesota counties, and supports high-quality health and healthcare close to home,” said President Rebecca Cunningham.

The Elevate Extraordinary 2030 strategic roadmap primes the University to support Greater Minnesota’s growth and well-being through continued partnership across its five campuses. From these interactions, leaders hope to gain insights into Minnesotans' concerns and aspirations, which can inform future research and outreach initiatives.

Be sure to visit other University of Minnesota departments and units at each county fair, like Extension and our Research and Outreach Centers, which offer expert advice and educational outreach that benefit local interests and needs.