The fall season is fast approaching as evidenced by the ads promoting the Minnesota State Fair. During the State Fair, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), along with Veteran Service Organizations will be on site to answer questions or visit and will be located just inside the main entrance of the Education Building – Booth 32.  

The State Fair is known as ‘The Great Minnesota Get-Together’ and our goal is to be at the ready to help our Veterans have a great time and provide information on the programs and services available to Minnesota Veterans and their families. 

This year the Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day on August 28 is dedicated to honoring Women Veterans and military members of all eras. The official ceremony will be held in the Leinie Lodge Bandshell at 9:45 a.m. Women Veterans are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 a.m. and look for uniformed servicewomen, who will escort them to seating in the front rows. A schedule of the day’s events can be found here. 

Another unique aspect this year is the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the American Legion National Convention.  Their first convention was held in Minneapolis in 1918. The extensive planning and coordination will culminate with a parade, banquet and much more. Rumor around town is the President might even make an appearance!