Minnesota State Fair
James Farnsworth is a seasoned community leader with significant experience in program management and advocacy. Currently serving as the Community Program Director for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice, James focuses on empowering young individuals in Minnesota to engage with their civic responsibilities. Additional roles include Chair of the Youth and Government Program Alliance Council and a 4th Congressional District Regent at the University of Minnesota, where strategic vision and governance are emphasized. James has also held various positions, such as Executive Director of the Highland Business Association, Project Consultant at Rosedahl Public Affairs, and Communications Director for the Minnesota Student Association. Educational credentials include ongoing studies toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development at the University of Minnesota, along with prior education at Highland Park Senior High School and Saint Paul College.
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is the region’s most iconic end-of-summer tradition. Twelve days of fun ending Labor Day, the Great Minnesota Get-Together annually welcomes more than 2 million guests to a world-class showcase of livestock, agriculture, horse, art, talent and creative activities competitions; 500 food items (including 80+ on-a-stick); 900 free entertainment shows by 100+ acts; Mighty Midway and Kidway; 1,000+ vendors; hundreds of demonstrations and exhibits for kids and adults; and more. The fair employs nearly 90 year-round full-time staff members. During the summer, about 450 seasonal staff are added. For the 12 days of the fair, approximately 2,300 people are hired to work for fair departments, and commercial exhibitors employ another 10,000. We hope you'll join us Aug. 24 through Sept. 4, 2023!