Minnesota State Fair Booth

The “Ask a Tree Care Advisor” booth in the Eco Experience Building at the Minnesota State Fair has been staff by Tree Care Advisor volunteers since 2013. The “Ask a Tree Care Advisor” booth was originally a one-time addition to the Climate Change area, but an invitation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)  was extended to return and has since become a permanent fixture. The public can ask tree and shrub related questions at the booth during all 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair. Additionally, in 2022 visitors can once again participate in the building-wide Bingo game by answering a question at the booth!

Position Descriptions

Tree Care Advisors

Tree Care Advisor volunteers will be asked to answer questions that the public has and provide resources and materials that can help Minnesota residents care for their trees.

Be Prepared To:

  • Answer questions regarding tree identification, selection, disease and insect identification, proper planting practices, and young tree care
  • Give out research-based information only
  • Direct fair-goers around the exhibit area toward posters, samples, handouts, etc. that may help answer questions
  • Interact with both adults and children
  • Engage youth through the Eco Bingo activity
  • Ask questions and spend time with the visitors to make sure their needs are met
  • Track questions & topics through a written binder method and clicker counters

Booth Training:

  • There will be a short online webinar in August to talk about current tree care-related topics and a Q&A. It will also be recorded and sent out. Stay tuned for more details.

Shift Details:

  • Shifts: 4 hour shifts (9:00am to 1:00pm, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, and 5:00pm to 9:00pm)
  • Arrival: 
    • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to shift beginning to facilitate an easier transition, to get acquainted with the exhibit area, and feel more prepared for your shift.
    • Please allow 30 minutes to navigate from entering the fair to the Eco Experience building.
  • Entry: 1 complimentary ticket per shift that you sign up for (This will be mailed in advance to the address in your My Impact account. If you have not set an account up yet, please do so when you can.)
  • Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for making their way to the booth on their own. Park nearby, use public transportation, etc. Parking will not be provided.
  • Breaks: Need to grab a drink or state fair treat? Use the bathroom? If you're volunteering with another person, feel free to take turns grabbing whatever you need. If you're by yourself, please also take the time you need. We'll have "Be right back" signs available for you to put up during your break.

Only Tree Care Advisors may sign up for these shifts.

 

Volunteering Details

Dates: August 24th - September 4th, 2023

Shift Times: 9:00am to 1:00pm, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, & 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Shift Availability: Each shift will have 2 volunteers spots available. One will focus on answering tree questions, while the other will be the primary person for Eco Bingo. Eco Bingo is a fun, fast-paced activity where kids move from booth to booth to earn bingo squares for a prize. (Volunteers may have to switch between roles if one or the other gets busy.) You are welcome to sign-up for as many or as few shifts as you would like.

Location: Eco Experience Building at the Minnesota State Fair

Perks: Volunteers will receive one free admission ticket for each shift for which they sign up.

New!: If you sign up for one of the 5-9pm shifts, you can receive TWO free passes to the fair!

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Prior to the State Fair, all volunteers must either attend the online orientation live OR view the recording.
    • This year's orientation session will be held virtually on Monday, 8/7 @ 4:00pm - 5:00pm. We will record the session for those who cannot attend live or wish to view it again. (Zoom information will be sent out about 1 week before the training.)
  • Volunteers will receive one of our our green, Tree Care Advisor shirts, if they don't already have one.
  • Volunteers must be able to get themselves to and from the Eco Experience building either by driving, using public transportation, etc.

Questions: Please email Sonja Tosteson at [email protected] if you have any questions about positions, times, etc.

How to Sign Up