Sandra Lee and Renee Alexander Share the Heartwarming Story Behind Minnesota’s Beloved State Fair
Our 'Fair’est of Them All' series with Sandra Lee celebrates Renee Alexander’s journey from fairgoer to CEO
Key Takeaways
- Renee Alexander went from an 8-year-old fair attendee to becoming the fair's CEO.
- The Minnesota State Fair brings nearly 2 million visitors together over 12 days.
- The fair operates as a self-supporting event and receives zero government funding.
Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander’s connection to the Great Minnesota Get-Together began when she was just 8 years old, watching marching bands from the curb. Decades later, Renee has moved from intern to entertainment director to CEO, Renee has helped preserve beloved traditions while welcoming new experiences and creating memories for generations of fairgoers. Here, she shares her story for Woman’s World’s “Fair’est of Them All” special series with celebrity chef Sandra Lee.
This is so cool, 8-year-old Renee Alexander thought as she sat on the curb watching high school marching bands make their way through the Minnesota State Fair’s daily parade. Her family had recently moved to Minnesota, and although she doesn’t remember her very first visit to the fair, she remembers being in grade school and taking in the sights and sounds with wide-eyed wonder.
That early parade memory was just the beginning of Renee’s lifelong connection to what Minnesotans lovingly call “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” Over the years, she returned with family and friends to ride roller coasters, enjoy favorite foods and soak up all the sights and sounds of the fair.
A love for the fair that grew
As Renee got older, her connection to the fair only deepened. Some of her favorite memories were simple ones — walking the grounds with family, sharing food, people-watching and letting the day unfold without a plan.
As an adult, she continued returning with friends to share favorite foods, catch a free concert or attend a Grandstand show. She also loved wandering through the Creative Activities Building and Fine Arts Building, where Minnesotans showcase everything from jams and quilts to photography and other creative talents.
And eventually, Renee found herself becoming part of the fair itself.
An opportunity arose for Renee to intern in the entertainment department in 1989, and she jumped at the chance. Despite never imagining herself working at the fair, she was then hired full time and remained on staff until 1994.
After leaving the fair, she explored other sides of the events world, working as a talent agent, in event production and in corporate meeting planning.
But the fair continued to call her back.
In spring 2005, Renee returned as the fair’s entertainment director. Over the years, she took on more and more responsibility, eventually leading her to apply for the CEO position in 2022. She assumed the role in spring 2023.
It was also through her work at the fair that Renee developed a deeper appreciation for one of its most important traditions — livestock.
Growing up, she had spent time on her aunt and uncle’s farm in southeast Kansas, so animals were familiar to her. But it wasn’t until she saw firsthand what it took to prepare livestock for the show ring that she began to appreciate the animals and the social and competitive spirit surrounding the competitions.
A Great Minnesota tradition
Today, Renee leads the Minnesota State Fair as the CEO, and she considers it both an honor and a responsibility.
Held midway between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis since 1859, the Minnesota State Fair now welcomes nearly 2 million people each year, making it one of the best-attended fairs in the country.
And there’s something for everyone.
Guests can visit the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, where live animals are born throughout the fair, or explore livestock barns filled with dairy, poultry, sheep, cattle and horses. Crop competitions celebrate Minnesota agriculture, while the fair’s agriculture and horticulture exhibits showcase the skill, innovation and care that go into feeding communities.
No visit would be complete without a taste of the fair. Foods inspired by cultures from around the world — including Hmong, Egyptian, Jamaican and Somali offerings — join classic fair favorites. And then there are the warm, chocolate chip cookies from Sweet Martha’s, served by the bucketful.
“As CEO, they are ALL my favorite!” Renee says of the fair’s food.
Bringing everyone together
For Renee, though, one of the best parts of her role is talking with fair guests.
Hearing about their day, their family traditions and what the fair means to them is deeply rewarding. And she knows those experiences are made possible by thousands of people who work behind the scenes year-round.
Staff, volunteers, exhibitors, vendors and partners all play a role in bringing the 12-day celebration to life. The fair also works with 4-H, FFA, agricultural organizations, educational institutions and community and nonprofit groups to support youth development, agriculture and education.
The Minnesota State Fair is financially self-supporting and receives no government funds, making the dedication of those who keep it running all the more meaningful.
The 166th Minnesota State Fair runs August 27 through Labor Day, September 7. Guests can look forward to new foods and specialty sips, enhanced experiences and continued investment in historic buildings and the fairgrounds — all while beloved traditions continue.
For Renee, preserving those traditions while making room for something new is what makes the fair so special.
“The Minnesota State Fair is more than an event. It’s a shared experience that connects generations,” she says. “It’s a place where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and people feel part of something bigger than themselves.”
And after a lifetime of loving the fair, Renee is proud to help create those experiences for the next generation.
“No matter who you are or where you come from,” Renee says, “There’s a place for you at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!”
Sandra Lee’s Take on the Minnesota State Fair
“The Minnesota State Fair takes fair food to a whole different level. Of course, the creativity and variety of what you can eat is incredible, but I was equally blown away by the beautiful displays and the pride that goes into the food competitions—especially the baking. You can feel how much tradition, talent and love goes into it all. Minnesota serves great food and Minnesota celebrates it!”
Keep an eye out for our “Fair’est of Them All” series! In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Sandra Lee—chef, creator of Semi-Homemade Cooking and host of Blue Ribbon Bakeoff—is hitting the road with Woman’s World for a special cross-country journey honoring the remarkable women who bring America’s beloved state and county fairs to life. From longtime family traditions to unforgettable fairground innovations, these inspiring stories celebrate the heart, resilience and community spirit woven into fairs across the country. Catch the series in issues on sale June 26, July 24, August 14 and August 28, with stories appearing online the following week. And more exclusively online throughout the entire fall season!
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