Since 2006, the Eco Experience has been on the checklist of many state fair-goers. For the past seven years, Stephen Mikkelson from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been directly involved as the news media coordinator for the exhibit. "We try to reach all over the state and get partners so they can come down to educate folks on how to help our environment."
The Eco Experience was born when the state fair allowed the MPCA to focus their various booths and attractions (that were spread through the fairgrounds) into the Progress Building, which wasn't getting much use. The fair saw it as a good match, and the Eco Experience has had a thriving home ever since. "Over the years, we've had over 150 different partners join with us in the building," says Mikkelson.
One of this year's exhibits that's bound to steal focus is a sixteen-foot-tall cardboard moose that goes by the name Corey Gated.
When visitors do peel their eyes from the giant moose, they'll be met with learning opportunities and plenty of experts who will be on-hand to answer questions from Thursday, August 25th through Labor Day.
Mikkelson's view on the patron experience is a simple and impactful one. "People leave the building... saying 'I learned how I can go back home and make some educated choices on how I live and how I affect the environment.'"
