The spectacle of the Minnesota State Fair reached new levels last year in the Eco Experience building with the inclusion of a giant loon and the huge cardboard moose, affectionately named Corey Gated. "It was a big, popular selfie stop for a lot of people," says Stephen Mikkelson from Minnesota Pollution Control.
Beyond the spectacle, there is a message. Corey, the moose, is brought in to promote the reduce, reuse and recycle message. The giant loon - borrowed from Virginia, Minnesota - is part of the Get the Lead Out program. All told, the Eco Experience building is a place of topical and environmental education. "It's everything air, land, water and climate. And it's a place for organizations to communicate and educate," says Mikkelson. "It's not a place where we sell anything or lecture you."
If you're heading to the Fair, it's best to use some visual landmarks to find your way to the Eco Experience building. "It's kind of the northeast corner of the Fair," says Mikkelson. "There's a gigantic Ferris wheel... then you'll look and see that big wind turbine blade." The turbine blade is planted upright in front of the building.
You can learn more on the Minnesota Pollution Control website, and you can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
