State Fair Programming FAQs

Once you have materials out, you may start registering guests for the raffle. Instructions are below.

All libraries should have materials out by August 26th. The raffle drawing should be done on September 6th, with winners contacted and confirmed by September 9th. The State Fair runs September 12-22. Branches may keep materials out through the end of the Fair.

Raffle: 

Any library guest with a library card in good standing is eligible to win a four-pack of State Fair front gate tickets. Guests can enter at multiple locations, but may only win once. Guests that receive a take-home kit, interact with passive programming, or simply ask to be entered may be added to your location’s raffle list. 

Please use this spreadsheet STATE FAIR RAFFLE SIGN UP.xlsx   (Make sure to find your branch's sheet!)

Please pick a winner using a random number generator and contact them by Monday September 9th. Please check the winner’s library card number to make sure they are in good standing before notifying the guest. If they are not in good standing, please pick a new winner for your location. Check against other locations' winners to make sure no one is picked twice.  Add your location’s winner to the green box on the spreadsheet. If your location wants to add internal notes about contacting the person, feel free to do so in the spreadsheet.  

Tickets will be routed to the location manager by September 1st. Please contact me if someone else at your location should receive them, or if you have not received them by that date.  

Interactive Programming: 

Across the system there are three main programs. Guests will find different options at different locations. Each location has its own procedures for take-home kit availability. Please contact the branch (or ask the guest to contact the branch) to confirm if any take-home kits are available and how to reserve one.  

Miniature Fair Food Kit:  

Available at AL, BE, CH, HR, MC,NW, SO, WA, WR 

Kit includes supplies and instructors to make miniature versions of fair food favorites, including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and more. Best for ages 8+. 

State Fair Pennants:  

Available at BE, BI, DC, DN, ED, LU, NW, NP 

Based on vintage pennants from Metro’s archival collections, this kit allows guests to make a personalized keepsake from the fair. Includes a felt pennant, an iron on patch, and puff paint to add your name, the year, or anything else special! Best for ages 7+. You may want to keep an iron or heat press near your children's desk in case a guest doesn't have one at home. 

State Fair Dramatic Play: 

Available at CT, DN, JN, RE, VI, and select OUT events

This set up will bring the fun of the State Fair to young children across the county. Kids can pretend to work at the State Fair concession booths or play simple midway games. Best for ages 2-6.  

A sheet showing set up ideas comes with these supplies. Contact Tara Golden (BI) or Kim Ventrella (DN) for ideas. They both have great versions at their branches. 

Passive Programming: 

Location will be sent State Fair passive programming sheets they have previously selected. If you need more copies OR decide to offer any ones not selected, feel free to print more yourself. Printables of all kinds can be found in this folder  Printables. Please contact Judie directly with questions about paper size, etc.  

Coloring Sheets:

These were all made in house from materials in the MLS Archives, John Dunning Collection.

The Fun Book from 2000 is a mockup of the program from that year. I have only sent a small black and white sample of activities, and the color cover. It can be displayed like this...