DNR's state fair exhibit designed to educate, entertain (2005-08-23)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer a wide range of free educational exhibits, presentations and entertainment options at the 2005 Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 25 - Sept. 5.

A full program of educational and wildlife presentations along with music, dance and theatrical performances are scheduled for the outdoor and garden stages and the fish pond demonstration area. Highlights include demonstrations by the DNR's MinnAqua Program, the DNR's Enforcement K9 unit, Minnesota Search and Rescue Dog Association, The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, and Last Chance Forever--The Bird of Prey Conservancy.

New this year at the DNR building is a free interactive laser shooting range where participants can test their skills. The DNR Division of Enforcement is sponsoring the range in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Firearm Safety Hunter Education. More than 1 million students have their hunter education safety certification. The range will be in the DNR theater and will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the fair.

Also new this year will be a large display animal mounts that were donated to the DNR by Dee Lee (deceased) and Elaine Kriesel of Princeton, Minn. The family donated 221 mounts to the DNR. An impressive collection of the mounts will be on display throughout the DNR building.

Displays inside the main exhibit area cover a wide range of natural resource topics: watersheds, aquatic invasive species, rocks and minerals, state lands, forests, trails and parks. A display provides information to property owners about how to keep their homes and cabins safe from wildfires. Brochures with safety tips will be available for visitors.

Smokey Bear is celebrating his 61st birthday this year and reminds children and their parents about the dangers of forest fires. In conjunction with the Governor's Fire Prevention Day on Friday, Aug. 26, the DNR's Division of Forestry will host a variety of special activities and events throughout the day, including a fire prevention quiz, beanbag toss and temporary tattoos. Smokey's birthday celebration events will take place on the DNR outdoor stage at 1 and 3 p.m. with a trivia game for prizes. Smokey Bear makes daily appearances at the DNR Park at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Inside the DNR wildlife wing, fairgoers can learn about Minnesota's wildlife and wildlife habitat. Special sound and lighting effects help create an experience of moving from day to night and through the four seasons as visitors walk through the display.

Free printed materials including hunting and trapping regulations, state parks and recreation guides are available at the information booth on the north side of the building.

Staff will be available to answer questions from the public every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Outside the main building, the DNR Nature Store will carry a wide range of merchandise including gift items, clothing, jewelry, educational toys, games, posters, calendars and books. Many of the items are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and are available for sale only during the State Fair. The Nature Store also sells hunting licenses for deer, small game and waterfowl as well as the complete line of Public Recreation Information Maps. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise help fund communication and education efforts at the State Fair.

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