As summer winds down and blood donations historically decline, the American Red Cross is calling on Minnesota State Fair visitors to make a lifesaving impact by donating blood. The Red Cross bloodmobile will be stationed outside the Agriculture/Horticulture Building, west of the Space Tower.

As thanks, all presenting donors will receive a special Red Cross gift, while supplies last.

Fairgoers are strongly encouraged to schedule donation appointments in advance at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code MNStateFair. Note: Admission to the fair is required to participate in the blood drive. To save time, donors can use RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their appointment at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.

Blood donors of all types — especially type O — are needed to support trauma patients, cancer patients and individuals with chronic illnesses who rely on a steady blood supply.

Who Can Donate:
The Red Cross welcomes donors of all blood types. To be eligible to donate blood, individuals must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Note: High school students and donors under age 19 must meet additional height and weight requirements.

Donors should bring one of the following forms of ID: 1) Blood donor card, 2) Driver’s license or, 3) two other forms of identification.

Special Red Cross Events at the Fair:

Friday, Aug. 22 – Governor’s Fire Prevention Day
Location: The Hot Zone (Underwood Street & Hoyt Avenue, near The Hangar). Join us for a day of family-friendly fire safety education, including:

• Tour the NextGen Mobile Feeding Truck to see how the Red Cross supports disaster relief.
• Pick up free fire safety information.
• Test your safety knowledge by playing the Safety Wheel Game and win prizes.
• Create home escape plans by engaging in the hand-on learning activity with our Safety Dollhouse.

Tuesday, Aug. 26 – Military Appreciation Day & Wednesday, Aug. 27
Location: Outside the Red Cross bloodmobile – outside the Agriculture/Horticulture Building, west of the Space Tower. Learn how the Red Cross supports military members, veterans and their families through Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces programs.

• Meet Finnegan, a Service to the Armed Forces comfort dog (noon–2 p.m. both days).
• Participate in International Humanitarian Law trivia, a resiliency exercise or learn about the Restoring Family Links program for a chance to win prizes, including: a family survival bag and weather radio.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Support the Red Cross mission year-round by becoming a volunteer. Learn more about priority roles and how you can make a difference at RedCross.org/GiveTime.