MAPE’s Fifth Year at the State Fair Brings Awareness and Conversations

MAPE members staffed a booth at the AFL-CIO plaza at the state fair for seven days this year, marking the fifth year MAPE has had a presence both at the booth and the Labor Day parade.

“Staffing the MAPE booth at the State Fair was a thrilling experience. All of the different unions mingled together, and we learned more about each other,” said Michelle Belmont, Local 301 Membership Secretary. “Lots of people stopped by to ask what is MAPE? It was exciting to showcase all the folks MAPE represents and how we serve Minnesotans.”

Chandra Petersen, Local 1902 President, worked the booth the same day as Belmont and said, “Representing MAPE at the State Fair was so much fun! I really enjoy connecting with other MAPE-represented employees who stop by to talk to us and share their stories.”

Many members also participated in the fair with their agencies.

“I was interviewed by the host at the AFL-CIO pavilion and gave a shout-out to (MAPE member) Melissa Wenzel for her work on the Reuse Living Room space at the Eco Experience,” Belmont said.

“One of the most important things about having a booth is that we have so many people stop by who don’t know what MAPE is and I love telling them about the great work that we do for the State of Minnesota.”

Member's crop art was also on display at the booth.