Minnesotans are no doubt familiar with the Minnesota State Fair, but did you know that Tours, Minneapolis’ French Sister City, holds its own fair too? Why is this important? It’s because Tours has invited Minnesota to be the guest of honor at the 2017 Foire de Tours.
What is the Foire de Tours?
50,000 square meters of exhibition space
All sectors of business activities are represented with more than 700 exhibitors. Each year, the Fair hosts about 250,000 visitors that are attracted by the quality and affordability of the event. It is free and open to the public.
Fair Theme
Each year a theme adorns the Fair. For several years, the themes were countries (it was Portugal in 2014). For 2015, the theme was the Flowers & Gardens of the world. The activities organized for this theme were conducted in partnership with the municipal services of the city of Tours who received the Fleur D’Or (Golden Flower) in 2014, which celebrates the work the city has done with its green areas. In 2016, the theme was Italy.
Where does Minnesota fit in all of this?
Minnesota will have a dedicated exhibit space to highlight everything that makes our state unique – cultural and historical information will be displayed and performances will take place daily. Representatives from Meet Minneapolis, the state’s largest city, will be on hand to help attendees learn about how to visit “L’etoile du Nord.” (“Star of the North” is the Minnesota state motto.) We will also have a gastronomic village headed by an award-winning chef who will be cooking up some of our specialties including bison, walleye and wild rice. History displays will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American arrival in France during World War I and showcase the Minnesota homefront during this time.
Also, in a separate exhibit at the Chateau de Tours (not located on the fairgrounds), 45 World War I posters from the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis will be displayed.
Other Activities
Demonstrations, concerts, shows, live radio broadcasts…many animations that give life to the Fair.
“Une Fête Foraine” – the equivalent of Midway Rides, Games and Attractions
View the official program from the 2016 edition. Visit the official website of the Foire de Tours.
Mpls & Tours Sister Cities 
4 Responses to “Foire de Tours”