As the Minnesota State Fair hits its stride, fair attendees with conservative leanings might want to keep a close eye on more than just their waistlines while indulging at one vendor.
The Grandstand Mini Donuts stand has an agenda that’s not listed on the menu. While you’re savoring those sugary delights, some of your dollars are quietly making their way into the coffers of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party.
Located in front of the Grandstand (east of Chambers St. south of the Grandstand), this stand’s profits funnel through the Best Fair Foods political action committee—once known as the 10th Ward & Rural Ramsey County political committee.
According to campaign finance reports, Best Fair Foods took in $225,907 in 2022. That year, the political action committee contributed $42,000 to various DFL party units across the state. For example, a local DFL party unit that covers Lino Lakes, White Bear Lake, and Vadnais Heights received $8,820. Another DFL party unit, which covers Mounds View, Shoreview, and parts of Roseville, received $14,280.
While Grandstand Mini Donuts does not reveal that its profits are funneled to the DFL party, there is a small sign at the booth listing the donut ingredients, accompanied by a brief statement that says: “Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 10A.271 proceeds from the purchase of these products are a political contribution to the Best Fair Foods Committee, which donates profits to better Ramsey County.”
That statute says: “A political committee, political fund, political party unit, or principal campaign committee that raises funds through the sale of goods or services must disclose to potential customers that the proceeds from the purchase are a political contribution and to whom the contribution is made.”
Because the profits benefit political causes, the booth enforces a limit on transactions per person to keep purchases under $20, allowing them to avoid reporting donor names, as required by Minnesota campaign finance law for contributions over $20.
Alpha News reached out to Best Fair Foods with a few questions about their operation. However, the political action committee did not provide any answers.
So, if you’re looking to dodge the DFL donuts, you might want to head on over to Sweet Martha’s Cookies for your sugar fix. But if you’re a die-hard DFL fan, consider this your chance to have your cake (or donut) and support your party, too.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
