A Bench for Mark
Donation protected
Our dad Mark passed away peacefully on December 23, 2021 in the early morning. In lieu of traditional memorials, we are fundraising to get Dad a bench in his honor and memory at the Minnesota State Fair. Dad would love the idea of his name on something, and it gives us all a place to visit him and remember all the fun times we had together. Thank you all so much for loving and remembering our dad Mark. Information regarding how the bench will be purchased can be found here: https://www.msffoundation.org/ways-to-give/bricks-benches-and-tables/
Any one who knew Mark knew that he loved the Minnesota State Fair. Dad's fondest memories as a child were attending the fair with his parents and sisters. He and his sisters would each get a $5 bill, and as Dad liked to say "that was a lot of money back then." If they all behaved themselves, they would sometimes even get to attend a movie after the Fair.
He attended every year, including the pandemic "drive thru" Fair in 2020. He loved when Mom would take him for a second time in the evening when all the "lights" would come on and they could walk, hold hands, and enjoy their time together. Dad never missed the Fair even through the 11 years he was sick. In his later years, instead of walking he would rent a scooter and boy did he love zipping around! Dad was able to attend the Great Minnesota Get Together for the last time in 2021. He instilled his love of the Fair in us, and we will continue to attend in his memory.
He attended every year, including the pandemic "drive thru" Fair in 2020. He loved when Mom would take him for a second time in the evening when all the "lights" would come on and they could walk, hold hands, and enjoy their time together. Dad never missed the Fair even through the 11 years he was sick. In his later years, instead of walking he would rent a scooter and boy did he love zipping around! Dad was able to attend the Great Minnesota Get Together for the last time in 2021. He instilled his love of the Fair in us, and we will continue to attend in his memory.
Mark's Typical Fair Day (at least a 12 hour day)
- Wake at 5am because he was too excited to sleep
- Put on his favorite Hawaiian shirt to attend in style
- Get everyone in the car by 6:30am
- Arrive by 7am so that we could park on the grounds
- Start the day with a footlong hotdog with mustard and grilled onions
- Hit the Food Building as soon as it opens at 9am
- Visit the Dairy Building to see the Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculptures and get a malt
- View the fish pond at the DNR building
- Tour the animal buildings and make sure to see the giant pig
- Go to the horticulture building to see the giant pumpkin
- Try to coerce someone into the Haunted House
- Visit the International Bazaar
- Hit the Midway to play carnival games
- Lovingly harass some local news celebrities
- Listen in at the KFAN booth
- Visit the Education Building to get a bag and pens
- Mosey up to Machinery Hill and go to the Pet Building to get a treat for Sam
- Peruse the items in the Grandstand always looking for that "unique item"
- Always end the day with a bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies making sure to eat enough cookies to close the lid
Dad indulged in whatever he wanted to eat at the Fair, but he always made sure to have: a Pronto Pup, cheese curds from the Food Building, vanilla malt from the Dairy Building, walleye from Giggle's, alligator, a cream puff, Sweet Martha's cookies, at least one new food item, and he started the day with a footlong hot dog.
We encourage everyone to come and visit Mark's bench, and remember a fond time you had together. If you never had the chance to meet him, or have never attended the Great Minnesota Get Together, we hope one day you may find his bench, take a rest, and indulge in something delicious just like he would have.
We love you Dad, and we can't wait to visit your bench and remember you at the Fair every year.
With love,
Sarah and Mary
Fundraising team (2)
Mary Webber
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Sarah Beckenbach
Team member