Seeing the potential possibilities for tourism and economic benefits, Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell issued a statement yesterday
endorsing the State of Minnesota’s bid to host the World’s Fair in 2027.
A delegation from the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), which is the organization responsible for evaluating proposals and deciding the location of the Fair each year, was in Minnesota and Washington, D.C. last week looking to assess the feasibility and viability of what is being called the USA Expo 2027 project.
If successful, the Expo would take place in Bloomington near the Mall of America from May 15 until August 15, 2027. The event would include participation from as many as 200 countries and is projected to attract 14.3 million visitors and one billion global viewers.
The fair’s theme would be “Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Wellness and Well-Being for All.” With more than $12 trillion spent every year on health and wellness, it would also be a platform to forge the global partnerships needed to advance the United Nation’s sustainability goals for good health and well-being. Minnesota has one of the most respected public health systems in the world. With the top-rated hospital, Mayo Clinic, and the top-rated Health Tech Cluster, Medical Alley, the state would seem to be uniquely positioned to host such an event.
Mayor Pownell believes the fair would be very good for Northfield.
“With millions of attendees over three months, this World Expo would generate an immense amount of economic activity for communities across the United States. For Northfield, this is an opportunity to attract an international crowd to our charming small town and experience our historic riverfront downtown, innovative sustainability efforts, vibrant culture and celebrated arts. We are an open, safe and welcoming community. We are home to outstanding educational and health care institutions, and we are eager to have the world experience a piece of what we have to offer.”
The Expo 2027 proposal is in competition with four other proposals from Thailand, Serbia, Spain and Argentina. The United States has not hosted a world’s fair in 38 years.
The BIE is expected to issue a decision next June.
Law enforcement agencies work to connect with youth
The annual Shop with a Cop event, sponsored by the Rice County Salvation Army is set for tomorrow night. Members of the local law 
enforcement agencies are paired up with a youth from the community to shop for needed winter wear and toys or games. The Officer and youth shop and share a meal while getting to know each other.
Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas coordinates the event at Target in Northfield and another event at Wal-Mart in Faribault on the same night. Thomas said he has been part of the Shop with a Cop program for several years.
“I want to say I have participated in the event every year since it started with the exception of one,” he said. “We used to hold the event in August, but we wanted to be able to purchase warm weather gear for the kids, so we moved it to the Wednesday before MEA.”
“This is an event that the officers look forward to every year,” said Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott. “It’s a fun event filled with positive outcomes in providing youth with things they need, and some things that are just fun; and it provides a great opportunity to connect officers and youth. The experience can build a connection that we hope lasts long into the future.”
Indeed, the goal is to create a positive experience with Law Enforcement. After receiving help from the Community Action Center in connecting the officers with families for the event, the Salvation Army provides the resources for the cops to take the kids shopping.
Thomas said when the program started, they had $100 to spend per child. That amount has now risen to $175.
“We have 12 kids in Northfield at Target and 12 in Faribault at Walmart,” he said. “Each kid gets to go shopping with an officer or a deputy and then we have pizza and talk about whatever current event the kids want to discuss.”
For more information, visit salvationarmyusa.org
Council to hold two public hearings tonight
And the Northfield City Council will meet tonight in the Council Chambers in City Hall. 
Among the items on tonight’s agenda, Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott will give his quarterly report to the council. There will be a pair of Public Hearings. The first will be about an amendment to the City Code regarding Surface Water Management. The second will be on the proposed amendment to the City Charter.
As always, the city and the council are asking to hear opinions and comments from the public. Anyone who wishes to do so is invited to come to the meeting and address the council on any topic they see fit. Those wishing to voice their opinions without addressing the council should email their councilors directly or post a comment through the eComment button on the “Agendas” section of the City Council website.
Tonight’s meeting will begin at 6:00.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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