Many families build routines and rituals. Often those moments center around holidays or special occasions. As we send our kids back to school and prepare for fall celebrations or events, there’s a summertime ritual to reflect on that is more casual than upcoming holiday traditions. 

Chris Lorenz has been attending the Minnesota State Fair since she was a small child. What started with her parents and later with her siblings became an annual family outing — a tradition.  

When Chris started dating and eventually married her husband, they looked forward to the buzz of crowds going through the State Fair gates on opening night. And when their son, Logan, was born, they brought him too.  

“It’s pretty neat to share similar experiences with our son that we shared with our parents and siblings,” Lorenz said. “Although our destinations at the fair changed to more relaxed family type locations. We had to slow down on the loud music stages for a while”. 

The Lorenzes started visiting the Education Building because the organizations inside have information and activities for all ages. Our DPS booth and giveaways are also a big draw for Lorenz and her family, Chris said.  

This year our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division started a tradition of its own — a survey to ask attendees about what state residents want from DVS.  

“It’s important that we know what people need from and think of DVS. We're hoping to continue the customer survey every year,” said DVS Director Pong Xiong. 

Lorenz didn't expect a survey at the DPS booth.  

“I love that DVS opened the door for anonymous feedback; a way to share our thoughts about what DVS does.” 

Over 2,700 State Fair attendees completed the survey. Survey participants were asked questions about current DVS services and possible new initiatives. DVS intends to use the survey to understand how to better serve state residents. For example, the survey this year asked residents how likely they would be to renew their driver’s license online (instead of in person)? Over 65 percent said very likely. 

“We consider all our customers a part of the DVS family. And one of the best parts of being a family is sharing and expanding traditions,” said Xiong. “We are honored DVS has become part of the Lorenz family tradition at the fair.” 

As for Lorenz, she said her family will return to the DPS booth again next year on the State Fair’s opening day.  

“You do things that encourage people to return,” she said. “Plus, DPS swag is the best.”