Faribault Co. Fair marks 150 years
Sarah Day — Sentinel Staff WriterBLUE EARTH - In recognition of the 150th Faribault County Fair this year, the organizers have jam-packed the 6-day affair with events and reflections on the history of the festival.
Each of the days has a theme representing different aspects of the fair's long past. Yvonne Cory, fair advertising and marketing representative, said a history book of the fair will be for sale, which includes a brief synopsis of each year.
Fairgoers are also encouraged to stop by The Tent from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and write down a favorite memory of the fair.
The gates will open to the public Tuesday, with the theme of "Settlers' Journeys." At 1:30 p.m. the Green Giant, who stands next to the fairgrounds, will be clothed in a white T-shirt with a grand champion ribbon.
At 6 p.m. the opening ceremonies will take place in the grandstands, with special guest Lt. Governor Carol Molnau speaking.
Following the ceremony, the 25th anniversary of the Midwest Fjord Horse club will present "Fjords Got Talent" and show off their equestrian skills.
Cory is particularly excited about another event taking place at 6 p.m. as well: Bryce Stenzel and several student actors will present "...His Truth is Marching On ..." in the Veterans Memorial Building.
The production commemorates President Abraham Lincoln's 150th election anniversary. Cory said she has seen the production in Mankato and anticipates people will enjoy it.
A craft show will also take place Tuesday at Oldfather Hall featuring a wide variety of items.
The fair also is bringing back the Native American family "The Fast Horses," a popular attraction last year. Their first show of the week is at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Another event, which will take place each day of the fair, is Cosmo Kid Productions spray paint artists, who use spray paint to create landscapes and other pictures for a fee.
Wednesday's theme is "Journey of Generations." At 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rae Eighmey, a food writer/historian will present "Potluck Paradise." The show will focus on the potluck foods and traditions stemming from the 1950s.
In the grandstand Wednesday at 7 p.m. is Home Free, an a capella group from the Mankato area, followed by the Johnny Holm band at 8 p.m. and a fireworks show.
Thursday's focus is "Racing Journeys," highlighting the fair's long-standing history with various kinds of races.
"Abraham Lincoln" will be on the grounds all day Thursday and Friday.
Also on Thursday, the All-American Lumberjacks are back for several shows, with a 3:30 p.m. kids lumberjack camp. At 6:30 and 9 p.m., the lumberjacks will have their show, with the same schedule on Friday and additional shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Sock-a-sheep races take place at 4 p.m. on the west side of the grounds.
At 7 p.m. foot races will be brought back from times of old by the fitness center.
In the grandstand is the Motokazie Supercross racing with practice runs at 6 p.m., races at 7 p.m.
Minnow races will be at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Building. The Fast Horses will have their final performance at 8:30 p.m.
Friday marks the "Journey of Rural Living." An amphibian and reptile show will be from 3-8 p.m. Broccoli the Clown and Sweet Pea & Company will be at "The Tent" at 2:30 p.m.
In the grandstand is Sheltered Reality Drummers at 5 p.m. - a youth drum show the fair had sponsored for Giant Days. Dedication and ribbon cutting for the Veterans Memorial Building will be at noon.
At 7:30 p.m. Nikki Welder and Garrett Passer will perform until 8 p.m., when Gwen Sebastian - a country artist from Nashville, Tenn. - will fire up the stage.
Other evening activities include a presentation on the Founding Leaders of the Fair, held at History Lane at 6 p.m., antique equipment demonstrations at 7 p.m. and rural farm games for all ages at 7 p.m. at the fair activity center.
Saturday focuses on "Golden Memories." Farm and fair awards will be given out.
The Faribault County Farm Bureau normally hosts "Breakfast at the Farm," but instead will host "Breakfast at the Fair" from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Served that morning will be pancakes - flipped by professional pancake flippers Chris Cakes of Iowa - sausage, juice, milk and coffee for free.
Irish dancers from St. Paul will perform in the afternoon at The Tent.
In the grandstand is the tractor pull with registration at 8 a.m.-10:45 a.m., and the pull at 11 a.m. The 45th annual demolition derby is at 7:30 p.m., with another round of fireworks to follow.
Sunday, which was just added as a fair day last year, will focus on "Moving Forward" into the future years of the fair.
The food shelf will have fund-raising throughout the day, and the Blue Earth Valley Concert Association and the food shelf will also be in the Gold Building at 11 a.m.
A farmer's share lunch will take place at noon. A button raffle drawing and the 22nd annual talent contest will take place at 2 p.m. in the grandstand.
For a full list of performances, activities and events and times go to www.faribaultcountyfair.com
