Martin Co. Fair boasts tasty food, thrilling events
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FAIRMONT -- Approaching the Martin County Fair, hailed as "Minnesota's Other Big Fair," fairgoers, whether local or far and wide, have lots to look forward to when they enter the gates of the fair, held from Monday, Aug. 17 to Sunday, Aug. 23.
"I think we got a good handle on it. Lots of final preparations, and it's here. We’re very excited every year as it comes on. We have a good board. An active board. We all work well together and make the fair what it is today," said Martin County Fair Board Member Lisa Stromberg.
The Martin County Fair has offered entertainment to fairgoers for 161 years. Stromberg concurred that she and the fair board are pleased to keep that tradition thriving.
"You know, if you take a county fair back 161 years ago, I would love to be part of that and see what happened then. I love making history and everybody making memories at the county fairs is one of my goals, whether it’s seeing old friends, seeing new friends, making new friends," Stromberg said.
She explained that they plan about a year in advance and are already making arrangements for the Martin County Fair in summer 2027. Now that everything is in place and preparations are finalized for this upcoming fair, there's a lot of anticipation and excitement for Stromberg, the board and Martin County as a whole.
Stromberg said she works with booking agency Artists and Attractions to find performers, taking into account routing, pricing and different types of entertainment among the agency's provided offerings.
Current entertainers slated to perform include Steve Lang and Bob Petrowiak ( 7 p.m. Tuesday in the beer garden), Johnny Holmes (7:30 p.m. Wednesday the park), Colton Dixon (7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the park), Blue Dirt Road (9 p.m. Thursday in the beer garden), Midwest Dueling Pianos (5 p.m. Friday), Steele Prairie (8 p.m. Friday in the beer garden), Little River Band (7:30 p.m. Saturday in the park) and Small Time Band (9 p.m. Saturday in the beer garden).
"We, the entertainment committee, look at the different bands. We look at what is popular right now, what would draw the biggest crowds, and then the ground attractions. We look at what people would like and what would entertain a family and different entertainment," Stromberg said.
Great Frontier Bull Riding, a newer and popular attraction, is slated for 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Timberworks LumberJack Show will have daily showtimes announced. Other returning events, the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce's pork cook-off, is Wednesday evening beginning at 5 p.m. and the beer and bacon event also takes place on Saturday afternoon.
On the subject of food, Stromberg explained that there will be approximately 15 to 20 food vendors with a variety of cuisines, and approximately 70 more vendors offering a plethora of goods.
"I think people are overall happy with the choices that they have when they come out to the fair. Whether it be the mini donuts or the St. Paul’s pies, everybody has their favorites," Stromberg said.
Furthermore, at the midway, the Martin County Fair is contracting with Midwest Rides for the second year, which will provide an abundance of attractions, including fair rides, carnival games and more food stands.
"We had very good feedback from fairgoers last year. We're excited to bring them back again this year," Stromberg said.
Wristband night is Wednesday, Aug. 19. Unlimited rides cost $27 and are valid from 5 to 10 p.m. Wristband Day is on Sunday, Aug. 23. Unlimited rides cost $27 and are valid from 1 to 4 p.m.
In addition, long-time vendors will return to the fair, including O'Scoop's Ice Cream and Pizza, 4-H Food Stand, St. Paul Lutheran-Fairmont Food Stand, St. Paul Lutheran-Truman Food Stand and Martin County Pork Producers.
"The goal of the Martin County Fair board is to have a variety, a wide variety of attractions, food, culture, history, all brought together to make the Martin County Fair the best fair it could be," she said.
Stromberg explained that she strongly values fairgoers’ feedback when planning for the fairs, often referencing what they liked and what they would like in order to curate a fair schedule that meets a variety of interests. She said she's looking forward to the fair, hoping to bring the community together.
"The Martin County Fair Board takes pride in offering something for all. Everybody chooses to come to the fair for different reasons. I feel like everybody has their different reasons for coming to the fair. We couldn’t do it without our, without our sponsors, without our volunteers, all of that, hopefully making memories," Stromberg said.
Admission per person costs $10 from Tuesday through Saturday, $5 on Sunday and is free for children ages 9 and under. Season passes cost $25 in advance and $30 when purchased at the gate. Hy-Vee, Fareway, State Bank of Fairmont, CCF Bank, Bank Midwest in Fairmont and Sherburn, Profinium Bank in Fairmont and Truman, First Farmers and Merchants Bank and Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce sell admission and season passes.
The Martin County Fairgrounds are located at 1300 North Bixby Road in Fairmont. For additional information, visit martincountyfairmn.com.