Douglas County Fair

A Review of the 2016 Douglas County Fair

Fairs are a staple here in the Midwest.  In July and August you can attend a Fair every week, many times, multiple locations.

Fairs have been an institution since the first settlers arrived and needed a way to sell their products, socialize with their widely separated neighbors, and obtain bragging rights for their produce and farm animals.

I grew up in McCleod County, MN, and, at that time, the Fair was in September, after school started.  The Fair was so important to the community that school was closed for several afternoons so we could attend.

Minnesota became a State in 1858 and the McLeod County Fair was established in 1872.

I now live in Douglas County, MN, where the Fair is still an important and well-attended community event.  As the area has become more urban than rural, the Fair has incorporated events for all community members but still features rural activities such as animal husbandry and farm equipment.

MACHINE EXHIBITS

At one time, a Huge part of any Fair was the farm equipment exhibit.  Machinery Hill separated the men and boys from the women and girls.

Machinery Hill now doesn’t exist–even at the State Fair–or a small semblance may contain lawn mowers, snowblowers and ATVs.

In 2010, Machinery Hill at the MN State Fair, sported Vintage tractors and other farm implements–all motorized.

There is a distinctive sound to each brand of tractor that anyone growing up on a farm can identify just by sound.

A TOUR OF THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR 2016

Heritage Event

Heritage events are a large part of the Fair as you can see from the signboard.

FAIR FOOD

If Rommegrot and Lefse are not to your liking, there is plenty of other food.  You won’t see Krazy fried food combos here that are at the State Fair.

MN State Fair New Foods 2016

But you will see:

FAIR OPEN CLASS EXHIBITS

This is where you will find sewing, crafts, jams, pies, cakes and cookies, and more….

4H AT THE FAIR–HEAD, HEART, HANDS, HEALTH

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world

4H  America’s Largest Youth Development Program

4H exhibits are by far the largest group at the Fair.  Once just for rural youth, now an International organization for all youth–rural and urban.

A small sample of the projects on display.

Clothing projects can be Purchased or Made.  Purchased focuses on quality, cost, use, care, suitability, all good things to keep in mind to defeat impluse buying.

The Rube Goldberg Projects

CHILDREN’S BARNYARD

Sponsored by Future Farmers of America–FFA

World’s largest agricultural youth organization that trains young adults for careers in the vast industry of agriculture.

FFA Children’s Barnyard

4H ANIMAL EXHIBITS

The Auction is a bittersweet end to a year of raising a 4H animal entry.

And Then There Is Everything Else

Merry-Go-Round has no music ?

FINALLY, NO FAIR IS COMPLETE WITHOUT…

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