Organizers of the 91st Annual Northern Minnesota District Fair in Littlefork are gearing up for Fair Days, July 13-15.
Sue Cole, a member of the fair board, said many of the time-tried events will be brought back this year with a few new things thrown in. “And who knows? We may have a few surprises,” she said.
And, she said, organizers are happy to bring the fair back to a July schedule. Conducting the fair over the Labor Day weekend caused conflicts with many parents gearing up to return their children to school and others trying to schedule a late summer camping or cabin weekend.
A new feature of the fair will be offering live entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights.
“Country Storm,” a band from Hibbing, will take the stage at 8 p.m. both days. Cole said the band has performed previously at local venues to a good reception.
A wine tasting event will again be offered this year, when local wine makers will offer participants a taste of their home brew, many made with local fruits, said Cole.
Katie Murray, a performer with local roots, will sing in the newly constructed gazebo, said Cole. The gazebo will provide a venue for performances requiring a smaller stage than the big grandstand, Cole said. The gazebo is portable and will be able to be moved to different locations on the fairgrounds.
A Saturday horseshoe tournament will take place at noon, offering fairgoers something different to take part in, said Cole.
Friday night’s mud runs have been a big crowd pleaser in past years and is expected to draw a large crowd, said Cole. “People just like to watch cars and trucks go through the mud,” she added.
Other events making a comeback from previous years include Sunday’s oval races, where local drivers can have the chance to make money in first, second and third place wins. “A lot of people really like to watch and participate,” said Cole.
People who love the oldies, but goodies can watch or take part in the antique tractor show and parade. Contact Terry Baird at 218-556-4827 for more information or to register.
Saturday’s riding mower races bring out crowds to see how local folks have ramped up their machines, said Cole, and the Littlefork Saddle Club’s horse shows showcase the talents of riders and their horses.
On Sunday, the Clover Cruise 10k run and 5k walk/run will include a 1k kids run. Each year the races draw more and more participants, Cole noted.
The fair offerings will be anchored by a return of Cody Rides, a family owned business that brings rides and games to entertain fairgoers of all ages.
“They’ve been hard to schedule in the past, so we’re lucky to have them,” said Cole. Wrist band specials will be offered each night and advance ticket specials are available in International Falls at Koochiching County Museums and the Falls Country Club, and in Littlefork at Polkinghorne’s Hardware and J & D Foods.
Schedule
Thursday, July 12
11 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Lutheran Church Food Booth Open
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Exhibit Building Open for Preregistration
Noon - 6 p.m. — Fair Office Open
Friday, July 13
6 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Lutheran Food Booth Open
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Fair Office Open
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — General Fair Entries Open
Noon - 10 p.m. — Midway Open
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. — Open Judging
1 p.m. - 11 p.m. — Firemen’s Bingo
11 a.m. - 10 p.m. — 4-H Food Booth Stand Open
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. — Children’s Barn Open
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. — 4-H and Open Rabbit and Poultry Judging
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. — North Country Mud Races
8 p.m.:— Country Storm
Saturday, July 14
6 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Lutheran Church Food Booth Open
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Fair Office Open
9 a.m. — Light Horse & Draft Halter Classes
9 a.m. — 4-H and Open Cattle & Swine & Goat Show
10 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Children’s Barn Open
10 a.m. — Scavenger Hunt
11 a.m. — Northern Minnesota District Fair Horse Show
11 a.m. - 10 p.m. — 4-H Food Stand Open
Noon - 10 p.m. — Midway Open, Firemen’s Bingo
2 p.m. — Wine Tasting
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. — Antique Tractor Show & Parade
3 p.m. — Icebox Radio Theater
5 p.m. — Entrees and warm up for Lawn Mower Races
6 p.m. — Lawn Mower Races
8 p.m. — Country Storm
Sunday, July 15
6 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Lutheran Church Food Booth Open
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Fair Office Open
9 a.m. — 4-H Clover Cruise 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — 4-H Food Stand Open
11:30 a.m. — Katie Murray
Noon — Midway Open
Noon — Kids Pedal Pull, Firemen’s Bingo
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. — Oval Races
