Koochiching County Fair sees record turnout for new and returning events
NORTHOME — It was all about small-town, family-friendly entertainment in Northome this weekend at the Koochiching County Fair.
Record crowds were on hand Saturday, as new events and returning favorites drew people from all over northern Minnesota to the fairgrounds.
Fair Board Director Mary Lukenbill said that Saturday — including a parade, Scenic Sinkhole Scramble 5K and 2-mile race, a horse show and evening fireworks — turned out to be a perfect day for the fair.
Temperatures, which had cooled since earlier in the week, and clear skies tempted area residents to get outdoors and get involved in the activities.
“It was a beautiful day all day (Saturday),” said Lukenbill of what she said was the biggest event of the year for Northome. “It was probably the best attended (fair) we’ve had in years. The town was just packed.”
Lukenbill said they had a record 1,200 crowd at the parade, which was a big hit. She said they had a good amount of participation and good variety of entrants in the parade itself. In addition, she said about 2,000-2,500 people witnessed the fireworks display at dark in Northome.
Rain Sunday thinned the crowds on the final day of the fair, Lukenbill explained, but all-terrain vehicle mud runs went on as expected — with even more mud.
The Scenic Sinkhole Scramble races had 114 participants, consistent with previous years’ entrants.
New this year was a horse show and competition on the fairgrounds in a newly finished horse arena. The show was held Saturday afternoon, with fairgoers lining the stands and sitting along the edges of the oval. More than a dozen participants of all ages competed in various events.
“Some people did travel for it,” Lukenbill said of the horse show, which drew competitors from nearby cities.
Other popular events at the fair included the veggie creature creation class and contest. Children made creatures out of local produce and the edible artwork was displayed in the fair’s main building throughout the weekend. In addition, locally grown produce was judged, and several booths of local interest were provided. 4-H student projects were left on display for the public to view, as well. A fireman’s dance was held Saturday in Northome, as well as a 10-act talent show.
Rentertainment provided inflatable entertainment for children, including several slides, a bounce house and a joust-style competition. Kids also participated in sling-shot water balloon fights.
Other folks seemed content to sit under the shade of a tree and visit with friends, soaking in the surroundings and enjoying a good meal and entertainment.
