The 88th annual Northern Minnesota District Fair will be a few weeks later than usual this year but changes, officials say, will allow for the event to run smoothly.
The fair will be held in Littlefork from Aug. 28-30, the same dates as the opening weekend of the Minnesota State Fair and the International Falls Bass Championship.
However, district fair board member Tom O’Connell said that the date change will allow the fair to have a midway, carnival and rides — all things that were lacking at last year’s event.
“We’re super excited to have the carnival back this year,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell said that the relative small size of the Northern Minnesota District Fair compared to larger cities left them with last pick on dates for entertainment, and the end of August was the only availability this year.
O’Connell said that last year the fairgrounds became dark at nightfall in the absence of a midway, and therefore the festivities did not carry into the evening as usual, leaving the fair in a predicament.
So moving the fair to this popular, end-of-summer weekend but including the midway and carnival was the best solution for the fair, O’Connell said.
“The choice was clear, we need a carnival for the fair to be a success,” O’Connell said.
“We hate to be on the same weekend, but this gives people a choice of what to do,” he said referring to the bass tournament and State Fair.
Koochiching County 4-H program coordinator Melody Poggio said that there would be a horse show on Aug. 12 and a dog show on Aug. 13. The winners of these events would move on to the State Fair.
Poggio said that these were the only two events that would have competitors who could advance to the state level due to age requirements. She said that the livestock judging would take place as usual at the county and district fairs.
Horse and dog shows will also take place at the district fair, but will not impact those going to the State Fair.
4-H will also hold a special events day on Aug. 5 at the Backus Community Center. This will include a food revue, fashion revue, demonstrations and performing arts.
There will also be educational exhibits on Aug. 7, where the winners would advance to the state fair.
O’Connell said that the Northern Minnesota District Fair is the only district event remaining in the state.
J & K Concessions and Rides, a company that specializes in smaller events, will bring rides, games and food concessions to Littlefork for the event.
O’Connell said that J&K was a good fit for the district fair, not only for its size, but also for its affordable, family-friendly feeling. He said that this coordinated with the plan that the fair board had for the event.
“The fair is designed to bring people out and to create a community atmosphere,” O’Connell said. “We would like to create enthusiasm from young people and to those who remember what the fair meant to the area.”
Entertainment plans are still being finalized, but O’Connell said that local band “Bad Influence” will play on Aug. 29 before and after a large fireworks display at dusk.
Other events for that weekend include mud races on Friday evening, daily Bingo games, and car races on Sunday. O’Connell also said that there would be antique tractors and cars on display.
There are still openings for exhibits at the fair, and O’Connell said that the late date of the fair would benefit the produce gardeners.
O’Connell said that the 10-member fair board is “always looking for more volunteers” to help during the fair.
Advanced ride tickets can be purchased at a rate of five tickets for $10. O’Connell said that tickets would be for sale at the event for $3 each.
To volunteer or purchase advanced tickets, people may call 278-6617, and checks for tickets can be mailed to the Northern Minnesota District Fair at 901 Main Street, Littlefork, MN 56653.
