Organizers of the 90th Annual Northern Minnesota District Fair say this year’s event is “right on track” and are crossing their fingers for good weather.
The district fair will run from Friday through Monday at the Littlefork Fairgrounds and will feature many old favorites as well as some new attractions.
“One of the new things we are going to have this year is a haunted house,” said organizer Tom O’Connell. “I think it is going to go big, it is something we’ve never had before.”
O’Connell said new deals will also be offered to fair goers. On Friday night, a wristband special will be available from 5-8 p.m. The special includes unlimited rides for $15. The midway opens at noon Friday.
“We’ve never had a special like this on opening night,” O’Connell explained.
He added that on Saturday, which typically draws the biggest crowd, another unlimited ride wristband special will be available for $20.
O’Connell said there are about 25 fairs in the state without carnivals. And because there are few operators, he said he feels fortunate to be able to get a carnival in Littlefork.
The 13-member fair board has been working since the fair ended last year to plan the schedule of events and ready the grounds for the Labor Day weekend festivities.
Upgrades this year include more convenient parking and a new road leading to the fairgrounds.
Back by popular demand will be Xtreme Archery, which was featured for the first time last year. A certified archery instructor will be manning the 16-target activity and providing assistance to those unfamiliar with the sport.
Racing enthusiasts will have a chance to fill their need for speed each day of the fair. North Country Mud Races will christen the track from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Lawn mower races will be held starting at 6 p.m. Saturday. Oval races will run from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.
The 5K and 10K Clover Cruise run or walk will take place Sunday morning on the fairgrounds. This is the third year of the race and it will begin at 9 a.m. Registration will start at 8 a.m. For more information on the Clover Cruise, visit www.northlandrunner.com.
Entertainment includes performances by Fourth Angel at 8:30 p.m. Friday; Sloughgrass Band at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Saturday; and Icebox Radio Theater at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.
Both IBRT shows will be of the musical variety type with skits and songs about life in the northland, as well as life at county fairs. Myron Hawrylak will provide all the music and the Icebox Radio Actor's Guild will present several familiar as well as brand new skits.
Another event organizers say has gained a lot of attention is the Classic Antique Tractor Show and parade. The feature will run from 2-5 p.m. Saturday. Last year, the show displayed many brands of antique tractors and crawlers including Ford, Waterloo Boy, John Deere, Farmall, Celtrack, Oliver, Cockshutt, Allis Chalmers, Samson, Case, Massy Harris, old implements plus much more.
“This (tractor show) is such a big draw for people,” O’Connell said.
The fair is also expecting a usual compliment of food and other vendors, he noted.
O’Connell urges everyone to spend an evening or afternoon in Littlefork and said he is confident the fair will provide a little something for everyone.
“We’re not the State Fair and we’re not Valley Fair, but we are your fair,” he summed up.
For a complete listing of fair events, more information, or how to volunteer, visit www. northernmndistrictfair.com.
