Mud runs, new entertainment and a 5-kilometer race are among the dozens of events planned for the Northern Minnesota District Fair in Littlefork.
The event, which runs July 6-9, has a full schedule of activities, featuring old favorites and new attractions.
Kelly Haney, fair board member, said she and other organizers are looking forward to this year’s fair after such a positive turnout last year.
“Last year we probably had triple the attendance that we did from the year before,” she said. “It is one of the best years we’ve had.”
New events scheduled for the 2017 fair include ATV mud runs that begin at 7 p.m. July 7. Haney said in years past, there have been mud runs, but not for ATVs.
“There’s going to be an open class for anyone who wants to participate,” she said, noting to watch the Northern Minnesota District Fair’s Facebook page for a list of rules.
Musical entertainment will also be new this year, featuring artists who have never played in the area previously. Generation Nashville takes the stage at 6 p.m. July 7 and 8.
Haney said while local music has always been a hit at the fair, she’s looking forward to something new and different.
“We wanted to mix things up a little bit,” she said. “We’re really excited about it.”
The Koochiching County 4-H group will host a Clover Cruise 5K run/walk beginning at 9 a.m. July 9, beginning at the fairground. The cost is $15 for ages 12 and under and $20 for everyone else. The entry fee includes a t-shirt. The goal of the event is to promote healthy living and raise funds for the 4-H group. Questions should be directed to Stacy Hall at 218-324-2709.
Midway entertainment
After 96 years of offering the fair, Haney said the fair board is always looking for new ways to attract more people to the event as well as keeping the same fans coming back.
“We try to find events that are free to the public, while offering favorites,” she said. “Magic of Isaiah is coming back and people area really excited about that.”
This year, Merriam’s Midway Shows will return with rides and other attractions for the entire family, Haney said.
“The midway has been a big plus and this is their third year with us,” she said. “The number of rides and offerings has grown every year and hopefully it grows this year, too.”
The midway offers fair goers a “great deal” on wristbands, Haney said, because they, too, want the fair to grow and succeed.
“They’re partnering with us to rebuild the fair,” she said. “The community response has been great.”
In addition, she said improvements are being made to the fairgrounds, including the addition of a new cow barn. Timing didn’t work out to have it ready for this year’s event, but it’ll hopefully help draw more animal exhibits in the future.
“We really want to work on getting kids involved in 4-H and bring more animals in,” Haney said.
With a little under two weeks to go before the fair kicks off, the organizer reminded people pre-sale wristbands are now available for $20 – a $5 discount at Ronnings, the Y Knot and Polkinghorne’s.
“We just want everyone to come out and have a great time,” she said. “That is what is rewarding for me – seeing everyone enjoy themselves. It makes all the planning worth it.”
