Mower County Fair Preview 2014

Inside:

• New petting zoo coming, P. 2 • GoldStar to debut in midway, P. 3 • Schedule of events, P. 4-7 • Talent contest accepting entries; Fine Arts Exhibit winners, P. 7 • Beef Cook-off, P. 8

New petting zoo coming to fair Austin Daily Herald

newsroom@austindailyherald.com

There will be more opportunities than ever to see animals at this year’s Mower County Fair Aug. 5-10.

The fair will add a large petting zoo along with the traditional 4-H, FFA and open animal exhibits. America’s Original Farmyard, which is operated by the FFA, will return too.

Opening ceremonies will be on the Farm Bureau stage at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The fair will also feature animals and displays at the Izaak Walton Game and Fish building, and several commercial displays in the Plager Building and on the grounds.

Thursday is Senior Day, which will feature free parking and special events in Godfather’s Fair Square. Sunday is Veterans Day at the fair, which will also feature free parking for veterans and special entertainment.

The popular Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s will return to the fair for shows on Thursday, and an Elvis tribute act will return for several shows. Other live acts will be featured in the beer garden and in fair square.

Grandstand entertainment will feature Motokazi Supercross on Tuesday night, a demolition derby on Wednesday night, a Thursday night tractor pull with the United Pullers of Minnesota, a free concert by Time Machine Friday night, a free Red Sled Truck and Tractor Pull show on Saturday morning, Great Frontier Bull Riding on Saturday night, and a Sunday demolition derby — both derbies are by Masters of Disaster.

A grandstand pass good for six tickets will be available for $42, plus savings at the fair’s Godfather’s Pizza booth. Bicycles and other prizes are given away at each ticketed grandstand event.

A beanbag tournament will be held Saturday afternoon, along with a Sunday Champion of Festivals tournament featuring the winners of each tournament from the small town festivals.

Fair admission will again be free.

Check the Herald, www. mowercountyfair.com and the fair’s Facebook page for more updates.

2

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

Liam Mayers and family friend Kaylie Krebsbach, 4, feed goats the children’s barnyard at a previous Mower County Fair.

BELOW: Jackson Bergan, of Peterson, reaches up to fill the water supply of pigs.

Herald file photos

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW

New midway to debut at fair GoldStar Amusements to replace Merriam’s Midway Changes are in store for the Mower County Fair.

After more than three decades with Merriam’s Midway Shows, the fair board is bringing in GoldStar Amusements to run the midway and rides at the 2014 fair on Aug. 5-10.

“We’re just always looking to improve things for the fairgoers and they are a Minnesota-based company that has really grown since they started,” said Mower County Fair Board Director John Mueller.

GoldStar’s midway will be about the same size with different, newer rides. Mueller commended Merriam’s Midway for the 30-plus year partnership and said the board was just looking for a change.

“We enjoyed our 30-year relationship with Merriam,” he said.

GoldStar Amusements will offer a “Passport to Mower Fun,” a ride pass good throughout fair week. The company will also have $1 rides on Aug. 5, its first day in Mower County. Passes will be $50 on fair week and $45 in advance.

Other day passes for teens and children will be available.

Lights shimmer at a former GoldStar Amusements midway at another fair. GoldStar will replace Merriam’s Midway Shows, which came to Austin for more than 30 years. Photo provided

$50

Passport to Mower Fun, good through fair week. The pass is $45 in advance.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

3

2014 Mower County Fair Schedule Grandstand events in red

Saturday, Aug. 2 (pre-fair events) 9 a.m.

4-H Horse Show, Performance & Games, Horse Arena

Sunday, Aug. 3 (pre-fair events) 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Creative arts and photography entries accepted

Monday, Aug. 4 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Noon–7 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3-8 p.m.

4-7 p.m.

4-8 p.m.

5-9 p.m.

(pre-fair events)

Horticulture exhibits accepted Entries and judging of exhibits in 4-H Hall Gladiolas entries must be in place 4-H Rabbits and Posters in place; 4-H Livestock Interviews, Crane Pavilion 4H Poultry Check in 4-H Swine weigh-ins 4-H Sheep and Goat weigh-ins

Tuesday, Aug. 5 Parking charges from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

8 a.m.-12 p.m.

9 a.m.

9-11 a.m.

9-2:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

Noon

Poultry Check-in 4-H Rabbit Posters judging 4-H Beef weigh-ins Midwest Steer and Heifer Weigh-ins 4-H Rabbit Showmanship, Rabbit Barn 4-H Swine Pictures with Jerry Sampson FFA Children’s Farm Yard opens Horticulture Building opens 4-H Rabbit show, Rabbit Barn All Exhibits and Concessions in place All Exhibit buildings open 4-H Livestock in place including horses

1-3 p.m.

2 p.m

FFA Agri-Science Judging Livestock Hall of Fame Reception and Induction Ceremony, Crane Pavilion Owl Talk-Meet Guka the Barred Owl, Game and Fish Building FFA Sheep Show, Sheep Barn 3:30 p.m.

Beef Cook-off Contest, Crane Pavilion 4 p.m.

4-H Horse Fun Show, Performance Classes, Horse arena Terry Schmidt Classic Hits pianist, Fair Square 4:30 p.m.

Parade on grounds 4:45-5:15 p.m. Judging of Beef Cook-off, Crane Pavillion 5 p.m.

Performing Arts 4-H stage Owl Talk-Meet Guka the Barred Owl, Game and Fish building 4-H Lamb Lead, Crane-North Arena Carnival Ride Preview-All rides $1 6 p.m.

4-H Sheep Show, Crane-North Arena Midwest Steer and Heifer Show, Crane Pavilion-South Arena 7 p.m.

Motokazie Supercross in the Grandstand National Anthem- Sung by Brad Boice, Fair Square Opening Ceremony, Fair Square Pride of Mower Awards presentation, Fair Square 8 p.m.

Brad Boice — “Elvis Gospel and Patriotic Tribute show” , Fair Square 9 p.m.

Farm Rock, Beer Garden 9:30-11:30 p.m. Teen Dance, Family Fun Sounds and Entertainment, Fair Square 10 p.m.

Fireworks All Exhibit buildings close

Paul Overocker, of Austin, clears a jump in the quad open A heat during the Motokazie Supercross event last year.

Riders in the vet 30 and over heat wait for the gate to drop, kicking off the Motokazie Supercross event at a previous Mower County Fair. Herald file photos

4

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW

Jameson Johnson, right and Blaine Krueger are sent for a ride on the Tilt-ta-Whirl during Kid’s Day last year at the Mower County Fair.

Herald file photo

2014 Mower County Fair Schedule Grandstand events in red

Wednesday, Aug. 6 Day Care Day

Parking charges from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

9 a.m.

4-H Dairy Show, Crane Pavilion, North arena 4-H Poultry Show, Poultry Barn 10 a.m. Day Care activities, pre-registration required, Fair Square Creative Arts Building opens Horticulture Building opens FFA Children’s Farm Yard opens Light Horse show, Horse Arena Mz. Jazee, Fair Square 11 a.m. All About Dragonflies, Fish and Game building 11-3 p.m. 4-H Rabbit Skillathon, Rabbit Barn Noon All Buildings and Exhibits open 1 p.m.

Open Class Poultry Show, Poultry Barn 4-H Goat Show, Crane Pavilion 2 p.m.

All About Dragonflies, Fish and Game building 4-H Cow-Calf followed by Cloverbuds and the 4-H Beef Show, Crane Pavilion 2-4 p.m. Ms. Jazee, Balloon Twists, Children’s Farmyard 3-10 p.m. Open Class Sheep Entries accepted 4:30 p.m. Parade on grounds 5 p.m.

Austin High Jazz Band, Fair Square All about dragonflies, Fish and Game building 5-10 p.m. Wristband Rides, $22, Carnival 6:30 p.m. Who Let The Momma’s Out, Fair Square 7 p.m.

Masters of Disaster, Demolition Derby at the Grandstand Open Show Rabbits must be in place 8 p.m.

FFA, Open Class beef and dairy may arrive

8-10 p.m. 4-H Horses released 9 p.m Lady Luck, Beer Garden 10 p.m. All Exhibit Buildings close

Thursday, Aug. 7 Senior Day-Free

Parking for Senior Citizens 62 and older. Parking charges from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

8 a.m.

8-10 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

Noon

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m 4:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5-10 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

9 p.m.

10 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW

Open Class Rabbit Show, Rabbit Barn 4-H Llama entry 4-H Swine Show, Barrows, Gilrs and Showmanship, Crane Pavilion FFA Children’s Farm Yard opens Creative Arts Building opens Horticulture Building opens Let’s Hear it for Herps!-Cold blood ed Animal, Game and Fish Building All Buildings and Exhibits open All FFA, Open Dairy and Beef must be in buildings Alley Katz Polka Band, Fair Square Demonstration Day, 4-H stage Let’s Hear it for Herps!-Cold blood ed animal, Game and Fish building Dunnell Lennort, Fair Square Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50’s, Fair Square FFA Beef Show, Crane North Arena Parade on grounds Dunnell Lennort, Fair Square Let’s Hear it for Herps!-Cold blood ed animal, Game and Fish building Wrsitband Rides, $22, Carnival Open Class Beef Show, Crane Arena Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50’s, Fair Square NTPA Tractor Pull, Grandstand Seeds, Beer Garden All Exhibit Buildings close

Austin Veterinary Clinic Dedicated to Providing Quality Care For Your DOCTORS Livestock J.P. Stevenson, D.V.M. and Pets

M.K. Berkland, D.V.M. M.S. Sasse, D.V.M. L.E. Meyer, D.V.M. S.K. Olson, D.V.M.

Hours: 8-5 Mon-Fri Sat 8-Noon 24 Hour Emergency Service

Pet Food & Supplies

433-5225 • 24 Hour Phone (5pm-8am Emergency) Day Phone • 507-433-1261 Adams • 582-7828

3100 W. Oakland Avenue • Austin, MN FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

5

2014 Mower County Fair Schedule Friday, Aug. 8

Grandstand events in red

Parking charges from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Open Class Dairy Show, Crane Pavilion, North Arena 10 a.m.

FFA Children’s Farm Yard opens

Creative Arts Building opens

Horticulture Building opens

4-H Cat and Pet Show, 4-H Garden

4-H Dog Posters, 4-H Garden 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Midwest Hog show entries accepted Noon All Buildings and Exhibits open

FFA Swine weigh-in

FFA Dairy Show, Crane Pavilion Noon-2 p.m. Midwest Market Hog Show weigh-in 1 p.m.

Water Balloon Contest, Crane Pavilion 1-5 p.m.

Wristband day, $22, Carnival 2 p.m.

4-H Fashion Review, Fair Square 3 p.m.

FFA Swine Show, Crane Pavilion

4-H Llama Show, Crane Pavilion 4:30 p.m.

Parade on grounds 5 p.m.

Midwest Market Hog Show, Crane Pavilion,

South Arena

Austin High Marching Band, Fair Square

4-H Deadline to sign up for all State Fair

Project Areas (except llamas) , 4-H Building 5:01 p.m.

Laser 101.7 Party, Beer Garden 6 p.m.

Rush Hour, Fair Square 7 p.m.

Time Machine, Grandstand, Free admission 8 p.m.

Brad Boice as Elvis-Rock and Roll Show, 9 a.m.

10 p.m.

11 p.m.

Fair square All Exhibit Buildings close Amish Playboyz. Beer Garden

Josh Clements makes his ride during the Great Frontier Bull Riding show last year at the fair. Herald file photos

Saturday, Aug. 9 Parking charges from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

8 a.m.

4-H Livestock Ribbon Auction, Buyers Break

fast, 4-H Building 8 a.m.

MCF Truck and Tractor Pull Sign-up, Grand

stand Infield 8:30 a.m.

Free MCF Truck and Tractor Pull, Grandstand 9 a.m.

Mule & Donkey Show, Horse Arena

4-H Ribbon Auction, Crane Pavilion

Open Sheep Show, Sheep Barn 10 a.m.

FFA Children’s Farm Yard opens

Creative Arts Building opens

Horticulture Building opens 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Meat Goat entries accepted 11 a.m.

Bison, Bison! Fish and Game Building Noon All Buildings and Exhibits open Noon-4 p.m.

Classic Car Show 1-4 p.m.

Amateur Talent Contest Fair Square 1-4 p.m.

Terry Schmidt Classic Hits pianist, Beer Garden 1-5 p.m. $20 CARNIVAL WRISTBANDS 1 p.m.

Parade on grounds

Meat Goat weigh-in

4-H and FFA Livestock Judging con

tests, Crane Pavilion 2 p.m.

Bison, Bison! Fish and Game building

3-5 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

5-7 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

10 p.m.

Bean Bag Tournament, Beer Garden 4H State Fair Exhibitor Final Registration To 4-H office/fairgrounds Austin Big Band, Fair Square Meat Goat Show, Crane Pavilion Draft Horses must be on grounds Bison, Bison! Fish and Game Building Ms. Jazee, Balloon Twists, Children’s Farmyard Draft Horse Show-Hitch Classes, Horse Arena 4-H Supreme Champion Showmanship Con test, Crane Pavilion Great Frontier Bull Riding in the Grandstand Six Appeal Vocal Band, Fair Square Six Appeal Vocal Band, Fair Square Chris Brooks and the Silver City Boys, Beer Garden All Exhibit Buildings Close

ABOVE: Marcus Schweigert of Fulda, Minn., makes his ride.

RIGHT: Brad Hines of Austin makes his first ride.

6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW

2014 Mower County Fair Schedule Grandstand events in red

Sunday, Aug. 10 Veterans Day Free Parking for Veterans with Military or Veteran ID. Parking charges from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

9 a.m.

4-H Dog Show Agility Class followed by Dog Obedience and

Showman ship, Crane Pavilion 10 a.m.

Draft Horse Show-Halter & Cart

classes, Horse Arena FFA Children’s Farm Yard opens Creative Arts Building opens Horticulture Building opens 10:30 a.m.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

service, Fair Square 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ms Jazee, Balloon Twists, Children’s Farmyard Noon All Buildings and Exhibits open 1 p.m.

Parade on grounds 1-5 p.m.

Wrist Band day, $22, Carnival 1:15 p.m.

Edition II Salute to the Troops,

Fair Square 1:30 p.m.

4-H Round-up Ice Cream Social 2 p.m.

Masters of Disasters Demo Derby at the Grandstand Kids Pedal Pull, street by 4-H Bean Bag tournament, Beer Garden 3 p.m.

Reminisce, Fair Square 4 p.m.

Livestock Released 6 p.m.

4-H Swine load out All Exhibits Released 7 p.m.

4-H Building Closes

Business After Hours coming to the fair

By Alex Smith

alex.smith@austindailyherald.com

The next Business After Hours event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the Mower County Fairgrounds Beer Garden.

Members of local businesses are invited to enjoy food, prizes and networking.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW

Fine Arts Exhibit winners announced The Mower County Free Fair announced the winners for the 2014 Fine Arts Exhibit. The items will be on display in the Fine Arts Building throughout fair week.

Professional Watercolor: first place and Grand Champion: “Hibiscus” by Jim Wegner. second place: “Up the Creek at Whalen” by Bonnie Lee. third place: “Stairway to the Stars” by Bonnie Lee. Honorable Mention: “Klagge’s Ice Cream Shop” by Jim Wegner.

Professional Oil/Acrylic: first place and Grand Champion– “Hay There!” by Sally Gerhart. second Place: “Ramsey Dam”

by Sally Gerhart. third Place: “Sun Dog”

by Jim Wegner. Honorable Mention: “Smith’s Team” by Tammy Schneider.

Professional Drawing: first place: “Bob’s Team” by Tammy Schneider. second

place: “Winged Patrol” by William Olson. third Place: “Southwest Sunrise”

by William Olson. Honorable Mention: “Primeval Huntress” by William Olson.

Pro-Am Watercolor: first place: “River Birch Reflection” by Barb Orcutt. second place: “Running with Hair” by Lora Lee Bauer. third place: “Under the Pier” by Lora Lee Bauer. Honorable Mention: “Boy with Blue Hair” by Barb Orcutt.

Pro-Am Oil/Acrylic: first place: “Head Chief” by Mary Wolcott. second place: “Coming Out” by Mary Wolcott. third place: “Focuses” by Arnold Lang.

Honorable Mention: “Ansel’s World” by Arnold Lang.

Pro-Am Drawing: first place: “Dance to the Music” by Lora Lee Bauer. second place: “Indian Gypsy Girl” by Lora Lee Bauer. third place: “Funny Face”

by Barb Orcutt.

Amatuer Oil/Acrylic: first place: “Ballerina Girl” by Katherine Ethen. second place: “Enchanted Stream” by Amanda Miller. third place: “Colorful Countryside” by Olivia Culbert.

Amatuer Drawing: first place: “Colored Hope” by Katherine Ethen. second place: “Samantha” by Katherine Ethen. third place: “Abstract” by Olivia Cublert.

Honorable Mention: “Splendor” by Katherine Ethen.

—Organizers thanked to all the participating artists and the fine works of art they created for this year’s exhibit.

Thanks also to the many workers and volunteers who dedicate themselves each year to making the Mower County Free Fair a success. Their hard work is much appreciated.

Mower County Fair Talent Contest now accepting entries

By Alex Smith

alex.smith@austindailyherald.com

The Mower County Fair Talent Contest is open for entries from talented local residents.

There are three divisions: preteen, teen, and open. Awards and cash prizes will be given for the top three in each division. The winner of each division will advance to represent Mower County at the Minnesota State Fair.

Unlike previous years, entry into the contests is free. Other changes include an increase of prize money, more awards, and the winner in each division will also receive two admission tickets to the Minnesota State Fair.

Forms are available at the fair office, Apold Music, or by calling 507433-1868. Entries must be received

by August 8.

The Mower County Fair Talent Contest will be held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the Farm Bureau Stage.

Go to www.mowercountyfair.com for more information.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

7

Mower County Beef Cook-Off set for Aug. 5

By Alex Smith

alex.smith@austindailyherald.com

The Mower County Beef Cook-Off will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 in front of Crane Pavilion at the fairgrounds.

Entries will be scored according to taste, ease of preparation and practicality, overall appeal and appearance.

Participants will be judged from 4:455:15 p.m., though it may vary depending on the number of entries.

First through fifth place will be awarded in beef certificates, with the top prize being getting $100. A Culinary Presentation Award will be handed out as well.

Contestants must be 18 years old to par-

ticipate, and recipes must be available for the judges. Recipes must be cooked entirely on a barbecue grill at the fairgrounds; no electricity will be available.

Contestants are responsible for furnishing barbecue grill, cooking utensils, card table, tablecloth, place setting, etc. Recipes can use any fresh cut of beef, excluding organ meats, using a minimum of one pound of beef. Samples are to be offered to the public after judging. Contestants may have one assistant, but aren’t allowed to help with cooking.

Contact Taggert Medgaarden at 507-4406596 or taggertm@hotmail.com to sign up or with any questions.

Russ Bissen of the Cattleman’s Association tends to ribeyes for sampling during the Cattleman’s beef cookoff at last year’s Mower County Fair.

RIGHT: Randy Klouse places a sirloin on the grill.

Photo provided

8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – MOWER COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW