Becker County Fair by Detroit Lakes Newspapers

BECKER COUNTY FAIR

Back in Full Swing in ‘21 We are looking forward to bringing this tradition back to our community. - Keith Sonnenberg, Fair Board President

BY DAWN DUNCAN For the Detroit Lakes Tribune

The Becker County Fair returns to Detroit Lakes this July 28-31, and organizers say it’ll be better than ever. The community missed this summer favorite last year — like so many events, it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and now the Fair Board is ready to deliver a stellar experience for fairgoers in 2021. “Everyone is looking forward to this year’s fair,”

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says Keith Sonnenberg, Fair Board President. “I think the kids are especially excited after not having this gathering last year. They have waited a long time to go on rides, enjoy all the food at the fair, and also show off their animals. It’s going to be a very special Becker County Fair this year and we are looking forward to bringing this tradition back to our community.” Fairgoers can expect to find all the familiar sites and sounds of the festival that they’ve come to know and love over the

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years: The wild rides, games, concessions and treats galore, animals, livestock shows, the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, 4-H activities and exhibits, Big Tent entertainment, a volleyball tournament, and so much more. What makes the fair so special? It has been a community standby for 128 years, and each year, new and improved experiences are created for attendees. Modernday fairs both honor the past and showcase the present.

FAIR ‘21: Page 3

BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021

Welcome to the

2021 Becker County Fair

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021

FAIR ‘21 From Page 1

4-H Exhibits

One of the oldest traditions of the fair is the involvement of 4-H, an organization founded nationally in the late 1800s that later spread across Minnesota. It was then referred to as “The Tomato Club” or “The Corn Growing Club.” 4-H helps kids across the country through learning opportunities in ag, science, home economics, the arts, and community involvement, to name a few, and is a staple of the Becker County Fair environment. This year, expect to find kids of all ages ready to compete in animal shows, exhibits, and presentations as they go for top honors and awards. Rabbits, poultry, sheep, beef cattle, dairy animals, ducks, horses, and swine will be looking their best for judging rounds and shows, and 4-H members are ready to impress spectators with the quality of their animal entries and many other projects.

FAIR ‘21: Page 4

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021

FAIR ‘21 From Page 3

The Midway

Play all sorts of games, and find delight in beloved rides like the tilt-a-whirl, merry-go-round and ferris wheel, as well as in some new surprises, on the 2021 midway. The midway will have it all, and something for everyone. Younger or more timid riders will have opportunities to enjoy smaller, slower, “stay on the ground” rides, while thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping on wilder, more breathtaking rides. An ATM will be available on site, and credit cards will be accepted this year. The parking fee has been increased to $5,

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up from $3 in 2019, in order to offset the revenue lost in 2020. Gate admission is free of charge. Again this year, as it has for the past several years, the fair will offer discounted rides in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items for the Becker County Food Pantry. The fair collected 5,300 pounds of donated food in 2018, and hopes to exceed that amount this year. The Fair Board encourages all attendees to participate in the food drive, if possible. Specials this year include armbands for $20 from 5 p.m. to close on Wednesday, with a donation of two non-perishable food items; and three armbands for $45 from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, with a donation of three non-perishable food items

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021

Events

Always a much-anticipated event, the Tractor Parade will be returning to the fair this year, in honor of Norman Danielson and Jeff Letorneau. It’s scheduled for Saturday, July 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the featured tractor will be a J.I. Case, with Vernon Hanson as the driver. Event participants are welcome to visit local nursing homes immediately following the parade. Registration details can be found online at beckercountyfair.com. A Pancake and Sausage Breakfast for Tractor Parade participants and support personnel will start at 9 a.m. Saturday at Adkin’s Equipment north of Detroit Lakes, on Richwood Road. Prizes for Tractor Parade drivers will be provided by DL Farnum NAPA. And don’t miss the Grandstand events this year, kicking off with the 2nd Annual April Stenger Volleyball Tournament, free to spectators. This event is named in memory of April Stenger, who died in a boat crash in 2015 at the age of 26; she was originally from Frazee and later lived in Lake Park. The tournament starts at 5 p.m. and will be hosted by Tammi Bigger. The Tractor Pull, a fair favorite, will start at 7 p.m. Thursday night and will showcase modified pickups and tractors. More excitement will follow on

Tractor Parade 9 a.m. Saturday

Friday and Saturday with Automotive Barrel Racing at 7 p.m. and Demo Derbies at 7:30. Automotive Barrel Racing is timed and similar to horse racing in that it uses three identical barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern as its course. It’s loud, fast, and fun to watch. Check it out as

it relaunches onto the fair scene for its second time around, having debuted here in 2019. The Demo Derby has been happening for several years and features drivers from all around the Lakes Area. Friday’s derby will be for the chain compact class, chain and go trucks, and 1980s

and newer categories, while Saturday will be for builders compact cars, builders full-sized cars, limited weld trucks, and old iron class. Each night, there will be a split-the-pot raffle. It’ll be fierce competition as junkers go wide open for prize money.

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021

Music and Mayhem

TOGETHER, WE CAN

LIVE HE ALTHIER LIKE NOWHERE ELSE

From concerts to demo derbies — and much more — this year’s fair features a full lineup of crowd-pleasing entertainment BY DAWN DUNCAN For the Detroit Lakes Tribune

There’s a full roster of stellar entertainment coming to the Becker County Fair this year, with all types of talent acts expected at the Big Tent and Grandstand. On Wednesday, July 28, magician Kenny Ahern will perform three shows (at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.), dazzling the crowd with tricks. He’ll be followed by the evening’s musical entertainment, Retro Cowboy (local musicians Kim

Softing and Kris Frost, playing at 7 p.m.). On Thursday, Senior Day, programming will be specially tailored to older attendees. The entertainment starts at noon with accordion player Ethel May Duermoro, followed by a Senior Program at 1 p.m. From there, Pop Wagner will engage the audience with songs and jokes during three shows (at 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.), and local musician Tim Eggebraaten will close out the night with a fun show of familiar tunes under the Big Tent (at 7 p.m.).

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021 Friday will be Kids Day and David Ward will present “Paul Bunyan: Loggin’ Legends and Lore!” in four separate shows (at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:15 p.m.). Friday night at 7 p.m., Detroit Lakes-based musical trio The HayMakers will bring their signature country/folk-rock sound, plus a variety of other genres, closing out the night with an energetic show. From there, Saturday’s schedule launches at noon and goes strong through the day and night. Events will include a 4-H Fashion Show, ventriloquist David Malmberg (at 1:30 p.m.), a 4-H Performing Arts Show (at 2:30 p.m.), followed by two more David Malmberg shows (at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.). Saturday evening, the Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program will be held at 6 p.m., the Fair Builder Award program will start at 6:10 p.m., and the Century Farmer Award program will begin at 6:20 p.m. Musician Mike Hokanson will perform at 7 p.m. to end the evening. All four nights of Big Tent entertainment will end with a 9:45 p.m. Button Drawing. Beyond the Big Tent, the Grandstand will also keep everyone entertained. The 2nd Annual April Stenger Volleyball

Tournament will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. and is free to attend. Thursday at 7 p.m. will feature the Tractor Pull, and from there, Friday and Saturday crank up the volume and thrill level with Automotive Barrel Racing and Demo Derby action (both nights start with barrel racing at 7 p.m. and then move into the derbies at 7:30 p.m.). The Tractor Pull and derby nights will require admission ($10 for adults; $5 for kids 12 and under). For additional information, visit beckercountyfair.com.

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021



Schedule of Events  * Times are subject to minor changes.

TUESDAY, JULY 27 ENTRY DAY

Carnival/Ride Specials

3:30-8 p.m. 4-H Exhibit Entry & Conference Judging (4-H Building) 5-8 p.m. Open Class Exhibit Entry (Open Class Building) 6:30-8 p.m. 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Entries in Place (Livestock & Poultry Barns)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 ENTRY DAY 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Open Class Exhibit Entry (Open Class Building) 8 a.m. 4-H Rabbit Judging (Amanda Foltz Arena) 12:30 p.m. Poultry Judging (Amanda Foltz Arena) 1 p.m. 4-H, FFA, and Open Class Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Dairy Steers in Place (Livestock Barn) 1 p.m. Magician Kenny Ahern (Under the Big Tent) 2 p.m. Open Class Flower Judging (Open Class Building; Time is Approximate) 3 p.m. Bingo Opens for the Day 3 p.m. Magician Kenny Ahern (Under the Big Tent) 5 p.m. Commercial Building and Midway Open

WEDNESDAY 5 p.m. - Close: Armbands (with unlimited rides) for $20 with a donation of two non-perishable food items FRIDAY 1-5 p.m.: Three armbands (with unlimited rides) for $45 with a donation of three non-perishable food items. (Must buy three to receive the deal). *Armbands regularly available for $30, every day of the fair from 1-5 p.m.

Want more information? Visit beckercountyfair.com 5 p.m. Magician Kenny Ahern (Under the Big Tent) 5:30 p.m. 4-H Swine Show (Amanda Foltz Arena) 6 p.m. April Stenger Memorial Volleyball Tournament (Near the Grandstands) 7 p.m. Retro Cowboy, Kim Softing & Kris Frost (Under the Big Tent) 9:45 p.m. Button Drawing (Under the Big Tent)

THURSDAY, JULY 29 SENIOR CITIZENS DAY 8 a.m. 4-H Market Goat, Sheep Show & Lamb Lead (Amanda Foltz Arena) 10:30 a.m. 4-H, FFA, and Open Class Beef Show (Amanda Foltz Arena; Time is Approximate) 11 a.m. Commercial and Open Class Building Open Noon Accordion player Ethel May Duemoro (Under the Big Tent) 1 p.m. Senior Citizen Awards Program (Under the Big Tent) 1:30 p.m. Pop Wagner, Songs and Jokes (Under the Big Tent) 3 p.m. Bingo Opens 3:15 p.m. Pop Wagner, Songs and Jokes (Under the Big Tent) 5 p.m. Pop Wagner, Songs and Jokes (Under the Big Tent) 7 p.m. Tim Eggebraaten, Performer (Under the Big Tent) 7 p.m. Tractor Pull (Grandstands; Admission $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids 12 & Under) 9:45 p.m. Button Drawing (Under the Big Tent)

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021



Schedule of Events  * Times are subject to minor changes.

FRIDAY, JULY 30 KIDS DAY

SATURDAY, JULY 31 FAMILY DAY

8 a.m. 4-H Horse Show, Pleasure Classes & Horse Training Judging Followed by Drill Team Performance (Horse Arena) 8:30 a.m. 4-H, FFA, and Open Class Dairy Goat Show (Amanda Foltz Arena) 10 a.m. 4-H, FFA and Open Class Dairy Show (Amanda Foltz Arena) 11 a.m. Open Class and Commercial Buildings Open 1 p.m. Midway Opens 1 p.m. Paul Bunyan: Loggin’ Legends and Lore! Presented by David Ward 1:30 p.m. Kids Fun Games (Behind Fair Office) 3 p.m. Bingo Opens 4 p.m. Paul Bunyan: Loggin’ Legends and Lore! Presented by David Ward 5:15 p.m. Paul Bunyan: Loggin’ Legends and Lore! Presented by David Ward 7 p.m. Automotive Barrel Racing and Demo Derby (Grandstands; Admission $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids 12 & Under) 7 p.m. Haymakers, Band (Under the Big Tent) 9:45 p.m. Button Drawing (Under the Big Tent)

7:30-8:30 a.m. Market Auction Bidders Breakfast (4-H Kitchen) 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tractor Parade (Starts at 8 a.m. at Adkins Implement and Proceeds to the Fairgrounds) 8:30 a.m. 4-H and FFA Round Robin Showmanship Contest (Amanda Foltz Arena) 9 a.m. Market Livestock Auction (Amanda Foltz Arena) 11 a.m. Open Class and Commercial Buildings Open 12:30 p.m. 4-H Fashion Revue (Under the Big Tent) 1 p.m. Midway Opens 12:30-3:30 p.m. 4-H Horse Fun Show, Games Classes (Horse Arena) 1:30 p.m. Ventriloquist David Malmberg (Under the Big Tent) 2:30 p.m. 4-H Performing Arts Show (Under the Big Tent) 3 p.m. Bingo Opens 3:30 p.m. Ventriloquist David Malmberg (Under the Big Tent) 5 p.m. Ventriloquist David Malmberg (Under the Big Tent)

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6 p.m. Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program (Under the Big Tent) 6:10 p.m. Fair Builder Award Program (Under the Big Tent) 6:20 p.m. Century Farm Awards Program (Under the Big Tent) 7 p.m. Demo Derby (Grandstands; Admission $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids 12 & Under) 7:30 p.m. Mike Hokanson, Performer (Under the Big Tent) 9:45 p.m. Button Drawing (Under the Big Tent) 11 p.m. 4-H Livestock & Exhibit Release

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 7:30-10:30 a.m. Pick Up All Open Class Exhibit Building Items 8:30-10:30 a.m. Remove All 4-H and Open Class Building Exhibits (All Exhibits Must Be Removed by 11 a.m.)

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BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021

Food and 4-H A closer look at two favorite fair traditions BY DAWN DUNCAN

Hansen, a native of the Barnesville area in Clay County, grew up on a farm and never thought he’d be in the food busiGet your tastebuds ready for an explo- ness. But after getting introduced to it, sion of flavor and new foods at this he shifted gears. He had gone to college year’s fair. and was working as an elementary school A new food stand will be featured, offer- teacher when he heard entrepreneurship ing an array of Asian dishes like egg rolls, calling, and from there, he said it has been fried rice and sweet & sour entrees. Also, a fun ride. Hansen’s Foods of Fergus Falls will return, “We love what we do,” says Hansen, bringing its old standby favorites: fry bread “and we’re excited to return to Detroit funnel cakes, cheese curds, cotton candy, Lakes this year and see the fair in full burgers and fries, fresh-squeezed lemonswing. We’ll be bringing a great variety ade, mini donuts, and footlong corndogs of foods, and our focus is on good quality and hotdogs. Deep-fried pickles, smoothfood items.” ies, shaved ice, and caramel apples will be Hansen says he’s witnessed firsthand available, too, so come hungry and ready how excited people are to be out with to eat. friends and family again this summer, Doug Hansen, owner of Hansen’s Foods, enjoying activities. Having already partichas been in the mobile food industry for 45 ipated in some summer events and fairs years. Originally his father-in-law’s busibefore this one, he has seen his business ness, then called Townsend Concessions, grow considerably, up from 2019 numbers. Hansen bought into the business and “I think many people are just ready to from there, he and his wife Nancy, along be enjoying their summer, going to the with occasional involvement from their fairs and having fun again,” he says. four adult children, have brought the food Food is one important aspect of a fair, stands to an average of 20 events per year. but Hansen says that, in his lifelong expeCounty fairs, festivals, and special rience visiting countless fairs around the events are what the Hansens know best, area, the ones that have kept 4-H as a focus are the ones that have continued to and the Becker County Fair is a favorite thrive. He says the success he sees in the of theirs. For the Detroit Lakes Tribune

BECKER COUNTY FAIR  JULY 28-31, 2021 4-H-centric fairs is noteworthy, and that 4-H is something every fair should promote. “The really quality fairs keep their eyes on 4-H. They know that the 4-H component is a huge draw, but more importantly, it keeps tradition alive and well. The kids get a valuable experience, and so does the community.” The Becker County 4-H organization has managed to not only sustain membership during the pandemic, but grow, despite the challenges of the past year. Members have remained active and the group is one of the only clubs nationwide that has been able to boast increased numbers in 2020. Leigh Nelson, Extension Coordinator for the local 4-H, says she’s particularly excited for this year’s fair, as it will feature an exponentially high turnout of exhibits and entries from 4-H’ers. “Our entries exceed 2019’s numbers, and we feel fortunate that we are able to participate again. The kids are really looking forward to this year’s fair,” says Nelson. She adds that fair attendees can look forward to general exhibits that span several categories, 4-H Teen Ambassadors leading presentations about their animals, the annual Horse Show, livestock shows, and the 4-H Food Stand, which is

We feel fortunate that we are able to participate again. The kids are really looking forward to this year’s fair. - Leigh Nelson, 4-H Extension Coordinator

the place to not only get a great meal but also ice cream. “We’ll be in full operation,” Nelson says, “and ready to serve the community the favorites they love. The 4-H Food Stand has been here at the fair for a very long time and is an anticipated feature.” 4-H is the country’s largest youth

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Events include bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, breakaway, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, mini bronc riding and much more! Sign your kid up for mutton busting at the gate! There will be a food court with multiple vendors including tack, art, clothing, heavy equipment displays, and more.

Fri., Aug. 13th the band SILVERADO will be playing following the rodeo! Saturday night dance the night away with pro announcer Trey Windhorst DJ’ing directly after the rodeo. Friday start time is 7:00 p.m. and Saturday start time of 6:00 p.m. Double S Arena is located just five miles north on Hwy 59. Entrance will be located right off Hwy 59. Just look for the signs!

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