TWICE THE FUN
DOU UGLAS COUNTY FAIR
IN 2021!
ENTERTAINMENT EATS EDUCATION Tuesday, August 17 – Saturday, August 21 www.dcmnfair.com
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Welcome to the Douglas County Fair Twice the fun in 2021
Welcome to the 2021 Douglas County Fair. We are back and are proud to present a bigger and better than ever fair. The fair will kick off one night earlier this year, opening at 5 p.m. for a “sneak preview” on Tuesday, Aug. 17. This limited edition will feature fair food and entertainment by the Johnny Holm Band. With “tons” of entertainment each day along with 4-H, FFA, “fair” food, many special attractions and Glenwood State Bank grandstand events, you will not want to miss any of it.
Make sure to check out our website, www. dcmnfair.com, for the daily schedule and to purchase tickets ahead of time. I want to also thank everyone who is involved with planning and organizing the fair including board members, volunteers, employees, sponsors, supporters, vendors, 4-H, FFA and many others too numerous to mention who all have a passion for our fair. Plan your fair visit early and join us for “Twice the fun in 2021.” Welcome back to the bigger and better 2021 Douglas County Fair.
SEE YOU THERE AT THE FAIR!
Don Kleine Fair Board president
Fair Board president
Fair information.................................................................... 4 Calling all Open Class contestants.................................. 5 Big or small, tractor pulls draw fierce competion......... 6 Lawn mower demo derby................................................... 6 Douglas County Princess Pageant....................................7 Remembering Eddie Dummer........................................... 8 County fair word search..................................................... 9 Music every night................................................................10 PUBLISHER Diann Drew
EDITOR Lori Mork
Don Kleine
Douglas County Fair – Twice the fun in 2021!...............14 Douglas County Fair schedule.........................................16 Douglas County’s Got Talent registration.....................18 2019 Douglas County’s Got Talent Contest winners...19 4-H’ers are glad that the fair is back.............................. 20 4-H dates to remember......................................................21 Douglas County Fairgrounds map................................. 22
SPECIAL SECTIONS CONTENT Karen Tolkkinen
Publication of the Echo Press 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 320.763.3133 www.echopress.com
Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 3
New ticket kiosk at gates
If you buy your ticket in advance, a new scanner will provide easy entrance to the fairgrounds. You can also buy your tickets at the gate with credit card or cash. The new kiosk will not only make entrance easier, but help fair organizers keep track of how many people are on the grounds in case of new capacity restrictions. To encourage use of the kiosks, tickets purchased at the kiosks will be 50 cents less than tickets purchased at the cash lines.
Fair Information AUGUST 17-AUGUST 21, 2021 • GATES OPEN 8 A.M. DAILY
Douglas County Fair, 300 Fairgrounds Road, Alexandria, MN 866-656-FAIR
HOURS & LOCATION
Douglas County Fair
300 Fairgrounds Road, Alexandria, MN 56308 866-656-FAIR, dcmnfair.com
HOURS
Soft opening: Tuesday, Aug. 17. Fair food, Johnny Holm concert. West Gate open at 5 p.m., with a $5 admission. Full fair runs Wednesday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 21. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
The following are available for fairgoers: Wheelchairs are available in the fair office. Free handicapped parking is available just inside the east gate. Shuttles from the Integrity Title west parking lot leave every 15 minutes during regular fair hours. Courtesy shuttles from the other lots are available by asking at the gate.
The Midway opens at 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
GATE ADMISSION
Adults - $7 in advance online, $7.50 at the fair kiosks, $8 at the cash lines at the fair. Children (0 - 10) - FREE Season Pass - $30* Golden Ticket (Season Pass & Season Premium Parking) - $50* *Season Pass and Golden Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the fair offices on Monday or Tuesday of fair week.
PARKING
Automobiles and Trucks - FREE* All prices include sales tax. *Parking is free in the Integrity Title west parking lot. Premium (paid) parking spots are available on the east side of the fairgrounds. 4 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
$5 at 5 p.m. Tuesday New this year, the Douglas County Fair will offer a “soft opening” the evening before the official start of the fair. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, the West Gate will open at 5 p.m., and fairgoers will be able to get in for $5. While the exhibit buildings and barns will remain closed for last-minute setting up, Calorie Lane will be open and the Johnny Holm Band will play on the Alomere Health Stage at 7 p.m. Enter only through the West Gate.
Local Livestock Eats Corn & Soybeans Grown by Farmers Locally
Livestock is the No. 1 customer of soybean meal, consuming 98% fo the soybean meal produced in the U.S.
Livestock is the No. 1 customer of corn, consuming just over 40% of the corn crop produced in the U.S.
The livestock sector contributes more than $16.4 billion to Minnesota’s economy.
Calling all Open Class contestants! Open Class contests are open to anyone of any age who lives in Douglas County or throughout Minnesota. Categories include canning, painting, vegetable growing, homemade beer and many more. This year, pre-registration is required for open class entries because of social distancing concerns. There is an online registration system at www.dcmnfair. com/openclass. Paper entry forms are available at this same webpage and must be
received by Aug. 10 to ensure being able to exhibit at the fair. DATES TO REMEMBER SATURDAY, AUG. 14 Open Class Registration Closes MONDAY, AUG. 16 Open Class Entry Day, 1-7 p.m. SUNDAY, AUG. 22 Open Class Released, 8 a.m.
This year’s beef at the 4-H food stand will be provided by the Douglas County Corn & Soybean Growers and their checkoffs. “To promote and create opportunities for the profitability and sustainability of Douglas County Corn and Soybean Growers while promoting agriculture and enhancing our rural quality of life.” Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 5
DEMO DERBIES ARE BACK
Anyone who lives for utter mayhem and destruction will be delighted to know that the demo derbies are back at the fair — both the free lawn mower derby sponsored by Alexandria Power Equipment and the paid auto derby hosted by Viking Speedway. The lawn mower derby will take place from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the grandstand, and the auto demolition derby will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, also at the grandstand.
Big or small, tractor pulls draw fierce competition If you want to see some intense tractor pulling, head over to the grandstand on Thursday, Aug. 19, for a free show by the Central Minnesota Pullers — or, swing by the log cabin area on Saturday, Aug. 21, to watch the munchkin version of the same thing. On Thursday, the Central Minnesota Pullers will bring tractors with names like Wicked Stepmother, Piston Packing Mama and Havoc that will compete to see how much weight they can pull. Tractor pulls hearken back to the days when farmers would compete to see whose draft horse could pull the most,
and they’re all about noise, black smoke and bragging rights. “It’s all the big tractors, no antique ones, no trucks,” said Douglas County Fair Board member Brad Brejcha. The show starts at 6 p.m., and will last about two to two-and-a-half hours, he said. Those who pay to get into the fairgrounds will be able to attend the tractor pull for free. Dan Anderson, president of Central Minnesota Pullers, said tractors can pull up to 150,000 pounds — almost the weight of the space shuttle. The tractors that can pull the most are in the open class and use unconventional engines to maximize their pulling power. One of the tractors in this class actually uses a World War II aircraft engine, and another uses a semi truck engine. “It’s whatever combination you think will work and are comfortable running,” Anderson said. Other classes that are fun are the Superstock and the Pro Farm classes, he said, because they make a big smoke cloud and start out fast, about 30 mph, before intensifying weight slows them down.
Lawn mower demo derby The clash of riding lawn mowers has proved so popular that the event is returning to the Douglas County Fair for the fourth straight year and is sponsored by Alex Power Equipment. It’s planned for 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 at the Grandstand. To enter, visit www.dcmnfair.com.
Under the information tab, click on “Competitions and Contests,” and scroll down. Entry is free. However, pit passes for all participants and spectators in the pit area need a $5 pit pass that will allow for admission into the fairgrounds before, during, or after the event.
6 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
“They get a lot of wheel speed,” he said. “They’re pretty crazy to watch sometimes.” He expects 15-20 tractors to show up for the event. The drivers tend to be farmers or have a farm background, and many are second- or third-generation tractor pullers. Central Minnesota Pullers have put on a show in the past at the Douglas County Fair, and the fair board decided to bring the group back after getting requests, Brejcha said. “It’s been a popular thing in the past,” he said. On Saturday, the little tractor pullers will give it a go at 1 p.m. near the Log Cabin. The children’s pedal tractor competitions operate the same way as the big ones, with weight increasing the further they go. The little ones might arguably have a harder job of it, because they have to supply the power with their own legs. But anyone who has attended a pedal tractor pull will have noticed kids looking the machines over, kicking tires and developing a winning strategy. “They’re pretty cutthroat at times,” said Anderson.
DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR
Princess Pageant
Calling all girls ages 5-9 to become the Douglas County Fair 2021 Fair Princess! The girls will be judged on the best dress, best private interview and the best onstage interview. They will practice for several hours starting two weeks before the pageant learning how to walk on stage, wave to the audience and dance as a group. The girls make new friends, practice together and get a pizza and pool party before the fair, and receive recognition at the fair. The pageant will take place
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on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 4:30 p.m. on the Hubbard Radio Stage. The first 10 girls to register will receive a $25 scholarship provided by Bell State Bank in Alexandria and Hometown Community Bank of Forada. That brings the cost of registration to $75. When signing up, girls answer questions about their favorite food, favorite TV show or music, what they want to be when they grow up, and other topics. For more information, email Kabrezina@dcmnfair. com.
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Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 7
He always remembered your name and he always had a joke to share or a lighthearted comment. He liked to tease people, but it was all in good nature and fun. It’s very sad that he’s gone. TRICIA OEHLENSCHLAGER Douglas County Master Gardeners Chair
Remembering Eddie Dummer Horticulture superintendent memorialized with wacky vegetable award, new bench
By Karen Tolkkinen ktolkkinen@echopress.com By fair time, there’ll be a new bench near the horticulture building, dedicated to a man who took tiny notes in pencil but could also see the big picture, and who absolutely adored funny-looking vegetables. For years, Master Gardener Eddie Dummer presided over the horticultural exhibits at the Douglas County Fair. It was a job he cared deeply about. He procured a refrigerator so that the strawberries would stay cool and look nice. He brought ham sandwiches and water for his fair crew. He started the scarecrow contest. And when people wandered up to the exhibit area with a giant zucchini or two-legged carrot tucked under their 8 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
arms, he always had to take a look. “ The wacky and extremely large vegetables – that was one of his highlights,” recalled Tricia Oehlenschlager, chair of the Douglas County Master Gardeners. Dummer died last October, leaving a big hole not just in the organization, but in the hearts of those who knew him. In addition to the bench, the fair managers are memorializing him with a new award to be given out starting this August: The Eddie Dummer Championship Award for the Wackiest Vegetable. It’s not the first time his work has been honored. Last year, he received the Irene Seppanen Founder’s Award for Excellence in Horticulture Outreach and Education after volunteering with the Master Gardener Program for nearly 20 years and 1,623 hours. He led several Master Gardener efforts, including Let’s Get Growing and the bus tour.
In 2019, cancer caused him to step back from his duties, and the other Master Gardeners realized what a big load he had been carrying because it took a team to tackle what he had done alone, said Diane Henry, who often worked alongside him. “It was a rare project he wasn’t willing to take on,” Henry said. The Master Gardeners are planning to order the bench and a plaque with his name on it. Because he also drove the Zamboni for the curling rink, the local curling team is also helping to purchase the bench. Oehlenschlager said they would like to place the bench at the walkway to their building. It seems a fitting location for a man who always made people feel welcome. “He always remembered your name and he always had a joke to share or a lighthearted comment,” Oehlenschlager said. “He liked to tease people, but it was all in good nature and fun. It’s very sad that he’s gone.”
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Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 9
Music every The Douglas County Fair now has a designated place and time to rock for five nights straight, and that’s at the Alomere Main Stage at 7 p.m. This year’s lineup includes an America’s Got Talent finalist, Jason Pritchett, who has continued to perform across the country and who will perform on Saturday night. All concerts are free with paid admission to the fair. Here’s the rundown of the major musical acts: Tuesday, Aug. 17: The Johnny Holm Band is a familiar face throughout Minnesota at fairs, festivals and college campuses. He will perform during the fair’s “soft opening” on Tuesday night.
night
Wednesday, Aug. 18: Fabulous Armadillos recreates songs from many musical genres, including country, Motown, heavy metal and 70’s soft rock. Their name came from a nickname for keyboardist Greg “Gary D.” Armstrong, once a member of the Bobby Vee Band, and they call their fans “Dilloheads.” Thursday, Aug. 19: Red Letter Band from Long Prairie began as a youth movement in a little country church, according to its Facebook page. Four of its singles have reached the top of the Inspirational Country Music charts, which tracks musicians who carry a message of faith, family and country. “Our goal is to be relational and personal through music,” Red Letter
JASON PRITCHETT Band’s page says. “We are followers of Jesus Christ, which greatly influences our music.” The group covers a wide variety of today’s country, classic country hits, with a touch of their own chart topping originals. Friday, Aug. 20: IV Play Band plays throughout the Upper Midwest. Its six musicians come from Minnesota, Texas, Alabama and Florida, and Fair Board member Brad Brejcha said they’re a high energy rock/dance band that plays a lot of cover songs. a little bit of everything. Saturday, Aug. 21: Fans of America’s Got Talent might remember country western singer Jason Pritchett from 2007, when he made it to the Final 8. Since then he has performed across the country and has had songs hit the the charts, including one in the Top 20, and walked the red carpet at the Country Music Awards. His top song, “Good Show,” mines his past as a rodeo bull rider. He performs regularly in Branson, Missouri.
IV PLAY BAND 10 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
Also: On Friday, Sherwin Linton will play on the Hubbard Radio Stage from 3-7 p.m. This Johnny Cash tribute artist has performed for 60 years,
playing folk, country and rockabilly. His 1966 song, “Cotton King,” landed him at the top of the country music charts, and he’s had numerous TV appearances and nationwide tours. His 2011 CD “Hillbilly Heaven” earned him three Grammy nominations. He will perform with his wife Pam and their band, The Cotton Kings.
Local Bands: These well-known local bands are regulars at the fair and other major local events. They include Duffy’s Duo, Three Guys, Good Company, Sound Idea, Mikko, Tom Sellin, Paradocs, Schjei Country, Blonde and the Bohunk, and Sax Appeal.
RED LETTER BAND
THE FABULOUS ARMADILLOS
SHERWIN LINTON
THE JOHNNY HOLM BAND Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 11
e ! c 1 2 i 0 2 n i Twthe fun All of these events are
FREE!
ir.c om a f n m c d . www
with paid gate admission
Wednesday, August 18 Kids Day Sponsored by Mid MN Federal Credit Union Headliner
Tuesday, August 17 Reduced admission courtesy of Leighton Broadcasting
Fair Kickoff Featuring
Johnny Holm Band 7pm
The Fabulous Armadillos 7pm
Free Grandstand Event Alex Power Equipment Lawn Mower Demo Derby
Info@dcmnfair.com and 866.656.FAIR
12 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
Thursday, August 19
Friday, August 20
Senior Day
Military & Law Enforcement Day
Sponsored by Knute Nelson
Headliner
Sponsored by Bremer Bank
Red Letter Band 7pm
Headliner
Sherwin Linton Band 3pm
Headliner
IV Play Band 7pm FRIDAY NIGHT! Free Grandstand Event Central MN Pullers Tractor Pull 6pm
THIS IS A PAID GRAND STAND EVENT
VIKING SPEEDWAY
DEMO DERBY
Fri, Aug. 20, 2021 7PM - 10PM
Saturday, August 21 Sponsored by Winning Edge Graphics
Headliner
Blonde & the
Bohunk 12pm
Headliner
Jason Pritchett 7pm
Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 13
DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR
Twice the fun in 2021!
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Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 15
2021 Douglas County Fair Schedule Event Times Subject to Change. For Complete Daily Schedule, Please Visit www.dcmnfair.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17
Special Tuesday night Fair Kickoff – Reduced admission courtesy of Leighton Broadcasting 5 p.m. Fair Opens (entry through the West Gate only) 5 p.m. Calorie Lane opens 7 p.m. Johnny Holm Band, Alomere Stage 9 p.m. Progressive $250 Cash Give-Away, Alomere Stage
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18
Kids day Wednesday sponsor: Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Free parking lot sponsor: Integrity Title 8 a.m. Gates Open, 1 p.m. Midway opens 1-5 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wristband Session 6-10 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wristband Session 9-noon Animal weighing and verification 10 a.m. Exhibit Buildings open 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Early Education, Music and Preschool Art Activity, Old Schoolhouse 10 a.m. Flag Raising Ceremony, Knute Nelson Stage 10 a.m.-noon Duffy’s Duo, Knute Nelson Stage 10 a.m. Game & Fish Building opens 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Kids Day at the Old Schoolhouse 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Farm to Market Children’s Education, FFA Children’s Barnyard 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Master Gardeners Available, Johnson Building 10 a.m. Flag Raising Ceremony, Knute Nelson Stage 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Ethnic Foods, Heritage Square Cabin 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Woodland Elementary, Science Explorations, Old Schoolhouse Noon. Poultry show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 12:30-2:30 p.m. Three Guys: Mikko, Doug & Chuck, Knute Nelson Stage 1 p.m. Pie Judging, Johnson Building Stage 1-2:30 p.m. Voyager Elementary, Physical Activity, Old Schoolhouse 2:30-4 p.m. Garfield-Miltona-Carlos Elementary, Old Schoolhouse 3 p.m. Rabbit Show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 3-5 p.m. Good Company, Knute Nelson Stage 4:30 p.m. Princess Pageant, Hubbard Radio Stage 4-5:30 p.m. Lincoln Elementary, Old Schoolhouse 5 p.m. Kid’s Bike Giveaway! Knute Nelson Stage 5:30-7 p.m. Transportation, Back-To-School Questions Answered, Old Schoolhouse 6 p.m. K-9 Demonstration, Commercial Building 6:30 p.m. Veterans Council Daily Flag and Bike Giveaway, Knute Nelson Heritage Stage 7-9 p.m. Alex Power Equipment Lawn Mower Demo Derby, Glenwood State Bank Grandstand 7-11 p.m. The Fabulous Armadillos, Alomere Stage 9 p.m. Progressive $250 Cash Giveaway, Alomere Stage
16 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19
Senior Day – Seniors age 65 and up receive reduced admission of $5 Free parking lot sponsor: Integrity Title Thursday sponsor: Knute Nelson 8 a.m. Gates Open, 1 p.m. Midway opens 1-5 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wristband Session 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Knute Nelson Sponsored Giveaways 8 a.m. Goat Show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 9 a.m. Katie’s Swing Band, Knute Nelson Stage 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Paradocs, Knute Nelson Stage 10 a.m. Game & Fish Building opens 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Master Gardeners Available, Johnson Building 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Farm to Market Children’s Education, FFA Children’s Barnyard 11 a.m.-noon Community Education Pickleball, Old Schoolhouse 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Ethnic Foods, Heritage Square Cabin Noon-1:30 p.m. Compass Arts/Crafts, Lego Contest, Carnival Games, Old Schoolhouse 12:30 p.m. Dairy Show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 1:30-3:30 p.m. Prairie Woodcarvers, Art Educator, Hypnotherapy, Yoga, Old Schoolhouse 2 p.m. Recognition of Outstanding Seniors, Knute Nelson Stage 2:30 p.m. Century Farm Recognition, Knute Nelson Stage 3-5 p.m. Schjei Country, Knute Nelson Stage 3:30-5 p.m. “Know Your Vegetable” Game, Tasting Event, Old Schoolhouse 4 p.m. Lamb Lead and Sheep Show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 5 p.m. Kids Bike Giveaway, Knute Nelson Stage 5 p.m. Knute Nelson Grand Prize Drawing, Knute Nelson Stage 5-7 p.m. Lakes Area Gymnastics, Old Schoolhouse 6 p.m. Midwest Machinery Tractor Pull, Grandstand (Free Entry) 6 p.m. K-9 Demonstration, Commercial Building 6:30 p.m. Veterans Council Daily Flag and Bike Giveaway, Knute Nelson Heritage Stage 7 p.m. Red Letter Band, Alomere Stage 9 p.m. Progressive $250 Cash Giveaway, Alomere Stage
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20
Military/Law enforcement/Firefighters Day at the Fair. All active and retired military, law enforcement or fire fighters will receive FREE admission by showing a valid ID. Friday sponsor: Bremer Bank Day; Free parking lot sponsor: Integrity Title 8 a.m. Gates Open, 1 p.m. Midway opens 1-5 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wristband Session 8:30 a.m. Swine Show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 8:30 a.m. Beef Show, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 9 a.m. 4-H Day Camp 10-11 a.m. “Little Women,” Old Schoolhouse 10 a.m.-noon Sound Idea, Knute Nelson Stage 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighter Day, Old Schoolhouse 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Kids Day, Old Schoolhouse 10 a.m. Game & Fish Building opens 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Master Gardeners Available, Johnson Building 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Farm to Market Children’s Education, FFA Children’s Barnyard 11 a.m.-Noon Girls State Championship Golf Team, Old Schoolhouse 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Ethnic Foods, Heritage Square Cabin 12-1 p.m. Cheerleaders, Old Schoolhouse 12:30-2:30 p.m. Mikko Original Songs, Knute Nelson Stage 1-2 p.m. Archery, Old Schoolhouse 2-3 p.m. Healthy Voices, Healthy Choices, Old Schoolhouse 3 p.m. Sherwin Linton Band, Hubbard Radio Stage 3-4 p.m. Outdoor Gear Library, Old Schoolhouse 3-5 p.m. Tom Sellin Family, Knute Nelson Stage 5 p.m. Kid’s Bike Giveaway! Knute Nelson Stage 5:30 p.m. Douglas County Fair Talent Contest, Knute Nelson Stage 6 p.m. K-9 Demonstration, Commercial Building 6:30 p.m. Veterans Council Daily Flag and Bike Giveaway, Knute Nelson Heritage Stage 7 p.m. IV Play Band, Alomere Stage 7 p.m. Viking Speedway Demolition Derby, Glenwood State Bank Grandstand 9 p.m. Progressive $250 Cash Giveaway, Alomere Stage
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21
Saturday sponsor: Winning Edge Graphics Free parking lot sponsor: Integrity Title 8 a.m. Gates Open, 1 p.m. Midway opens 1-5 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wristband Session 6-10 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wristband Session 9 a.m. Market Livestock Auction, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Paradocs, Knute Nelson Stage 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Education Foundation and Alumni Day, Old Schoolhouse 10 a.m. Game & Fish Building opens 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Master Gardeners Available, Johnson Building 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Farm to Market Children’s Education, FFA Children’s Barnyard 11 a.m. Pork Producers Pork Chops 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Ethnic Foods, Heritage Square Cabin Noon. Outdoor Education, Game & Fish Building Noon-3 p.m. Blonde and the Bohunk, Alomere Stage 1 p.m. Horse Fun Show 1-2 p.m. Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, Log Cabin area 1-3 p.m. Sax Appeal, Knute Nelson Stage 2 p.m. Kids Turtle Racing, Commercial Building 5 p.m. Kid’s Bike Giveaway! Knute Nelson Stage 5 p.m. Round Robin Showmanship, TA Dad Erickson Pavilion 5:30 p.m. Douglas County’s Got Talent State Fair Talent Competition, Knute Nelson Stage 6 p.m. K-9 Demo, Commercial Building 6:30 p.m. Veterans Council Daily Flag and Bike Giveaway, Knute Nelson Heritage Stage 7 p.m. Jason Pritchett Band, Alomere Stage 9 p.m. Progressive $250 Cash Giveaway at the Alomere Stage 9 p.m. Flag Lowering Ceremony, Knute Nelson Stage 10 p.m. Exhibit Buildings Close Watch for: Master Gardener Activities on the Stage will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Topics include vegetables in pots, spruce trees, tomatoes, small fruits, bees, garden in a box, monarchs, wise watering and pollinators.
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We invite you to join us sit back, relax and enjoy the sights!
DAY TRIPS
• Stop, In The Name of Love at the Ives: Wed, Aug 18, $85pp • Ole & Lena in Café Chaos at the Ames Center: Sat, Sept 11 • The Music Man at Chanhassen: Wed, Sept 15, $95pp • Linda and Company at the Ives: Wed, Sept 22, $85pp • A Bench in the Sun at DayTrippers: Wed, Oct 13, $75pp • Frozen at the Orpheum Theatre: Wed, Oct 20, adults $105pp and 12 and under $85pp • The Play That Goes Wrong at The Old Log: Thurs, Oct 28, $85pp • Breaking Up Is Hard To Do at the Ives: Thurs, Nov 11, $85pp • Mannheim Steamroller at the State Theatre: Sat, Nov 27, $120pp • Rat Pack Christmas at the Ives: Wed, Dec 8, $85pp
MN State Fair
• Thurs, Aug 26 - Thrifty Thursday • Mon, Aug 30 - Senior Day • Thurs, Sept 2 - Senior Day Leave Parkers Prairie at 6:15 am and former K-Mart in Alexandria at 7 am. Additional stops are available along I-94. Depart fairgrounds at 6 pm. Prices: All prices are per person and include bus ride, fair admission, and a bottle of water on the way home. Ride only = $27 • Kids 4 and under = $27 • Ages 5-12 = $38 Ages 13-64 = $40 • Seniors (65+) = $38 Call or Visit
MOTORCOACH TOURS
us online for these and many more trips!
• From the Red Rocks to the Rockies with air: Sept 27-Oct 3 • NASCAR in Kansas City: Oct 22-25 Christmas in Branson: Nov 17-22 • Ark Encounter & Creation Museum: April 4-8, 2022 • Oberammergau (Germany/Austria) Live Passion Play with air: departs June 7, 2022 • Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Rockies: July 2022 • San Francisco and Wine Country with air: Oct 2-6, 2022
Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 17
Douglas County’s Got Talent! Talent contest registration The fair’s annual Douglas County’s Got Talent contest is set for Saturday, Aug. 21, at 5:30 p.m. It’s open to musical performances, storytelling, or any other unique talent a competitor might bring. There will be competition for three classes: 1st class will consist of anyone up to the age of 12. 2nd class will be for ages 13 to 18. 3rd class will be open to anyone who wants to show off their talent.
The winner will be able to move on to the Minnesota State Fair for their talent competition. So sign up now for a chance in the talent competition. Cash prizes for first, second and third in each class. To register, visit www. dcmnfair.com and click on the competitions and contests tab.
Twice the fun in 2021! DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR 300 Fairgrounds Road Alexandria, MN 56308 866-656-FAIR
dcmnfair.com
Senator Torrey Westrom An ardent voice for west central Minnesota! Paid for by Westrom for State Senate PO Box 210, Elbow Lake, Mn 56531.
18 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIR Sales and Service Authorized Warranty Center •Single & 3-Phase •Farm Duty •Irrigation •PTO Repair •Gearbox Repair •Generators •HVAC (Furnace & A/C) •Crop Dryer •Air Compressor •Pool-Jet-Lake Pump • Power Tools -Commercial Grade
1209 3rd Ave. East · Alexandria
320-763-3071 www.profix-inc.com
2019 Douglas County’s Got Talent Contest winners Winners of the 2019 Douglas County Fair’s Talent Contest were (left to right) Ava Hinnenkamp, violin, Pre-Teen Class; Roxane Sweetwater, vocal solo, Teen Class; and Shyanne Kaml, singing/ guitar (original song), Open Class. (Echo Press photo)
Douglas County Fair 2021!
Schaffer Machine Incorporated
Morical Bros., Inc.
Douglas Schaffer, President Dan Byrne, President
GRAVEL PRODUCTS
Producers of: Locations at: Washed Sand & Buckshot Rock Garfield • Alexandria Landscape Rock Parkers Prairie • Glenwood Drain Field Rock Todd Morical Rip-Rap & Boulders 320-834-2008 Class 5 Gravel Fax 320-834-2683 Black Dirt Cell 320-760-2610 Deliveries or You Pick Up
CNC Machining CNC Turning Short Run Long Run Prototype Design Work Tool Grinding
PROUDLY SUPPORTING YOUR
Work, Live, Play Community!
Congratulations to all Fair Participants!
15197 Lakes Rd NW Brandon, MN 56315 Phone: 320.834.4502 Fax: 320.834.5318
ORB REAL ESTATE
Wishes everyone a safe and fun 2021 fair!
See you there!
406 3rd Ave E Ste 1 • Alexandria, MN 320.762.2077 • ORBRealEstate.com
Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 19
I really like doing it because it’s teaching me life skills. I have been part of it my whole life. And when I enter the show ring, I like the mindset you go into. It’s like I’m going to win. PAISLEY OLSON 4-H participant
4-H’ers are glad that the fair is back It’s safe to say that the Douglas County Fair is one of the year’s social highlights for members of the area’s 4-H groups. This is a time when they get to see friends they might not have seen all year. They camp on the fairgrounds overnight with their families, enter photo, woodworking and other contests, tend to their livestock, and spend time with kids who share their hobbies. “After I’m done totally showing that’s when I get to go to all the rides,” said Paisley Olson, 10, a member of the Lucky Star Club and a fifth-grader at Woodland Elementary School in Alexandria. Paisley is among the many 4-H’ers happy that the Douglas County Fair is returning this year. When the pandemic forced the closing of the fair last year, the 4-H’ers lost their chance to show the public what they’d been working on for months. And they missed out on seeing their friends. Often, these friends attend other school districts, meaning that they might not see each other all year, and that come August, 20 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
two years will have passed between visits. For Paisley’s family, 4-H is a tradition that spans four generations. It began with her great-grandfather during the Depression years, continued with her grandfather and her mom, and now she and her sister take part. Paisley shows Simmental cattle (this year’s are named Jersey Girl, Jurisdiction and Harbor Bay), and pigs, and she also enters non-livestock categories like photography and crafts. “I really like doing it because it’s teaching me life skills,” she said. “I have been part of it my whole life. And when I enter the show ring, I like the mindset you go into. It’s like I’m going to win.” For Anakin Bosek, missing last year’s fair meant missing one of his last years to show animals and other projects. Recently graduated from high school, he has been in 4-H for 12 years, and the Douglas County Fair has been a big part of that. He has shown every animal species at the fair except llamas, including his Thoroughbred horse, Indy, and his Limousin cattle.
He’s also participated in the nonlivestock events at the fair, building Lego sculptures, trap shooting, and building Rube Goldberg contraptions, to name a few. Bosek has become one of 4-H’s youth leaders, and one of the things he missed most last year was community service projects and helping the youngest 4-H members learn the ropes. This year he is in charge of the annual auction, in which local residents and businesses bid on 4-H livestock ribbons in order to help kids pay for their 4-H projects. The 4-H youth get to keep the animals; missing out on last year’s auction meant they also missed that income. The youth are responsible for recruiting the businesses, and ribbons sell for anymore from $250 to $2,000. “To have those kids miss out on (the fair) was a real bummer,” said Paisley’s mom, Michaela Olson. “But we got through it and this year we’re looking forward to a really good year.”
DATES TO REMEMBER TUESDAY, AUG. 3 Clothing/Textiles/Quilting Judging & Fashion Review MONDAY, AUG. 9 Pre-County Fair Cleanup at the Fairgrounds
in Douglas County 4‑H isn’t just about raising animals. 4‑H youth develop skills they use throughout their lifetime in a positive youth leadership environment. Douglas County 4‑H’ers bring their best to share
SATURDAY, AUG. 14 Horse Show
during the County Fair. Come on out to the fair and see what wonderful things can happen when youth are provided positive outlets for their energy and potential.
MONDAY, AUG. 16 Judging Day for NonPerishables Pet Show Cat Show Animal Science Interviews Club Exhibits Judged TUESDAY, AUG. 17 4-H Silent Auction for Muscular Dystrophy Association 4-H Exhibit Judging for Foods/Nutrition/ Gardening/Plant Science Animal Science Vet Checks
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 18 Vet Check Last Call for Milking Dairy & Horses Animal Weighing & Verification Poultry Show Rabbit Show THURSDAY, AUG. 19 Goat Show-Dairy/Market Dairy Show Lamb Lead & Sheep Show FRIDAY, AUG. 20 4-H Day Camp General Livestock Show Sheep/Beef/Swine Last Call to Accept State Fair Trips SATURDAY, AUG. 21 Market Livestock Auction Round Robin Showmanship Contest State Fair Meetings SUNDAY, AUG. 22 7 a.m. to noon - Animals & Exhibits Released Open Class
PLUMBING MECHANICAL & HOT WATER HEAT
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Batteries & Accessories Belts 214 6th Ave. East, Alexandria Pulleys 320-763-3636 • Fax: 320-763-5960 Sprockets Seals 214 6th Ave. East, (BUCK) MOEN, OWNER LIC. #058116PM 214DENNIS 6thAlexandria Ave.W.East, Alexandria Roller Chain 320-763-3636 • Fax: 320-763-5960 (320) 763-4994 320-763-3636 Gear Boxes DENNIS W. (BUCK) MOEN, OWNER LIC. #058116PM 116 50th Avenue West Fax: 320-763-5960 PTO, And So Much More! Alexandria, MN 56308 DENNIS W. (BUCK) www.alexpowerequipment.com 1209 3rd Ave. E, Alexandria MOEN, OWNER
Ph: 320.763.9029 www.farmandindustrialsupply.com
LIC. #058116PM Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 21
Good luck to all participants at the Douglas County Fair!
E X P E RT S I N E V E RY F I E L D
Alexandria, MN 800-450-3184 AgCountry.com 22 Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com
August Fair Special ‑ New or Renewal ‑ Now thru August 31st at the Echo Press Office or our Booth at the Douglas County Fair. (located under the grandstand)
Pay the regular annual rate and get a
FREE MEAL at
1/4 CHICKEN DINNER DINE IN ONLY
Sign up for EZ pay and receive one month FREE!
A membership gives you:
▶ Access to our online website and e-paper ▶ Access to Our Entire Network of Newspaper Sites Bring the coupon below or your renewal slip to the fair or the Echo Press Office at 225 7th Ave E. Alexandria, MN 56308. Do you receive the paper now? ____________ Account # ______________________________________ (Located on your newspaper address label)
Name __________________________________________ Telephone ____________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip __________________________________________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________________________ *NOT GOOD ON MAIL ORDERS *Your free certificates will be redeemable at the Corrall Saloon and Eatery * Dine-in only
Fair booth hours: Tuesday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Office hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Friday 8:00 AM - Noon Fair Essentials 2021 dcmnfair.com 23
n u F e v Ha AT THE
! r i fa
After enjoying all the activities at the fair and
CALORIE LANE…
Elden’s is only a click or call away for your groceries!
OPEN 6 AM- 10 PM • 7 DAYS A WEEK! 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria
Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.
TO PLACE AN ORDER
Phone: 320-763-3446 Email: onthego@rea-alp.com Fax: 320-762-0657
