More to See in 2023

The Douglas County Agricultural Association is proud to present your 2023 Douglas County Fair.

We have 4-H exhibits, FFA exhibits, DIY (open class) exhibits, Master Gardeners, senior citizens, the Hubbard Radio Stage, Knute Nelson Stage and much, much more.

Visit each building on the fairgrounds to see what is new. Many vendors, crafters and businesses will be anxiously waiting to share with you what they do and have to offer.

When you are done visiting commercial vendors don’t forget to stop at one or all the food vendors found on “Calorie Lane” and elsewhere throughout the fairgrounds.

Then stay around for entertainment such as Mollie B & Squeezebox, the Fabulous Armadillos, Eli Alger and The Faster Horses, and Runestone Rebellion all on our Alomere Health Stage, located just east of the Lions Bingo Stand. These shows are free with paid fair entry.

Did I mention Bingo? Check out Lions Bingo while you are around Calorie Lane.

You asked and we listened, so this year we have a Glenwood State Bank grandstand event featuring recording star Jameson Rodgers. Saturday’s evening event is a ticketed show and tickets can be purchased for this show along with daily and season passes on our website at dcmnfair.com/tickets.

Along with Jameson Rodgers tickets, we will also have an opportunity to purchase daily and season passes and “Golden” tickets that include east gate parking and a season pass on our website at dcmnfair.com.

Some of the returning events include a lawn mower demo derby, Viking Speedway’s Friday night demo derby, Pork Producers pork chop feed, Glacial Ridge Cattlemen’s steak fry, and beer garden.

The carnival opens each day at 1 p.m.

and will feature “wristband” sessions each day of the fair. You can find a link to the carnival website on the dcmnfair.com webpage to pre-purchase wristbands at a discount. Wristbands purchased during the fair are $5 more.

Please check out our website frequently and look at the schedule of events and locations. You will not want to miss coming to the 2023 Douglas County Fair where we are “making memories to last a lifetime.”

I invite you to join the Douglas County Agricultural Association for a $5 annual fee. As a member and a Douglas County resident, you can vote for the county fair board. Your membership will allow you to have input on future county fairs and determine if the tradition of our Douglas County Fair continues.

Several years ago, when I was first elected to the fair board, a fellow fair board member challenged us with this thought “Why do we have a fair?” Since its inception in 1888 when the first county fair in this community was held, fair boards have probably been asking that same question.

Over the years, the history of the fair tells us of some of the struggles and the many successes of a county fair. We believe that the Douglas County fair brings people from all walks of life together. At the fair, we are honored to see the projects of the many fair exhibitors that we would not have had if there was not a fair.

As fair goers, we can socialize with fellow fair goers, bringing together people with a passion to “see what’s new at the fair.” Over the years, “entertainment” has been a bigger reason for some people to go to the county fair and more entertainment has been added.

So, we determined the answer to “Why do we have a fair?” is anchored in tradition and change. There are many benefits to Douglas County and this part of the state because we have a fair.

Don Kleine Fair Board President

I believe that a fair project enhances family values and brings purpose to an exhibitor’s life. Leadership and discipline are just two of the learned virtues that we see at a county fair. Our county fair board is currently working to continue the tradition beyond 2035.

Why that date you ask? That date is the last year of our lease on the current fairgrounds. We have been active over the past 5-plus years in determining the best way forward beyond 2035. There are many parties that must come to a mutual agreement to enable our fair to continue beyond 2035. I think it should. Our community is a better community because of the county fair and its many supporters.

If you see or have an opportunity to thank someone that you know for supporting the fair, please tell them so and ask for their continued support. We need them and you as fairgoers to be successful.

Don Kleine President, Douglas County Fair Board