Douglas County Fair Preview 2021

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FAIR PREVIEW

Douglas County Fair Tuesday-Saturday, Aug. 17-21, 2021 The Great Douglas County Get-Together is on.

For a few days, fairgoers will feast on corn dogs and cheese curds, learn new gardening skills, watch 4-H’ers show off their livestock, and amass ribbons for everything from table setting to woodworking.

For the 2021 Douglas County Fair, the Douglas County Fair Board has chosen the theme “Twice the fun in 2021.”

Here’s what to expect this year.

Starting Tuesday night

It’s not your imagination. The Douglas County Fair is getting earlier each year. It ran Thursday-Sunday until 2019, when the fair board changed it to Wednesday-Saturday. This year, it will start Tuesday evening and end Saturday.

Tuesday evening is a soft opening, so don’t expect carnival rides. Instead, it’ll be a chance to indulge in fair food, listen to the Johnny Holm Band and win a cash prize. Starting at 5 p.m., fairgoers can pay $5 to enter.

Only the west gate will be open.

Wednesday, the fair will rumble into full gear, with gates opening at 8 a.m. The cost is $7 in advance online, $7.50 at the fair kiosks, and $8 at the cash lines at the fair. Children 10 and under enter for free. A season pass costs $30 and a Golden Ticket, which includes the season pass and premium parking, costs $50, and both must be

purchased in advance online pearance, texture and flavor or at the fair offices on Mon- and then choose the best pies day or Tuesday of fair week. and pie makers at the Douglas County Fair.

Music day and night Pies must be entered on Music fans will be happy Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 1 to 8 to find live music through- p.m. Judging will take place out each day, capped by 7 on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. nightly performances p.m. on the Johnson Buildon the Alomere Main Stage. ing stage.

Seventeen bands have signed See inside this issue for deup for this year’s fair, up tails about other contests. from 11 in 2019. Well-known performers include Johnny It’s all about the baas Holm, America’s Got Talent The county fair is a 4-H’ers finalist Jason Pritchett, and moment in the spotlight.

Johnny Cash tribute artist This is where they can Sherwin Linton, as well as demonstrate the effort they regional draw Fabulous Ar- have put into raising and madillos and local favorites training their animals. Vislike Blonde and the Bohunk. itors are welcome to the anMore details about dates and imal barns and to the aretime are included inside this nas where judging will take publication. place.

On Wednesday, it’s poultry Sensory time at the fair and rabbit day, with poultry Families with special needs judging at noon and rabbit will have a special, quieter judging at 3 p.m. time at the fair, when they On Thursday, it’s dairy can enjoy rides without the cattle, goats and sheep, with bright lights and noise that the goat show at 8 a.m., dairy some people can’t tolerate. cattle at 12:30 p.m. and sheep The time is set for 10 a.m.- at 4 p.m. noon on Thursday, Aug. 19, Friday is the day for pigs and it’s a cooperative effort and beef cattle, with pigs between the Douglas County drawing the early card at Fair and The Windmill Proj- 8:30 a.m. and beef cattle at ect.

1 p.m.

Families should have registered for this event by Princess search Thursday, Aug. 12.

Which girl has the best dress? Which gives the best Good old-fashioned interview? Girls ages 5-9 will compete during the 2021 pie judging Once again, judges will Princess Pageant at 4:30 p.m. sample home-made pies in Wednesday, August 18. The front of the public and pick public is invited to watch a winner. contestants give interviews Judges will sit on a stage and perform a dance for a with pies in front of them on chance at becoming the 2021 a table. They will critique ap- Fair Princess.

Ross Evavold / Echo Press Brynn Fernholz, 16, of Kensington, poses with Penny at the Douglas County Fair.

Shooting games

Pulling their weight

Paintball and laser tag are The Central Minnesocoming back for the third ta Pullers will return to the year. See inside for more de- fair after several years away tails. with their lineup of tractors that can pull tremendous Tech support for seniors amounts of weight. They’ll Seniors will get some help be at the Glenwood State in using technology during a Douglas County Library ses- Bank Grandstand on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. sion on Friday.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2021 FAIR

Kiosks For the first time, fairgoers will find a scanner at the entrance, in addition to a person taking payment the old-fashioned way. Those who buy tickets in advance can scan them on their way into the fairgrounds.

Fairgoers can also buy 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 COVID-related capacity restrictions.

Douglas County’s Got Talent!

A talent contest from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 on the Knute Nelson Heritage Stage will decide who goes on to the Minnesota State Fair. It’s open to musical performances, storytelling, or any other unique talent a competitor might bring. To register, visit www.dcmnfair.com and click on the Competitions & Contests tab. Contestants will be divided into three classes:

First Class: Age 12 and younger Second Class: Ages 13-18 Third Class: Open to all ages Bike Give-Away Each night at 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, the Douglas County Fair will give away one boys and one girls bike at the Knute Nelson Heritage Stage. Children ages 4-10 are eligible to win and must be present during the drawing. Register daily for bike giveaway by 4:45 p.m. in the east end of the Grandstand. ONE entry per child per day.

Carnival Rides Advanced Midway Wristbands available for purchase at dcmnfair. com.

Single session unlimited ride wristband in advance: $25, or a $5 savings over fair prices.

Four single-session unlimited ride wristbands: $50, or a $70 savings over fair prices.

Wristbands are one-time use and can be used during the wristband

session of your choice.

The midway opens at 1 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday, and the Unlimited Ride Wristband Session times are: ► Wednesday from 1-5 and 6-10 p.m. ► Thursday from 1-5 p.m. ► Friday from 1-5 p.m. ► Saturday from 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.

Parking Parking is free in the Integrity Title west parking lot. Premium, paid parking spots are available on the east side of the fairgrounds.

Accessibility The following are available for fairgoers: ► Wheelchairs in the fair office. ► Free handicapped parking 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.

Fair board The Douglas County Fair is run by the Douglas County Agricultural Association, which any Douglas County resident may join for $5 to be paid prior to the annual meeting in October. Monthly business meetings take place at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Viking Sportsmen Building on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds.

COVID With the infectious Delta variant spreading throughout Minnesota, there will be more than 100 hand sanitizing stations, as well as optional masks. The fair board encourages social distancing and staying home if sick. At this point, the fair board is not planning to limit the crowd size.

However, that could change if the CDC changes its guidelines.

1-866-656-3247 | www.dcmnfair.com

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ug. 20, . on Friday, A IV Play, 7 p.m ere Main Stage m on the Alo

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Johnny Holm Band, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, on the Alomere Main Stage

Jason Pri

tchett , 7 p .m. on Sa tu on the Alo mere Main rday, Aug. 21, Stage

This year, 17 bands will perform at the Douglas County Fair This year, you won’t have to wait long to listen to live music.

The Douglas County Fair has lined up 17 bands, the most ever, said Fair Board member Brad Brejcha.

“We just felt like we wanted to provide more entertainment during the day,” he said.

The Alomere Main Stage will have live music every night at 7, and a concert Saturday afternoon. The Knute Nelson Heritage Stage will come alive with local bands starting at 10 a.m., and the Hubbard Radio Stage will also get in on the action on Friday.

By contrast, in 2019, 11 bands performed.

“We hope to add more next year,” Brejcha said.

formances a year at colleges, corporate events, church festivals, fundraisers, proms, fairs, bars and weddings.

Holm chooses his music based on who’s in the crowd, whether they are country or rock fans, lovers of reggae or ballads, oldies or traditionals. Holm grew up in Brainerd and his band members hail from throughout the region, including Minneapolis and Fargo.

Fabulous Armadillos

This St. Cloud band recreates songs from many musical genres, including country, Motown, heavy metal and 70’s soft rock. They are known for their themed shows at Pioneer Place On Fifth Theater in St. Cloud, with themes like “One Hit Wonders,” “Woodstock,” and “Stadium Rock.”

Their name derives from a nickname for keyboardist Greg “Gary D.” Armstrong, once a member of the Bobby Vee Band, and they call their fans “Dilloheads.”

Alomere Main Stage They’ll perform at 7 Johnny Holm Band p.m. Wednesday, Aug. One of the most famil- 18. iar performers in Min- Red Letter Band nesota, the six-memLong Prairie’s Red ber Johnny Holm Band Letter Band began as will open the Douglas a youth movement in County Fair at 7 p.m. on a little country church, Tuesday, Aug. 17. according to its FaceJohnny Holm has book page. Four of its been performing for singles have reached the more than 40 years, de- top of the Inspirational livering nearly 200 per- Country Music charts,

Good Company, 3-5 p.m. on Wednesda y, Aug. 18, Knute Nelson Herita ge State , day, Aug. 19 . on Thurs .m p 7 , d ge Ban Red Letter the Alomere Main Sta on

which tracks musicians who carry a message of faith, family and country. “Our goal is to be relational and personal through music,” Red Letter 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.

See them Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.

IV Play

Pronounced “Foreplay,” this band performs 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 and “a little bit of everything.”

They’ll perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, on the Alomere Main Stage.

Blonde and the Bohunk

Talent in 2007. 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.

Jason Pritchett Catch his show at 7 This country western p.m. on Saturday, Aug. singer made it to the Fi- 21, on the Alomere Main nal 8 on America’s Got Stage.

Well-known locally, this country band often entertains at benefits and for happy hour and dinner crowds. This year, they performed at Moondance Country in Walker.

Watch for them at noon on Saturday, Aug. 21, on the Alomere Main Stage

INTEGRITY

Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

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1-877-250-8857 (toll free) 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

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DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR

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R E V E N A TH

BEFORE . 21,

Saturday, Aug unk, noon on age oh B e th d an Blonde ere Main St on the Alom

Hubbard Radio Stage Sherwin Linton

This folk 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’s the kind of guy who could sit in a rocking chair with a guitar and carry a show with his often humor-infused original music. He also is known as a Johnny Cash tribute artist, and his bullfrog bass notes can be heard on his musical

plea to America, “We Need A Lot More Guitars & A Lot Less Guns,” on YouTube.

He will perform with his wife Pam and their band, The Cotton Kings on Friday, Aug. 20 from 3-7 p.m.

Knute Nelson Heritage Stage Duffy’s Duo

John “Duffy” Morton from Glenwood and Chuck Wencl from Alexandria normally play together in a fourpiece band called Velvet Brass which often performs at the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. They’re titling their fair performance “A Trip Across the Country,” with selections like “Sentimental Journey,” “Kan-

Tom Sellin

ug. 20, n Friday, A :30 p.m. o ritage State 2 1 , o k ik M on He Knute Nels

Family, 3 Knute Nels p.m. on Friday, Au g. 20, on Heritag e State

sas City,” “Route 66,” “Chicago,” and “New York, New York.” Travel with them from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Three Guys

This trio has been playing and entertaining the Alexandria area for many years, both as a group and individually. They include banjo and bouzouki player Doug Tatge of Alexandria, penny whistler Chuck Wencl of Alexandria, and Mikko Cowdery of Osakis.

They’ll play at 12:30 on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Good Company

Good Company originated from church musicians that share a love for folk, bluegrass and classic country music with a unique twist.

Katy’s Sw

ing Band, 1 Knute Nels 0 a.m. Thursday, A ug. 19, on Heritag e State

They’ll perform from Watch for them from Tom Sellin Family Tom Sellin and his 3-5 p.m. on Wednes- 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, day, Aug. 18.

Aug. 19. daughter and grandKaty’s Swing Band Sound Idea daughter perform This 20-piece band The musical duo of catchy folk tunes, faformed in 2014 by Paul Tim Cochran and Doug vorite hymns and rock Engebretson and Chuck Tatge has been enter- covers. They are schedWencl at the Alexan- taining in the area for uled to play at 3 p.m. dria Area Senior Cen- about a decade. Known Friday, Aug. 20. ter. Hear their big-band for its light rock and Paradocx sound at 10 a.m. Thurs- folk music from the Two retired phyday, Aug. 19.

1960s and ‘70s, it al- sicians, Dr. Bill Glade so offers an occasional and Dr. John Emblom, Schjei Country Schjei Country, pro- Irish ballad. Catch their debuted their band in nounced “shay,” is a performance at 10 a.m. 2019 in Alexandria. small country band that Friday, Aug. 20.

Their music ranges plays old classic country Mikko from Hank Williams to Mikko Cowdery of Pink Floyd. They’ll play and country gospel. It is made up of Karen Schjei Osakis has been a miner from 10:30-12:30 on and daughters Louise and a muckraking jourSaturday, Aug. 21.

Schjei Kahler and Liz nalist. He is now known Schjei Plaster. All three for the Celtic, Irish and Sax Appeal Father-daughter duo grew up in Brandon and folk music he performs still live locally. In Jan- on a multitude of in- Chuck and Michelle uary, Henry Higgs from struments, alone and in Wencl will perform on Osakis joined the trio groups. He’ll perform saxophone and vocals with lead guitar, sing- at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21. ing lead and harmony. Aug. 20.

TUESDAY Fair Kickoff Featuring

August Fair Special

Johnny Holm Band

‑ New or Renewal ‑ Now thru August 31st at the Echo Press Office or our Booth at the Douglas County Fair.

$5 at 5 p.m.

Reduced admission courtesy of Leighton Broadcasting

(located under the grandstand)

WEDNESDAY Kids Day Sponsored by

Pay the regular annual rate and get a

FREE MEAL at

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union

1/4 CHICKEN DINNER • DINE IN ONLY

THURSDAY

Sign up for EZ pay and receive one month FREE!

Senior Day

Sponsored by Knute Nelson Reduced admission for Seniors 65 and over

A membership gives you:

Red Letter Band

▶ Access to Our Entire Network of Newspaper Sites

FRIDAY Military & Law Enforcement Day Sherwin Linton Band & IV Play Band

Sponsored by Bremer Bank Free admission for members of military, police , fire and EMS with valid ID

SATURDAY Sponsored by Winning Edge Graphics

▶ Access to our online website and e-paper

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 __________________________________________________________________________

ese All of thare events

FREE! with paid ga te admission

om .dcmnfair.c w w w t a ailable chedule av m and 866.656.FAIR s ir fa y il a Full d nfair.co Info@dcm

Email _________________________________________________________________________________ *NOT GOOD ON MAIL ORDERS *Your free certificates will be redeemable at the Corrall Saloon and Eatery * Dine-in only

Fair booth hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Office hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Friday 8:00 AM - Noon

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Friday, August 13, 2021 | ECHO PRESS

SCENES

FROM 2019

Thanks to COVID-19, the 2020 Douglas County Fair was canceled. These images from the 2019 fair are from a world still unaware of the coming pandemic, when nobody had heard of social distancing, and wearing masks was

unthinkable.

However, the CDC advises that unvaccinated people, including children, continue to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines in public.

It also warns that even though fully vaccinated people are un-

likely to get very sick from the virus, they can still spread it.

Since Douglas County is in an area with substantial transmission rates, the CDC advises even fully vaccinated people to wear masks when indoors in a public area.

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FAIR CONTESTS SPICE THINGS UP Wild looking vegetables. Mouth-watering pies. Comical scarecrows.

County fairs are all about competition, seeing who can come up with the weirdest, the most delicious, the fastest. Fair contests give fairgoers a chance to show off their creativity and skill, and the general public a chance to look at what their neighbors have been up to since the last county fair.

There are even live contests that anyone can enter, even on the spur of the moment, adding an unexpected dollop of fun to the day.

Here is a sampling of contests at this year’s fair.

Scarecrow

Quilt blocks

All blocks submitted for the quilt top contest will be used in The Honor Quilt program. That’s why the color palette is limited to grey, black, teal, and cream. View entries at the Heritage Building.

Barn quilts

These aren’t quilts that resemble barns, but rather colorful bits of folk art affixed to a barn and visible from the road.

Painted on wood backing, these barn quilts resemble the squares of a quilt. Quilt blocks can adorn barns, outbuildings, homes, businesses, sheds or other buildings.

Quilts will be 4 feet by 4 feet and able to withstand the elements.

The fair will select several blocks for permanent installation at the Douglas County Fair.

They might scare crows, but scarecrows can also be downright fun to make and look at. They can riff on fictional characters, local themes, or whatever Douglas County’s percolates in the mind of Got Talent the maker.

It’s always a treat Watch for them near to see what talent lothe 4-H and Johnson cal folks have up their buildings. sleeves, whether it’s dancing, juggling or Floral arranging Visitors can either playing an instrument. watch the floral arrang- Watch or participate ing contest or partici- from 5-7 p.m. Friday, pate. Sponsored by Col- Aug. 16, on the Knute orful Seasons, the con- Nelson Stage. The wintest will be held Friday, ner gets to represent the Aug. 20 on the Johnson county at the Minnesota Stage.

State Fair talent contest.

Wild and freaky vegetable

Carrots that resemble aliens. Tomatoes that look like celebrities. Tubers that look like crying babies. Vegetable gardens pop up some weird veggies, and they’ll be on display at the fair.

Table decorating

Are the knives placed a precise distance from the plates? Are the cups off by a centimeter?

Nitpicky details matter, as do the overarching themes of each table.

Visit these tables and see which ones would make you sit down for a meal.

Pie baking

Stop by the Johnson Building at 1 p.m.

Wednesday to watch judges evaluating the pies live on stage.

Pop-up contests

Throughout the day, pop-up contests will be announced over the PA system. There are no set times for these, but most of them will be at the Hubbard Radio Stage or the Alomere Stage. In past years there have been pie eating contests and watermelon contests and at least some of the pop-up contests will revolve around food.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR

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SENIOR ACTIVITIES Thursday is Senior Day at the fair.

Seniors age 65 and up have a reduced ticket price of $5. Here are some programs aimed at seniors.

Senior Citizen of the Year The Senior Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding senior at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Knute Nelson Heritage Stage.

Arts and crafts demonstrations Seniors will demonstrate a variety of arts and crafts at Kathryn LeBrasseur Heritage Square throughout the day on Saturday.

Entertainment Katy’s Swing Band and other talented local musicians will perform on the Knute Nelson Heritage Stage for those who just want to sit down and listen to music.

Services for seniors Each day, local service and care providers will run booths at Kathryn LeBrasseur Heritage Square, ready to share information about a range of services for seniors, such as fuel

ACTIVITIES

SEEDY BUSINESS

FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Fairs are full of commotion and Interact with zoo animals can be challenging to navigate The Chahinkapa Zoo will have with children in tow. However, some of its animals at the Hubbard the fair also offers child-pleasing Radio Stage at noon on Wednesday. activities that will keep them entertained. Here are a few.

Music and art Early education teachers Karen Minnow races and Tolifson and Hailey Bieber will lead turtle races a music and preschool art activity Minnows make a splash during from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the the minnow races on Wednesday Old School House. at 2 p.m. on the 4-H stage. During the 2 p.m. turtle races on Saturday, Pet some animals kids can cheer for these notoriously Visit the animal barns and see poky creatures at the Commercial Douglas County’s finest cows, Building. horses, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry. Petting is Schmidt’s tractor pedal pull As kids pedal tractors designed allowed. for their age group, weights towed behind get heavier, making Learn science At the Old Schoolhouse, pedaling progressively more difficult. This event is from 1-2 Woodland Elementary school will p.m. Saturday at the Commercial offer a science activity for young Building. children at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

assistance, housing, in-home care and transportation.

Tech Savvy Seniors Here’s a chance to learn to use email, Facebook, and other technologies. Presented by the Douglas County Library, this program will take place at 10-11 a.m. Friday at the Kathryn LeBrasseur Heritage Square.

Master gardeners provide gardening know-how

The pandemic spurred treWednesday mendous interest in home 11 a.m. Growing Vegetables in Pots gardens, both as a hobby as 1 p.m. Beginning Beekeeping other activities were restrict3 p.m. Let’s Talk Tomatoes ed, and as a source of food.

Thursday For those who wish to deep11 a.m. Beginning Vegetable Gardening en their understanding of 1 p.m. Dividing Perennials gardening, Douglas County’s 3 p.m. DIY Adult Painted Aprons master gardeners will share 3 p.m. Seed Art for All Ages their knowledge throughout Friday the fair.

11 a.m. Floral Arranging Contest Master gardeners will be 11 a.m. Monarchs available for questions daily 1 p.m. Garden in a Box from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. in the 1 p.m. Seed Art with the Master Johnson Building, and will al- Gardeners so offer sessions on specif3 p.m. Seed Art for All Ages ic topics, not to mention fun Saturday seed art projects and a lit11 a.m. Floral Arranging Contest tle friendly flower arranging 1 p.m. Apple Trees competition.

1 p.m. Seed Art for Kids of All Ages Here’s this year’s schedule 3 p.m. Let’s Talk About Spruce Trees of events, which will also take 3 p.m. Seed Art with the Master place in the Johnson Building. Gardeners

Douglas County ADA American Dairy Association Come see us for your fresh Milk and Ice Cream Ice Cream and Malts $5.00 Strawberry Chocolate Vanilla White and Chocolate Milk $2.00

KOOL-TV While enjoying the great food at the fair, stop by and see the only local TV news broadcast live daily at the fair on Calorie Lane from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the KOOL-TV booth.

Register for giveaways.

Lemonade Stand

Kosters Curds 4 College

Midway Foods

Be on the lookout for the green “Curd Mobile!”

Same quality over 47 years!

Serving fresh dipped corn dogs, skin-on footlongs, soft drinks and bottled water.

Patty & Roy Wicken

The 1st – ORIGINAL since 1985.

Located at the east end of Calorie Lane!

Located at the east end of Calorie Lane!

Patty & Roy Wicken

Using the same family recipe for the past 30 years. We are locally owned, serving fair goers fresh hand-dipped cheese curds & cold bottled water.

Lucas and Sara Kosters, Owners

Mister Root beer 1919 Draft Kegs

Providing Floats and Drinks for 19 years Rootbeer Floats Orange Dream Floats Cream Soda Floats Find us at the fair on Calorie Lane Steve & Connie Bolton, Owners

Ruby’s Pinoy Food LLC

Featuring Ruby’s Famous Eggrolls and Filipino Foods

Pork eggrolls $2 each Vegetable Eggrolls $1 each

Pork adobo over rice $10 with 1 eggroll Beef Teriyaki over rice $10 with 1 eggroll Owner: Ruby Tungseth-Dowden

Celebrating 27 years at the Douglas County Fair!

Fresh squeezed lemonade shake-ups.

Rose City BBQ Come taste our award-winning BBQ ribs, BBQ pork sandwiches, to-die-for BBQ pork wraps, crunchy nacho wraps, porky potatoes, chips, cold pop and water.

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Friday, August 13, 2021 | ECHO PRESS

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O D T MUS S T N E V E

TRACTORS, GAMES, LAW DOG DEMONSTRATIONS From high school reunions to antique tractors, the Douglas County Fair offers a wide range of activities. Here are a few you might want to add to your mustsee list.

Law dog demonstration

way demolition derby, which requires paid admission, will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, also at the grandstand.

Sneak peek

Alexandria Area High School theater students will perform a snippet from their fall musical, “Little Women,” which is based on Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical novel about the March family. They will perform at 10 a.m.

Friday at the Old Schoolhouse. The full musical is scheduled to be performed in November.

Learn how dogs help law enforcement. One of the most popular attractions at the fair, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate the capabilities of their K9 unit, from sniffing out drugs to taking down bad guys.

This event will take place Wednesday and All-school reunion School District 206 Thursday at 6 p.m. and Friday at 5 p.m. outside graduates can meet up the Commercial Build- with old teachers and ing. classmates during the all-school reunion at Antique tractors the Old Schoolhouse at Tractors have a fas- 10 a.m. Saturday. Alumcinating history from ni are encouraged to their earliest days as wear Cardinal gear or clunky, steam-pow- an alumni T-shirt. ered mountains of metal, to the GPS-guided, Minute to Win self-steering tractors of It games today. They revolutionPopularized by NBC, ized agriculture by althese games are quick, lowing farmers to plant fun and challenging. and harvest many more Can you find cotton acres without having to set aside land to grow balls while blindfolded? feed for a team of hors- Can you transfer all the jelly beans in a jar to es or oxen.

See some of the old another jar using only a tractors owned by popsicle stick? Look for members of The Pio- them on Saturday from neer Power Club every 2-6 p.m. day of the fair at KathOutdoor gear library ryn LeBrasseur HeriAt some libraries, tage Square. you can not only check Demolition derbies out books and movFairgoers have two ies, but seeds, art and chances during this memory kits. So why year’s fair to see ma- not a lending library chinery get smashed for outdoor gear? Learn more about checking up.

A free lawn mower out cross country skis, derby, sponsored by Al- snow shoes, camping exandria Power Equip- gear, and other gear for ment, will take place little or no cost through from 7-9 p.m. Wednes- community education. day at the grandstand, Stop by the Old Schooland the Viking Speed- house at 3 p.m. Friday.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING YOUR

Work, Live, Play Community!

Congratulations to all Fair Participants!

Runestones, natural history and Hardanger

On Wednesday, the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, Runestone Museum and Douglas County Historical Society will offer several demonstrations at the Kathryn LeBrasseur Heritage Square. Visit from noon-2 p.m. to learn how Viking runes have been used in mythology. Learn about naturalism and history from 2-6 p.m. From about 6-8 p.m., visitors can watch Hardanger, a traditional form of Scandinavian embroidery. There will also be children’s activities throughout the day, including a history hunt, games, and envelope time capsules for kids.

LASER TAG AND PAINTBALL BACK FOR A THIRD YEAR

Laser Tag Adventure

Returning to the fair for a third year, laser tag is a mock battle where teams of up to six players wear targets and try to take each other out with infrared beams.

How long each game lasts depends on how teammates and opponents approach the game. Laser tag can involve serious strategy, from what players wear (dark clothes recommended) to letting eyes adjust to low light.

Players must be 6 years or older.

Watch for it inside the Runestone Community Center every day of the fair, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Annandale Paintball has three levels of paintball games, and the company will bring its most family-friendly version to the Douglas County Fair, said event coordinator J.T. Grundy. Unlike the more advanced versions that can leave welts, a hit in this version feels like a rubber band snap, he said. The paint they use washes out of clothes and participants can wear tank tops or shorts if they like. Teams can play one-on-one or as many as four-on-four. The company will set up a big inflatable arena near the Runestone Center.

n u F e Hav 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!

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Wishes everyone a safe and fun 2021 fair!

See you there !

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Phone: 320-763-3446 Email: onthego@rea-alp.com Fax: 320-762-0657