150
th Nicollet County Fair
Aug. 11-15, 2021
Traverse des Sioux’s Fred and Joy Struck named Nicollet County Farm Family of the Year By PHILIP WEYHE philip.weyhe@apgsomn.com Fred and Joy Struck are not your typical farmers. While the Struck family hasn’t operated a traditional corn and soybean Midwest agricultural operation for decades, its Traverse Des Sioux Garden Center in St. Peter is a farm in its own. And it’s a good one, as Fred and Joy were recently named the Nicollet County Farm Family of the Year. “We’re quite surprised and honored,” Fred said. “I think, normally, they’d pick a family who are regular crop farmers and livestock farmers, so it’s nice to see it appreciated that horticulture is a major part of agriculture and farming. It
TRAVERSE DES SIOUX GARDEN CENTER Address: 1702 Hwy. 169, St Peter, MN 56082 Hours: M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Phone: 507-931-6683 Website: tdsgardencenter.com
was nice to see that they expanded the horizons and included us in this honor.” The business is a horticultural grower and retailer; residences and businesses all over the area boast plants and flowers in their yards and gardens that were originally grown at Traverse. The family produces most of their annuals, hanging baskets and vegetable plants for the garden center in modern glass greenhouses.
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The Strucks’ landscape division is also rapidly expanding with over 20 employees, led by Fred and Joy’s son Keith Struck. Another son, Karl Struck, is head of the retail operating, taking care of merchandise, buying pottery and tropical plants. The third son, Oren, is not part of the family operation, having his own busy career, but he is always supportive and willing to
STRUCK
Continued on page 3B
Joy and Fred Struck have owned and operated Traverse des Sioux Garden Center in St. Peter for 41 years. The two, recently named Nicollet County Farm Family of the Year, still love to come to work. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)
Nicollet Country Fair Grandstand Events Schedule August 11-15, 2021
Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 West Union, St. Peter, MN WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 11
Harness Races
1:00 p.m. Event Start 11:00 a.m. Ticket Sales Start 12:00 p.m. All Event Gate Opens 12:30 p.m. General Gate Opens-Main Gate $5 Admission (Ages 13 and Up) tax incl. FREE (Ages 12 and Under)
THURSDAY – AUGUST 12
SATURDAY – AUGUST 14
6:30 p.m. Event Start 3:00 p.m. Ticket Sales Start 5:00 p.m. All Event Gate Opens 5:30 p.m. General Gate Opens-Main Gate $10 Admission (Ages 13 and Up) tax incl. $ 5 Admission (Ages 6-12) FREE (Ages 5 and Under)
6:30 p.m. Event Start 6:00 p.m. Kids Power Wheel Demo 12:00 p.m. Ticket Sales Start 4:30 p.m. All Event Gate Opens 5:00 p.m. General Gate Opens-Main Gate $12 Admission (Ages 13 and Up) tax incl. $ 5 Admission (Ages 6-12) FREE (Ages 5 and Under)
Truck and Tractor Pull
FRIDAY – AUGUST 13
Demolition Derby
All Event Passes get you into events 30 minutes before main gate opens and at a discount. See website for details. Buy in advance at St. Peter Chamber, Arrow Ace Hardware, Kwik Trip, Family Fresh, and Schmidt’s Meat Market, as well as the fair board office under grandstand Aug. 11-15.
7:00 p.m. Event Start 6:30 p.m. Kids Power Wheel Demo 12:00 p.m. Ticket Sales Start 5:00 p.m. All Event Gate Opens 5:30 p.m. General Gate Opens-Main Gate $12 Admission (Ages 13 and Up) tax incl. $ 5 Admission (Ages 6-12) FREE (Ages 5 and Under)
THANK YOU YOU TO TO OUR OUR CORPORATE THANK CORPORATE SPONSORS: SPONSORS: LJPWaste WasteSolutions, Solutions,Pioneer Pioneer Bank, Bank, Thrivent Financial LJP Financial(Patti (PattiKelly Kellyand andChanelle ChanelleBraekkan), Braekkan), Traverse Elevator, United Farmer’s Cooperative, Triple E Farms, Keeley Farm Drainage and Traverse Elevator, United Farmer’s Cooperative, Farms, Keeley Farm Drainage and Landscaping Supplies, of Mankato | All America Landscaping Supplies, Arnold’sArnold’s of Mankato | All America PressurePressure Washers,Washers, Red Men Club, Red Men Club, River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic, Davis Family Dairies, KNUJ, Do It Best-St. Peter River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic, Davis Family Dairies, KNUJ, Do It Best-St. Peter Lumber Company, Lumber Company, BLK Electric | Big Gain, AmericInn, Compart Family Farms, MN Valley BLK Electric | Big Gain, AmericInn | McDonalds, First National Bank MN, Grommersch Seeds, Federal Credit Union, Flame Bar | McDonalds, First National Bank MN, Grommersch Seeds, Hesse Insurance Agency, Nick’s Car Care/Rittenhouse Sports, St. Peter Well Drilling, Tow Hesse Insurance Agency, Nick’s Car Care/Rittenhouse Sports, St. Peter Well Drilling, Distributing, andWakefield WakefieldPork Porkand 4 Seasons Truck Wash Tow Distributing, Locher Bros., Culligan,
Demolition Derby
SUNDAY – AUGUST 15
Auto Races
12:00 p.m. Event Start with Kids Power Wheel lap first 10:00 a.m. Ticket Sales Start 11:00 a.m. All Event Gate Opens 11:30 a.m. General Gate Opens-Main Gate $5 Admission (Ages 13 and Up) tax incl. FREE (Ages 12 and Under) Premium books are available at St. Peter Chamber of Commerce, library kiosk, County Courthouse in St. Peter plus gas stations in Nicollet, Courtland and Lafayette plus online.
Get all the fair information on our website:
www.nicolletcountyfair.com
Like us on Facebook – search Nicolet County Fair
Come join the fun! There is something for everyone at the Nicollet County Fair. We hope to see you there.
www.SouthernMinn.com | Saturday, July 31, 2021 | PAGE 2B
150
th
Nicollet C ounty FFair air County Saint Peter, Minnesota A August ugust 11-15, 2021
Saturday, August 14
Wednesday, August 11 11 am - 6 pm 3 pm 4 - 10 pm 5 pm 5:30 - 7:30 pm 6 - 10 pm 6:30 pm 9 - 11 pm 1 pm
Entry Day
Open Class Registration - Johnson Hall Commercial Building Opens Bingo with the K.C.’s Midway Opens - Specials 6-9 pm FREE beer tasting event with Tow Dist. & Mkto. Brewing in beer garden (must be 21 yrs. of age) Sohmer Karaoke - Beer Garden Pfeffer Tournament - Thompson Hall Teen Dance - Kern Bros. - Music Tent
Grandstand Event
Harness Racing - $5.00 (13 and up) tax incl. FREE admission for ages 12 & under
8 am 10 am - 9 pm 10 am - 10 pm 12 pm 2 - 10 pm 4 - 6 pm 4 - 8 pm 5 pm 6:30 - 8 pm 6:30 pm
Thursday, August 12
4H Shows begin - Held all day - Judging Arena Antique Tractor Display Hasse Petting Zoo - Ag Education Bldg. Commercial Building opens Bingo with the K.C.’s Wood Artistry by April Grobner - Johnson Hall Painter Demonstration by Malia Wiley - Johnson Hall Midway Opens - Specials 6-9 pm Floral Demonstration by Sara Nett - Johnson Hall
Truck & Tractor Pull - $10.00 Adult tax incl. $5.00 Ages 6-12. FREE for ages 5 & under Tickets on sale @ 3 pm. Sponsors: Traverse Elevator - Arnold’s of Mankato - United Farmers Coop - LJP Waste Solutions - Pioneer Bank & Thrivent Financial.
Senior Citizens’ Day • FREE Parking for Seniors 55 & older
9 am 10 am - 9 pm 12 pm 12 - 6 pm 1 pm 1 pm
FREE RIDES TO THE FAIR ON FRIDAY!
Get a free ride to the Nicollet County Fair on Friday, August 13, between 9 am and 4 pm. Nicollet County Public Transportation System, TRUE Transit, is offering free rides to the fair from anywhere in Nicollet County (excluding St. Peter) to the fairgrounds and back home. Reservations are due August 13. Please call (507) 388-8783, to make your arrangements.
2 - 10 pm 2 - 5 pm 7 - 11 pm 7 pm
4H Shows begin - Held all day Hasse Petting Zoo - Ag Education Bldg. Daycare Day - Sponsored by McDonalds & AmericInn Children’s Storytelling by Brian Poulton - Music Tent Antique Tractor Display Commercial Building opens Doug Ohman - MN History 150 Years - Johnson Hall Midway Opens Senior Citizen & Farm Program - Johnson Hall, Sponsors: First National Bank & KNUJ. Bingo with the K.C.’s Wendinger Band - Music Tent Stone Daisy - Big Stage by Beer Garden
Grandstand Event
Demolition Derby w/ Kids Power Wheels Demo at 6:30pm - $12.00 Adult, tax incl. - $5.00 Ages 6-12. FREE for ages 5 & under. Tickets on sale 12 pm Sponsors: LJP Waste Solutions - Pioneer Bank Thrivent Financial - United Farmer’s Coop - River’s Edge Hospital & All American Pressure Washers.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Buy at: Arrow Hardware • Family Fresh • Kwik Trip Schmidt’s Meat Market • St. Peter Chamber
Crescent City Amusements Wristband Deals $20.00 until August 10, 2021 • $25.00 at the Fair
0 0 . 5 $
n ONaLYrking onds P grou Fair
12 pm 12 - 2 pm 12 - 4 pm 1 - 11 pm 2 pm 3 pm 3 pm 2 - 5 pm 6:45 pm 7 - 11 pm
Demolition Derby w/ Kids Power Wheels Demo at 6:00pm - $12.00 Adult, tax incl. - $5.00 Ages 6-12. FREE for ages 5 & under. Tickets on sale 12 pm. Sponsors: LJP Waste Solutions - Pioneer Bank Thrivent Financial - United Farmer’s Coop - Red Men Club
All Event Grandstand Pass: $40.00 Adult • $12.00 ages 6-12
Includes: Harness Races • Truck & Tractor Pull Friday & Saturday Demo Derbies • Auto Races PLUS -All event pass gets you in 30 minutes early!
11 am 11 am - 4 pm 11 am 12 pm 3 pm 12 pm
University of MN Bee Squad - Music Tent 4H Shows begin - Held all day Grilling Contest by 4H Building Hasse Petting Zoo - Ag Education Bldg. Commercial Building opens Antique Tractor Display Kid’s Pedal Pull - Sponsors: KNUJ - Grommersch Seeds - Hesse Insurance Agency - Nick’s Car Care & Rittenhouse Sports - St. Peter Well Drilling Midway Opens Fire Department Activities - Track Robotics Demonstration - Thompson Building Bingo with the K.C.’s Barn Quilt Demonstration - Music Tent Sheep Shearing Demonstration - Livestock Arena Talent Show - Johnson Hall - Sponsor: St. Peter AmericInn. Jared Graff - Beer Garden Bike Drawing - Fair Office Red Dirt Road - Big Stage by Beer Garden
Grandstand Event
6:30 pm
Grandstand Event
Friday, August 13
8 am 9 am - 10 pm 9 am
TBD 8:30 am 9 am - 2 pm 10 am - 10 pm 10 am 10 am - 9 pm 11 am
Kids’ Day
Sunday, August 15
4H Shows begin - Held all day Hasse Petting Zoo - Ag Education Bldg. Commercial Building opens Midway Opens All exhibits released & must be picked up immediately!
Grandstand Event
Auto Racing - $5.00 Ages 12 & up tax incl. FREE for ages 11 & under. Tickets on sale 10 am Kids Power Wheel Lap will kick off event at 12 pm Sponsors: LJP Waste Solutions - Pioneer Bank Thrivent Financial (Kelly/Braekkan)
Enjoy the DNR Fish Tank & the Antique Tractor display throughout the fair!
Supreme Champion Sponsors:
LJP Waste Solutions • Pioneer Bank • Thrivent Financial (Patti Kelly/Chanelle Braekkan) • Triple E Farms Keeley Farm Drainage & Landscaping Supplies Arnold's of Mankato
Overall Champion Sponsors:
All American Pressure Washers Mfg. Inc. • Red Men Club, River's Edge Hospital • United Farmer's Cooperative Farmer's Elevator of Traverse
Grand Champion Sponsors:
BLK Electric Company • Davis Family Dairies • KNUJ St. Peter Lumber-Do It Best
Reserve Champion Sponsors:
St. Peter AmericInn Motel • Big Gain • Flame Bar
Blue Ribbon Sponsors:
McDonald's • First National Bank MN • Grommersch Seeds Hesse Insurance Agency • Nick's Car Care/RIttenhouse Sports St. Peter Well Drilling • Tow Distributing • Wakefield Pork
Friends of the Fair:
4 Season Truck Wash • Anderson Seeds Mankato Sertoma Club • Locher's Bros.
Grants from Mn. Dept. of Agriculture, Compeer Financial, & St. Peter Tourism Bureau
For more information, please visit: www.nicolletcountyfair.com
www.SouthernMinn.com | Saturday, July 31, 2021 | Page 3B
STRUCK
Continued from page 1B lend a hand when around. All three boys are third generation members of the Norseland 4-H Club in Nicollet County. That club is where Fred first developed his interest in horticulture. “When I was a little kid, I always helped my mother garden,” Fred said. “In time, I was in 4-H and took all the projects that dealt with growing flowers and plants and that; then I went to the U of M and got my degree in horticulture. Then I went to the Army, got out in 1970, and I came back and started the business.” Fred met Joy in their early years, as she also lived in the Norseland area and took part in 4-H. The two were married in 1970 when Fred returned from the Army. Two years later, they started Silent Oaks Nursery in a hog house on the family farm. “We called it ‘Silent Oaks Nursery,’ because, at that time, the majority of the farms around had a name that referred to the geography or something of the nature,” Fred said. “If you get an old farm atlas from the early 1900s, you can see those names are printed on there beside the owners of the land.” Silent Oaks Nursery was just a small operation on the larger farm ran by Fred’s father, who took over the property, north of St. Peter, in 1960. It was a regular corn and soybeans operation, and it’s still running, albeit it rented out by the
family. The Strucks do their farming in greenhouses, located on the Traverse property on the north end of St. Peter. They took over the building in 1980 after growing from the Silent Oaks Nursery to a Le Sueur greenhouse for a short period. The family has remained in operation at Traverse for 41 years. Over that time, Fred and Joy have seen the industry develop, thrive, survive and change. “About the time we started, I’m not sure the term garden center was even used,” Fred said. “Back then, it was just greenhouses. And as people became more interested in plants in the late 70s and early 80s, garden centers became a bigger thing all across the world. They became destinations for people to find plants and pottery and all the things to improve your yards.” He added, “Then house plants started becoming popular; there have been three or four times since the early 1970s that house plants have become very popular. We’re probably right now in the fourth real big surge in house plant interest.” Fred noted that the pandemic has actually been a boon to business at Traverse. He believes the center is currently doing its best business in its history. “A lot of people started gardening inside and outside,” Fred said. “It’s still busy this year, because a lot of first-timers last year maybe had success and are doing it again this year.” Fred and Joy and proud to see
Joy and Fred Struck have owned and operated Traverse des Sioux Garden Center in St. Peter for 41 years. The two, recently named Nicollet County Farm Family of the Year, still love to come to work. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)
their sons working at the business, and they’re still excited to come to work every day. Nearly five decades since starting Silent Oaks Nursery together, the two are far from green — but they’re always surrounded by it. “It was the two of us, Joy and I,” Fred said. “We worked together. We still do.”
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www.SouthernMinn.com | Saturday, July 31, 2021 | PAGE 4B
2021 Nicollet County Fair grandstand events Your all-grandstand event wristband will get you into the Nicollet County Fair Grandstand 30 minutes before general admission gates are open. There is a limited number of wristbands available. Purchase yours beginning for $40 from Family Fresh, the St. Peter Chamber of Commerce, Kwik Trip, Arrow Ace Hardware, Schmidt’s Meat Market, or the Nicollet County Fair Office during the fair in the Grandstand Fair Board office. No person under the age of 16 will be allowed in the grandstand pit area before, during, and after any grandstand event. If you wish to participate in any events, check out our entry forms page at nicolletcountyfair.com for deadlines and instructions.
Wednesday, Aug. 11
1 p.m. Harness Racing Admission: $5 for all ages (5 and under are free). Join us for exciting live harness racing action. On average, over 75 horses compete in the Nicollet County Fair harness races. Come and pick out your favorite horse in each heat! Door prizes will be given away.
Thursday, Aug. 12
6:30 p.m. Truck & Tractor Pull Admission: Adults $10, Students (ages 6-12) $5, Ages 5 and under free Come and cheer on your favorite truck and tractor as they pull! Don’t forget to bring ear plugs! For the Truck classes, there’s a 5,800 Street Modified Pickup, 8,200
Come down and cheer on your favorite racers! Heats include: four- and six-cylinder heats, van heats, and a fireman heat. We are thrilled to have the races back again on Sunday afternoon. All children under age 12 can participate in the Kids Power Wheel Lap at noon. All particiSunday, Aug. 15 Noon Car Races – Begins with pants must wear a helmet. Come Kids Power Wheel Lap cheer on the little drivers! Admission: $5 for ages 13 and up, 12 and under are free
consolation and championship heats. The majority of drivers for both nights are from Nicollet County and are in their 20s. But it doesn’t take years of experience, many 17-year-olds, as well as the 40-year-old drivers, enjoy the excitement of backing into their fellow drivers and making it into the championship heat and a chance to be the winner. We are thrilled to offer the Kids Power Wheel Demo Derby before
the big event Saturday. Kids must wear a helmet. Free limited supply of ear plugs at the gate. For young children, please consider bringing your own ear protection for the loud noise of the demo.
(File photo/southernminn.com)
Street Modified Diesel and Semi. For tractor classes, there’s Stock Vintage, Stock Farm, Improved Farm, Hot Farm and Unlimited “King of the Hill” (up to 16,500 lbs.).
Friday, Aug. 13
7 p.m. Demolition Derby | 6:30 p.m. Kid’s Power Wheel Demo Admission: Adults $12, Students (ages 6-12) $5, Ages 5 and under free Come early to get your wristband for the Demolition Derby Friday night. In past years, we have had a sold out grandstand attendance, so get here early. Drivers come from all around to crash into each other for the chance to be the top driver and car for Friday night event. Unique about the Friday Night demo is the compact car class and the powder puff class. The powder puff class consists of 15-16 women who enjoy the chance to put some damage into their cars, what a way to take
out your frustrations! They pack a lot of excitement into their heat. There are three additional heats, followed by the consolation heat consisting of any driver/cars that have not placed in the top five and can get their cars running. The championship heat has the top five cars from each heat. Free limited supply of ear plugs at the gate. For young children, please consider bringing your own ear protection for the loud noise of the demo.
Saturday, Aug. 14
6:30 p.m. Demolition Derby | 6 p.m. Kids Power Wheel Demo Admission: Adults $12, Students (ages 6-12) $5, Ages 5 and under free Another night of car-crashing excitement to enjoy in the grandstand Saturday night! Saturday night demo has the truck heat, which is in addition to another powder puff heat and three car heats, followed by the
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www.SouthernMinn.com | Saturday, July 31, 2021 | Page 5B
You belong at the Nicollet County fair
By BRI MILLER Guest Columnist
As a child on summer break, there was nothing more anticipated than the late summer fair season. Like my fellow 4-H members, I worked hard stitching, writing, typing, grooming, and building fair exhibits to showcase my yearlong learning. I remember late nights of work as early as the age of 10 that prepped me for future sleepless college study sessions. The payoff was I walked around the county fair proud. The fairgrounds were an extension of my home. I zig zagged through the crowds, knowing the shortcuts and back doors for each building. I knew the muddy spots after a day of rain, which I learned the hard way at the age of 7 when I took a corner too fast and wiped out in the mud puddle. The local paper snapped a picture and my teacher had it on the bulletin board at the beginning of second grade. Thanks, Mrs. Asmos!
I spent all day, every day at the fair. I had a fanny pack, the first time they were cool, with my spending money. I carefully calculated what rides and how many milkshakes I could afford. I could tell time in order to meet up with friends, and show up for performances on time. The fair is where I tested and built my independence. At the age of 12, I moved and found that while there was a new location, the county fair still had the same result. I belonged there. It’s a long tradition of neighbors celebrating their best crops, livestock, goods, crafts and friendships. Thus, people at a fair walk around smiling. We may live miles apart but we are members of this fair community. Nicollet County Fair is celebrating 150 years. I am new to this fair, but know it will bring up feelings of past fairs. It will be a community for a week that is unique and united. Nicollet County has been doing it for 150 years and I’m hearing wonderful stories of years
The Nicollet County Fair is known for its carnival, demo derbies, food trucks, beer gardens and 4-H animal showcases, among many other things. This year’s fair is the 150th. (File photo/southernminn.com)
done well. Annually, fair lovers come together for a jam-packed five days of community and fun. Something many of us are especially craving this year. Whether this will be your first or your 50th fair, just by walking through those fair gates you become part of this community. My children will be attending the fair for the first time as 4-H
members, likely a little bleary eyed from late night finishes on fair exhibits. I am excited for them to create their own county fair memories. I am eager for them to find the shortcuts, find their favorite fair food and performances, and build their confidence. Won’t you join them? The Nicollet County Fair is a place we all belong!
Alumni exhibits to be showcased at 150th fair
The Nicollet County Fair wants to showcase your old 4-H exhibits. To celebrate the 150th fair, we would love to showcase 4-H alumni’s exhibits from years past. The older the better! This is open to all 4-H alumni, not just Nicollet County. We will highlight these projects in Johnson Hall — a kind of “memory lane” of sorts among the current 4-H projects. Participants must drop off and pick up their projects. Small projects that can be easily transported can be dropped off and picked up at the Extension Office or Johnson Hall. Large projects need to be dropped off and picked up directly at Johnson Hall at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds. You must pre-register your exhibit at z.umn.
edu/4HAlumniExhibits so we can keep track of your exhibit. Contact the Nicollet County 4-H Extension Office with questions at 507-9377828 or mnext-nicollet.umn.edu, or Michele Vogel at michele_rist@ yahoo.com or 507-217-1977. Drop-off times: Monday-Thursday, Aug. 2-5 at the Extension Office 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 10 at Johnson Hall noon to 7 p.m. Project pick up times: Sunday, Aug. 15 at Johnson Hall 3-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Aug. 16-20 at the Extension Office 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact the Nicollet County 4-H Extension Office with questions: 507-937-7828 or mnextnicollet.umn.edu.
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www.SouthernMinn.com | Saturday, July 31, 2021 | PAGE 6B
Celebrating 150 years of history at the Nicollet County Fair
By JEAN ANNEXSTAD Guest Columnist
Can you imagine what going to a county fair might have been like in 1871? Hitch your wagon to the horses or oxen, load up the family and make a long journey. What would you find Annexstad once there? Minnesota had only been a state for 12 years. The Dakota Conflict had just recently occurred and people were again populating rural areas. Railroads were replacing steamboats as the mode of transportation. The McCormick reaper had been in use for a few decades and wheat production was thriving in the state. The lives of farm men, women and children were filled with endless chores, hard labor and often hardships. Water was hauled by hand for watering stock and every household need. Cash came in the fall at harvest and the family had to plan and save in order to make it through the winter and buy seed in the spring. Despite these challenges, county fairs were started at first as agricultural competitions. Among the animals and items on display were horses, pigs, cows, locally made furniture and foundry products, fruits, vegetables, flowers, paintings and photographs. Cash prizes were awarded. Fairs also provided an outlet to leave daily struggles at home for a few days and get something not available on the farm...entertainment! At the fair you could let your hair down and see the newest inventions to make life easier, such as washing machines, kerosene lamps, John Deere’s plow, wind-
Over the years, the fair’s livestock shows have been a special pull, especially for exhibitors. Both youth and open class shows are of interest to our family. We have several 4-Hers preparing their leased animals at our farm during the busy weeks ahead of the fair. It’s encouraging to see their work and pride in their project animals. Beyond the friendly competitions and the learning experiences for youth, the fair is just simply the best time of the year for many families. It is true that fairs bring jobs, revenue and support our local businesses by bringing people into a community. Though there is not a parade through town at the beginning of the fair to draw attenThis early 1900s photo shows the old grandstand area and harness racers ready on the oval track at the dance, as there used to be 100 or
more years ago, there is a sense of excitement and togetherness that happens at fair time. You may see special friends and neighbors just once a year at the fair. You may take time to sit and visit in the barns, at a show, a demolition derby or over a pork chop and an ice cream cone. The pleasures of a community celebration with socializing, competitions, learning and enjoying good local food and entertainment have likely not changed in 150 years. “Nicollet County Fair, It Promises to Be a Very Great Success!” proclaims a newspaper headline from way back when. Let’s hope so, for 2021 and beyond.
Nicollet County Fair. (Photo courtesy of the Nicollet County Historical Society)
mills and so on. Salesmen were willing to explain! These comments were made by Doug Ohman, an author and photographer who will be presenting a talk on August 13th at the Nicollet County Fair about life 150 years ago. Our county fair started in 1871! Such a rich history…. The Minnesota county fairs, which number 95 today, even though we only have 87 counties, began in the late 1800’s. The concept of a county fair organized by an agricultural society, was initiated by Elkanah Watson. He organized an event in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1811, which was an exhibit of animals that was a competition with prize money paid for the best exhibits of oxen, cattle, swine and sheep. Watson then worked for many years to help communities organize their own shows and fairs in New England. Soon the concept of agricultural societies moved to other states, including the Midwest. The core elements of those agri-
cultural society events of the 1800’s are at the heart of the agricultural fairs today, according to historians. They include competitions for the best agricultural and domestic products of the county or community and are an annual event for the community to come together to celebrate, share and learn. The idea of the fairs is to advance livestock, horticulture and agriculture with emphasis placed on youth development programs such as 4-H and FFA. There are also outreach and activities to advocate about farming practices to fair goers. Fairs back then also had entertainment. By 1880 the Nicollet County Fair boasted new exhibit buildings and a race track at the fairgrounds. Of interest that year were “horse races with trotters and runners”. Baseball games were played at the fair and fireworks displays were offered in the early days. A newspaper article announced the 1895 fair program: chariot races, horse races, balloon ascensions and band music.
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