Steele County Free Fair

Steele CountyFree Fair

Aug. 15-20, 2023 1525 S Cedar Ave., Owatonna 451-5305 • scff.org

HISTORY OF THE FAIR

ThefirstfairinSteeleCountywasheld on Oct. 17, 1860. Premiums that year were quite interesting: • Best 6 yoke of working oxen – $6 • Best wagon made in county – $3 • Best buggy made in county – $5 • Best team and plow – $2 • Best butter churn – $1 • Best corn and best 100 lbs of our 50

From 1871 through 1917 the fair was held at various sites throughout Owatonna until 1871 when the fair was held on 40 acres of pasture land at the head of Main Street in eastern Owatonna, It eventually moved to the current site of 70 acres in 1918.

Steele County made real history when the Minnesota State Fair was held here in 1883 and 1884, and large crowds came by chartered trains to Owatonna to enjoy the fair.

By 1927, the fair board decided to make the fair a “free fair,” helping the fair grow and thrive.

The 1930’s brought lavish stage shows with beautiful chorus lines that played before the grandstand nightly. By 1932 big car racing came to the fair. Auto racing and motor events became huge attractions, and to this day remain the most popular type of entertainment at the fair.

Free stages developed by 1979 and have hosted hundreds of talent and musical acts. The fair has also had a strong agricultural history. It still hosts about 2000 animals at the fair every year and the fastest growing show is horses.

The fair has always attracted merchandise and food vendors and now hosts over 500 booths with over 100 different food stands each year. In 2009 the fair had vendors from over 26 states. In addition to the merchandise and food stands today’s fair features 24 bands, everything from old time to hard rock and dixieland to gospel music. Attendance in 2019 was estimated at more than 322,000 visitors.

MUCKLE MUSEUM

an ardent Steele County Free Fair supporter and leader in the vision which has resulted in Minnesota’s Biggest County Fair! The museum is full of interesting memorabilia from past fairs. The museum and all buildings are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the fair.

VILLAGE OF YESTERYEAR

Be sure to walk through the Village of Yesteryear. A collection of 25 buildings from Steele County’s early years located east of the fairgrounds. Admission is free during fair week.

EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

Along with music, food, animals, midway rides, carnival games and tractor pulls, the fair offers a wealth of performances and granstand events. The 2021 schedule will be announced in the spring.

The fair also recognizes local leaders with inductions into its Equine and Livestock halls of fame. Other worthy individuals are honored each year with the fair’s Livestock Hall of Fame Service Award and Ambassador of the Year.