Mielke Market Weekly

By KRISTIN KVENO

The Land Staff Writer

Back in business! The Polk County Fair in Fertile, Minn. is ready to return this year; and for Fair Board President Dan Grunhovd, he couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome fair-goers July 7-11.

When the Polk County Fair Board made the decision last spring to cancel the 2020 fair due to Covid-19, Grunhovd felt it was the right choice to protect the community. The Land spoke with Grunhovd last June as he explained that the health and safety of fair volunteers and fair attendees was first and foremost in the decision to cancel. With an average of over 45,000 people attending the Polk County Fair over the five-day event, it was simply too risky to continue as usual in 2020. Dan Grunhovd

“We’re certainly glad we made that decision,” he said when we touched base again last week.

It wasn’t totally quiet on the fairgrounds last July. It was open to the public to enjoy three food stands and have the opportunity to take in a tractor show. While it may not have felt exactly like the fair, it gave attendees a taste of fair fun.

Now that the Covid restrictions are relaxed, people are vaccinated and the positivity rate is low, it’s time to bring on all the fair fun. “I think we’ll get good crowds,” Grunhovd said. He’s seeing the excitement in friends and neighbors as they all are looking forward to once again being on the fairgrounds seeing the attractions, indulging in the tasty treats and taking on the in all the grounds as exhibits well as a from ani- potted plant mals to art. garden. The University of Minnesota Crookston Department of Horticulture Science will be creating this unique garden. Grunhovd explained that while it will feature the usual garden offerings, like Dock dogs will be a part of the fair again this year. P r e registra tions to take part in that event are “way up” according to Grunhovd. County Fair Guide

Registrations for the baja races and tomatoes, and will also display interdemo derby are up as well. “We’ve had esting potted items. “Some new, differa lot of interest this year compared to ent things that the average gardeners 2019.” He feels these are great signs doesn’t raise.” that there’s lots of interest in being a part of the fair this summer. Not knowing how performers felt about getting back out and on the

As for the Midway, the fair is sticking stage, Grunhovd was relieved the fair’s with the same company they always use, Todd Armstrong Shows. The number of rides available will be dependent on the number of Midway workers available.

“The 4-H shows will have some restrictions because they are run by Extension,” Grunhovd said. Right now the rule is that masks need to be worn when judging and in close contact with other participants. Grunhovd cautions that those rules may shift again before the fair begins.

There will be a few changes this year to the fair in an effort to keep people safe. “We purchased a lot of hand sanitizer.” In addition, there will be more hand washing stations around the fairgrounds as well. “It’s a good step forw a r d , ” Grunhovd said. The fair board wanted to have more outside attractions this year. There will be a glass blowing demonstration free stage is booked solid. The free stage entertainment is from all over the state and beyond. “They were all anxious to come back.”

Grunhovd has been president of the Polk County Fair board since 2006, and served in various capacities within the fair for decades before that. To say he enjoys the fair would be an understatement. Having had a year off from the hustle and bustle of the fair, what’s Grunhovd looking forward to most at this year’s fair? “I enjoy the people, that’s what I look forward to.”

From the interest he’s received from the public, it seems that people at the fair won’t be in short supply this year. “I’m really kind of optimistic that we’re going to have a good fair.” v

County Fair Guide

MINNESOTA

The following county fair information is courtesy of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs website — www.mfcf.com — and is subject to change. Where available, information includes a fair’s dates, fairgrounds location, phone number and website. Aitkin County Fair July 7-10

632 Minnesota Ave. N. Aitkin, Minn. www.aitkincountyfair.org Anoka County Fair July 20-25

3200 St. Francis Blvd. Anoka, Minn. www.anokacountyfair.com (763) 427-4070 Rossman Ave. Detroit Lakes, Minn. https://beckercountyfair.com (218) 847-5587

Beltrami County Fair Aug. 11-15

7223 Fairgrounds Rd. NW Bemidji, Minn. www.beltramicountyfair.org (218) 751-4106 Benton County Fair Aug. 3-8

1410 Third Ave. S Sauk Rapids, Minn. www.bentonfairmn.com (320) 253-5649

We’ll See You at the 2021 Rice County Fair!

July 21 - 25, 2021

Daily Parking$7

FREE Fair Admission!

Weekly Parking Pass $20 2021 Grandstand Events

Wednesday, July 21 - 6 p.m. AUTO CROSS

Adults: $15 • Children 6-11: $5 • 5 & Under: Free

Friday, July 23 - 7 p.m. BARNES RODEO

Adults: $15 • Children 6-11: $5 • 5 & Under: Free Family Packs: 2 Adults, 4 Children $40

Sunday, July 25

4 p.m. - KIDS POWER WHEELS 4:30 p.m. - DEMOLITION DERBY Adults: $15 • Children 6-11: $5 • 5 & Under: Free Thursday, July 22 - 6 p.m. ENDURO AUTO RACES

Adults: $15 • Children 6-11: $5 • 5 & Under: Free

Saturday, July 24 - 7 p.m. CMP TRUCK AND TRACTOR PULL

Adults: $15 • Children 6-11: $5 • 5 & Under: Free

Daily Free Enterainment

Renaissance Village Brodini Family Comedy/Magic Show Tuey the Juggler • Plus many more acts! Ticket Office opens 1.5 hours prior to event. Gates open 1 hour prior to event. Drawings held Every Night!

FREE Entertainment at the Sellner Stage

Saturday, July 17 - 7 p.m. AMBASSADOR CORONATION

Thursday, July 22 - 7-10 p.m. WHITESIDEWALLS Wednesday, July 21 - 6:30-9 p.m. JOLLY P’S

Friday, July 23 - 7 p.m. THE SMOKING BARRELS 220 Fair St. Clinton, Minn. www.bscfair.org (320) 325-FAIR Blue Earth County Fair July 22-25

340 Fairgrounds St. Garden City, Minn. www.blueearthcountyfair.org Brown County Free Fair Aug. 11-15

1201 N State St. New Ulm, Minn. www.browncountyfreefair.com (507) 354-2223 Cannon Valley Fair July 1-4

800 N Ninth St. Cannon Falls, Minn. www.cannonvalleyfair.org (507) 263-3548 Carlton County Fair Aug. 19-22

3839 County Rd. 138 Barnum, Minn. www.carltoncountyfairmn.com (218) 389-6737 Carver County Fair Aug. 11-15

501 West Third St. Waconia, Minn. www.carvercountyfair.com (952) 442-2333 Cass County Fair — Pillager July 8-11

207 E Second St. S Pillager, Minn. www.pillagerfair.com (218) 746-3348 Cass County Fair — Pine River June 24-27

5744 County Rd. 1 Pine River, Minn. www.thecasscountyfairmn.org Chippewa County Fair July 28-Aug. 1

584 First St. Montevideo, Minn. www.chippewacofair.com (320) 793-6727 905 W Fourth St. Rush City, Minn. www.chisagocountyfair.org (320) 358-0296 Clay County Fair July 15-18

102-124 Sixth St. SE Barnesville, Minn. www.mnclaycountyfair.com (218) 354-2675 Clearwater County Fair Aug. 4-8

800 North Main Bagley, Minn. www.clearwatercountyfair.com (218) 694-2780 Cottonwood County Fair Aug. 11-14

1300 Eighth Ave. Windom, Minn. (507) 831-6122 Crow Wing County Fair Aug. 3-7

2000 13th St. SE Brainerd, Minn. www.crowwingcountyfair.com (218) 829-6680 Dakota County Fair Aug. 9-15

4008 220th St. W Farmington, Minn. www.dakotacountyfair.org (651) 463-8818 Dodge County Fair July 14-18

62922 Hwy. 57 N Kasson, Minn. www.dodgecountyfreefair.com (507) 634-7736 Douglas County Fair Aug. 17-21

300 Fairgrounds Rd. Alexandria, Minn. www.dcmnfair.com (866) 656-FAIR Faribault County Fair July 28-31

235 Midway Rd. Blue Earth, Minn. www.fairbaultcountyfair.com (507) 520-6552 Fillmore County Fair — Preston July 19-25

1031 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, Minn. www.freeborncountyfair.com (507) 373-6965 Goodhue County Fair Aug. 10-14

44279 County 6 Blvd. Zumbrota, Minn. www.goodhuecountyfair.com (507) 732-5001 Grant County Fair July 15-18

605 Vienna Ave. Herman, Minn. www.grantcountyfairmn.com (320) 677-2284 Hennepin County Fair June 16-20

7205 County Road 101 Corcoran, Minn. www.hennepincountyfair.com (763) 420-4546 Houston County Fair Aug. 18-22

203 History Lane Caledonia, Minn. www.houstoncountyfair.com (507) 725-3397 Hubbard County Fair July 14-18

201 Fair Ave. Park Rapids, Minn. www.hubbardcountyfair.com (218) 237-3247 Isanti County Fair July 21-25

3101 Hwy. 95 NE Cambridge, Minn. www.isanticountyfair.com (763) 689-8487 Itasca County Fair Aug. 19-22

1336 NE Third Ave. Grand Rapids, Minn. www.itascacountyfair.org (218) 326-6470 Jackson County Fair July 27-31

78748 550th Ave. Jackson, Minn. www.jacksoncountyfairmn.com (507) 841-0709

South Union St. Mora, Minn. www.kanabecfair.org (320) 679-3371 Kandiyohi County Fair Aug. 11-14

907 Seventh St. NW Willmar, Minn. www.kandifair.com (320) 235-0886 Kittson County Fair July 7-11

127 Free Gate Hallock, Minn. www.kittsoncountyfair.org Koochiching County Fair Aug. 13-15

Koochiching County Fairgrounds, Northome, Minn. www.koochichingcountyfair.org (218) 897-5205 Lac Qui Parle County Fair Sept. 9-21

705 Fair St. Madison, Minn. (320) 598-3989 Lake County Fair Aug. 5-18

1381 Fairground Rd. Two Harbors, Minn. www.thelakecountyfair.com Lake of the Woods County Fair July 14-18

Baudette, Minn. (218) 634-1437 LeSueur County Fair Aug. 19-22

320 Plut Ave. Le Center, Minn. www.lesueurcountyfair.org (507) 357-6500 Lincoln County Fair July 29-Aug. 1

200 W Strong St. Tyler, Minn. http://www.lincolncountyfairmn.com/ (507) 247-5454 2336 250th St. Marshall, Minn. www.lyoncountyfair.com Mahnomen County Fair June 22-23

Mahnomen, Minn. www.mahnomencountyfair.org Marshall County Fair July 21-25

520 North Eighth St. Warren, Minn. www.marshallcountyfair.org (218) 745-4445 Martin County Fair Aug. 16-22

1300 North Bixby Rd. Fairmont, Minn. www.theotherbigfair.com (507) 235-9576 McLeod County Fair Aug. 19-22

840 Century Ave. SW Hutchinson, Minn. www.mcleodcountyfair.com (320) 587-2499 Meeker County Fair Aug. 4-8

1230 N Armstrong Ave. Litchfield, Minn. www.meekerfair.com (320) 593-3247 Mille Lacs County Fair Aug. 11-15

1400 Third St. N Princeton, Minn. www.millelacscountyfair.com (763) 389-3138 Morrison County Fair July 29-31

15575 Hawthorn Rd. Little Falls, Minn. www.morrisonfair.com (320) 632-1040 Mower County Free Fair Aug. 10-15

700 12th St. SW Austin, Minn. www.mowercountyfair.com (507) 433-1868 Murray County Fair Aug. 18-21

400 W Union St. St. Peter, Minn. www.nicolletcountyfair.com (507) 934-2684 Nobles County Fair Aug. 4-8

1602 Stower Dr. Worthington, Minn. www.noblescountyfair.com Norman County Fair June 23-26

601 W Thorpe Ave. Ada, Minn. www.normancountyfair.com (218) 784-4984 Northern Minnesota District Fair July 8-11

4940 Fairwood Ave. Littlefork, Minn. Olmsted County Fair July 26-Aug. 1

1403 Third Ave. SE Rochester, Minn. www.olmstedcountyfair.com (507) 367-2455 Otter Tail County Fair — East July 22-25

445 Fourth Ave. SE Perham, Minn. www.eotcountyfair.org (218) 346-2750 Otter Tail County Fair — West July 21-24

1812 Pebble Lake Rd. Fergus Falls, Minn. www.wotcountyfair.com (218) 736-0272 Pennington County Fair July 14-18

524 N Barzen Thief River Falls, Minn. www.penningtoncountyfair.com (218) 416-2550 Pine County Fair Aug. 3-8

707 First Ave. NW Pine City, Minn. www.pinecountyfair.com (320) 629-3408 Hwy. 75 and Hwy. 30 Pipestone, Minn. www.pipestonecountyfair.sites. pipestone publishing.com (507) 825-5979 Polk County Fair July 7-11

34643 E Trinity Point Rd. Fertile, Minn. www.polkcountyfairfertilemn.com (218) 779-7858 Pope County Fair Aug. 5-7

230 Minnesota Ave. W Glenwood, Minn. www.popecountyfair.org Ramsey County Fair CANCELLED

2020 White Bear Ave. Maplewood, Minn. www.ramseycountyfair.com (651) 777-6514 Red Lake County Fair June 24-27

Oklee, Minn. www.facebook.com/rlc.fair Redwood County Fair July 15-18

201 N Dekalb St. Redwood Falls, Minn. www.redwoodcountyfair.com (507) 627-2801 Renville County Fair Aug. 12-14

County Road 5 Bird Island, Minn. www.renvillecountyfair.com (320) 365-3242

County Fair Guide

MINNESOTA

Rice County Fair July 21-25

1814 NW 2nd Ave. Faribault, Minn. www.ricecountyfair.net (507) 332-2470 Rock County Fair July 28-31

South Freeman Ave. Luverne, Minn. www.rockcountyfair.org (507) 449-FAIR Roseau County Fair July 18-23

500 Fourth Ave. NW Roseau, Minn. www.roseaucountyfair.com Scott County Fair July 28-Aug. 1

Jordan, Minn. www.scottcountyfair.com (952) 492-2436 Sherburne County Fair July 15-18

13372 Business Center Drive, Elk River, Minn. www.sherburnecountyfair.org (763) 441-3610 Sibley County Fair Aug. 4-8

801 W Chandler St. Arlington, Minn. www.sibleycountyfair.com (507) 964-5698 South St Louis County Fair (Proctor) July 28-Aug. 1

800 Boundary Ave. Duluth, Minn. www.proctorduluthfair.com (218) 628-2401 St Louis County Fair Aug. 4-8

1100 E 25th St. Hibbing, Minn. www.stlofair.org (218) 263-4256 Stearns County Fair July 28-Aug. 1

1105 Ash St. S Sauk Centre, Minn. www.stearnscountyfair.com (320) 352-2482

Watonwan County Fair

Fairgrounds - St. James, MN • July 15th-18th

Check us out at www.watonwancountyfair.com

Thursday, July 15th

Commercial Building open: 4pm Des Moines Amusement-open 4pm Pony Rides Teen Dance-DJ Blake 7pm

Friday, July 16th

Tractorcade & Breakfast-7am Des Moines Amusement-4pm Pony Rides Tractor/Truck pull-6pm Ranch Rodeo-6pm Out of LIne Band-8:30pm Beer Garden

Saturday, July 17th

Des Moines Amusement-noon Pony Rides Dart Tournament (11am sign-in) noon start Bean Bag Tournament (11am sign in) noon start Demolition Derby-5pm GEL Band-8:30pm Beer Garden Fireworks-10:15pm

Sunday, July 18th

Horse Fun Show-10:30am Des Moines Amusement-noon Pony Rides Senior Citizen Day-noon Steve Lang Band-12:30 Beer Garden Outstanding Senior Recognition & Farm Family-1pm Amature Talent Show-3pm Kid’s Day-Wanda the Clown 1-4pm Pedal Pull-2pm Medallion in paper hunt-4pm Fair Closes-6pm