Nicollet County Fair 2015

2 Nicollet County 0 1 5 August 5-9

FAIR

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SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2015

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NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Nicollet County Fair AUGUST 6-10, 2014 - EVENT SCHEDULE

y – Entry Day:

Daily session deals -Wednesday

ass Registration: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Carnival: Cody Racing: 1 p.m. - $5 Admission - Free under 12 ros. Beer Tasting: 4-6 p.m. Beer Garden $5 Parking on the Fairg l: 6 p.m. - $5 Admission - Free under 12 ournament at 6:30 p.m. in Thompson Hall ption: 7-10 p.m. – Big Tent Firee – Big Movie: 8:30 p.m. – Grandstand - $3 Admission (12 & under FREE)

Nicollet County Fair

AUGUST 5 - 9, 2015 – Go to: www.nicolletcountyfair.com Wednesday – Entry Day:

Daily session deals -Wednesday to Saturday  Open Class 11 a.m.

6 p.m.(for specifics, go s beginning at 8Registration: a.m. running allto day to: www.nicolletcountyfairgroun  Harness Racing: 1 p.m. - $5 Admission - Free under 12 Carnival - Cody Rides arie: 12-2 p.m.

– Big Tent Locher Bros. Beer Tasting: 5-7 p.m. Beer Garden  Over 60 Band – 5-6 p.m. – Big Tent $5 Parking on the Fairgrounds 4-7:30 p.m.

– Big Tent • Pfeffer Tournament at 6:30 p.m. in Thompson Hall nd Tractor 6:30 p.m.

- $10 Admission - $5- $5 ages 6-12 (12 -Free 5 and under – Sponso • “PartyPull: After Paradise” Concert: 7:30 p.m. – Grandstand Admission & under FREE) Elevator and Arnold’s of Mankato Thursday: Look us up on Facebook … s • Krissy Marie:7:30-close 12-2 p.m. – Big–Tent se Productions: Big Tent “Nicollet County Fair” for annou • Jim Jam: 4-7:30 p.m. – Big Tent

• Truck Tractorparking Pull: 6:30 p.m.

- $10Seniors): Admission - $5 ages 6-12 -Free 5 and under – Sponsored by enior Dayand (Free for

Traverse Elevator and Arnold’s of Mankato Day• (pre-register at 382-6241): Black Rose Productions: 7-close – Big9-10:30 Tent

Look us up onbag Facebook search a.m. includes goodie and … snack!

“Nicollet County Fair” for announcements!

on: Friday 12-1 p.m.

– Big – Senior DayTent (Free parking for Seniors): • Daycare Day (pre-register at 382-6241): 9-10:30 a.m. includes goodie bag and – snack! itizens Program and Farm Awards: 1 p.m. in Johnson Hall Sponsored by: First Na • Jay Hanson: 12-1 p.m. – Big Tent er Band: 2-5 p.m.Pioneer – Big Tent – Historical Photos and Dialogue – 12, 3:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. & KNU • Doug Ohman Photography Senior Citizens Program p.m. and Farm Awards: rost •(‘Elvis’): 5:30-7:30 – Big Tent1 p.m. in Johnson Hall – Sponsored by: First National Bank • Wendinger Band: 2-5 p.m. – Big Tent & KNUJ on Derby: 7 p.m. $12 Admission $5 ages 6-12 -Free 5 and under – Sponsored by T • Johnny Frost (‘Elvis’): 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Big Tent seekers: 8-close – Big Tent • Demolition Derby: 7 p.m.

- $12 Admission - $5 ages 6-12 -Free 5 and under – Sponsored by Tire Assoc.

Come visit your favorite • The Heatseekers: 8-close – Big Tent

– Kid’s Day: Saturday – Kid’s Day:

Check out Ag Center & Hasse Petting Zoo– 4:30 KTOE: Wednesday Opens 9 AM - Thursday to Sunday

KYSM: Thursday – 3-5 Contest: 9 a.m.by Food • Grilling Contest: 4H 9 a.m.by 4H Stand Food Stand • Children’s Museum: 10-2 under the Big Tent/Thompson KDOG: Thursday – 5’s Museum: 10-2 under the Big Tent/Thompson • Kid’s Pedal Pull: 11 a.m. by Grandstand – Sponsored by KNUJ, St. Peter Well Drilling & Fair Board KNUJ: Friday – 2-4 P dal Pull: 11 a.m.

Grandstand – Sponsored by– KNUJ • Mankato Moonby Dogs – Photos and Autographs: 11 a.m.

Big Tent KRBI: Friday – 3-5 P • Exhibit: RAD Reptile12-5 Zoo: 12-5 Big Tent nimal p.m.p.m.

– –Big Tent • The Shifters: 1-3 p.m. – Big Tent ers: •1-3K9p.m.

– Big Tentwith Deputy Paul Biederman: 2:30 p.m. – by Sheriff’s Trailer Unit Demonstration • Talent Show: 3 p.m.

– JohnsonPaul Hall –Biederman: Sponsored by: Crystal Valleyp.m.

Cooperative, FederalTrailer Credit Union Demonstration with Deputy 2:30 – bySouthpoint Sheriff’s • Gary Tyson Magic Show: 3-5 p.m. – Big Tent / Lollipop the Clown: 4-7 p.m. – Big Tent how:• 3Demolition p.m. – Johnson Derby: 6:30Hall p.m. - $12 Admission -$5 ages 6-12 -Free under 5 – Sponsored by Tire Associates • Comedy and Hypnosis: 9-close – BigTent Tent / Lollipop the Clown: 4-7 p.m. – Big Tent on Magic Show: 3-5 p.m.

– Big Jaycee’s Beer Garden Sunday:6:30 p.m. - $12 Admission -Wed: on Derby: $5 Beer ages 6-12 – dart Sponsored by Tasting – Fri:-Free Electric 5 Skyand (9-11)under – Sat: 501 tourney • Classic Car Roll-in – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (noon) & Whiskies Band (8-11) – Sun: Pfeffer tourney (noon) s and Legion #37 (St. Peter) • American Kim’s Karaoke: 1-3 p.m.Post – Big Tent outclosed.

Ag Center & Hasse Pe • 3 p.m.

- All exhibits andTent commercial exhibits are releasedCheck and midway on Band: 9-close – Big Opens 9 AM -SHOWS Thursday to Sund DISCOUNTED TICKET DEALS – CARNIVAL RIDES AND GRANDSTAND Cody Rides – Wristband Deals - $20 until Aug. 4 - $22 at the Fair Sponsor: Red Men

Buy – at: Big Family Fresh, Holiday, KwikTrip, Schmidt’s Meat Market, and St. Peter Chamber raoke: 1-4 p.m.

Tent Event Grandstand Passes include 5 Events - $37 & $12 students (6-12) exhibits and All commercial exhibits are released andadult midway closed.

Club

Includes early admittance to event in North Gate 30 minutes before Main Gate opens!

Available at: Family Fresh, Kwik Trip, St. Peter Chamber – and Fair Board Office during the Fair

NTED TICKET DEALS – CARNIVAL RIDES AND GRANDSTAND THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS EVENT SPONSORS

Cody Rides – Wristband Deals $18 Roll-a-Dock until Aug. - $20 at the• Fair Supreme Champion Sponsors: Davisco Foods Int’l Inc. •-Hewitt • LJP5Waste & Recycling Keeley Drainage & Landscape • Bobcat of Mankato • Arnold’s of Mankato • St. Peter Tourism : Arrow Ace, Family Fresh, Holiday, KwikTrip, Schmidt’s Meat Market, St. Peter Cha Grand Champion Sponsors: Davis Family Dairies • Hometown Travel • Nicollet County Bank • Tire Associates • Traverse Elevator • USDA Grant All Event Grandstand Passes include 6 Events - $37• All adult & Pressure $12 students Reserve Champion Sponsors: AmericInn Motel • Locher Bros.

• Crystal Valley American Washers Mfg.(6-12) Blue Ribbon Sponsors: First National Bank Minnesota • Nicollet Farmer’s Exchange • Southpoint Union Includes early admittance to event in North Gate 30 minutes before Federal MainCredit Gate opens!

• St. Peter Well Drilling ableFriends at: Family Fresh, Kwik Trip, St. Peter Chamber – and Fair Board Office during th of the Fair Sponsors: • Anderson Seeds • City of St. Peter • Lager’s • Mankato Sertoma Club • McDonald’s • Nicollet County • St. Peter Fire Department • United Farmer’s Cooperative • Culligan • Red Men Club

THANK TO OUR GENEROUS EVENT SPONSORS To get theYOU Premium Book, entry forms and full schedule of events – go to:

www.nicolletcountyfair.com St. Peter Chamber, Community Schmidt’s or Nicollet•Mart ampion Sponsors: DaviscoOR Foods International, Inc. •Center, Hewitt Roll-a-Dock LJP Wa g • Keeley Drainage & Landscape • River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic EMT/Ambulance mpion Sponsors: American Legion Post #37 • Arnold’s of Mankato • Davis Family Da

Saturday, July 25, 2015

NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

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NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Bastians named 2015 Nicollet County Farm Family of the Year

By RICHARD ROHLFING

Correspondent

For Mike Bastian, operating his family farm on the western edge of Nicollet County means the joy of planting seed in the spring and then seeing the fledgling crop poke through the dark soil a dozen days later.

It’s loading his barns with 50-pound piglets and watching them go out after 18 weeks at 280 pounds.

It’s having all his family involved in agriculture and being

his own boss.

Bastian, wife Anna and daughters Abby, Allison and Audra were selected as the 2015 Nicollet County Farm Family of the year. They will be recognized at 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 7 at the Nicollet County Fair in a ceremony at Johnson Hall.

“We feel so very proud to have been chosen,” said Anna.

“There are so many great families in Nicollet County. It could have gone to any of them.”

On their farm near Klossner, about 10 miles north of New

Ulm, the Bastian family raises corn, soybeans, hogs and a few chickens as well.

Mike said that farming was always his chosen profession.

“Without a doubt, I knew what I wanted to do since I was little,” he said.

He began farming with his parents near Klossner in the mid-1980s upon graduating from the University of Minnesota, Waseca. With ag markets down then, it was a tough time to jump in, but there were also opportunities, he said.

He later expanded his operations to include a neighbor and great uncle’s farm.

He said the key to longevity as a farmer is understanding that in good times, the bad times are just around the corner.

“We had great years, but we never went out and splurged,” he said. “It’s always a big risk, but that’s farming.”

Anna was born and raised in New Ulm. Growing up, she loved animals and thought about having a hobby farm.

When she met and married her husband, she thought ‘Now’s my chance.’

She also works at the New Ulm Medical Center but helps out with crops and livestock.

The eldest daughter, Abby, is a graduating North Dakota State University senior who majored in Ag Communication and Advertising. Allison, the current Minnesota Pork Ambassador, is a freshman at Iowa State studying Ag Business and Animal Science and intends to return to the home farm after school. She is currently doing an internship at AgStar in Mankato.

“We’re taught how to advocate because there is such a false perception of agriculture,” Allison said.

The youngest, Audra, loves animals, dance, volleyball and softball. All three daughters have been or are active in 4-H, FFA and showing pigs at the County and State Fair.

The Bastians are also involved in the community. Mike is a board member of the St. George Catholic Church and a past board member of the Nicollet County Pork Producers.

Anna is a member of the Nicollet County Extension Committee and is a past 4-H club leader.

Representing agricultural achievement in diverse farming operations, 70 families from throughout Minnesota are being honored as a 2015 Farm Family

Between planning and harvest, a big activity on the Bastian family farm is getting ready for the Nicollet County fair.

Here, Allison and Audra walk their pigs in preparation for 4H showmanship competition while father Mike watches. (Richard Rohlfing/St. Peter Herald)

of the Year by the University of Minnesota.

The annual farm family recipient is chosen locally by a committee of past recipients and Extension Committee members based on their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture and community involvement.

“There are lots of good farmers in Nicollet County,” Mike said. “I owe some of my success to them.”

“The farm families receiving this year’s honors exemplify what makes Minnesota agriculture strong,” said Bev Durgan, Dean of Extension. “They bring innovation, science and hard work to farming. They care greatly about the land and animals and delivering quality products to consumers worldwide. The University of Minnesota takes great pride in honoring these families.”

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Mike and Anna Bastian and daughters Audra, right, and Allison, left. Absent from the photo is eldest daughter Abby. (Richard Rohlfing/St. Peter Herald)

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Over 100 years ago, the Traverse area was served by privately owned elevators, and have changed hands many times until the Farmers Elevator of Traverse was chartered in 1913.

Employees

Front row: Alan Manzey (Manager), Tammy Johnson (Office Manager) Tom Johnson (Grain Manager).

Back row: Chuck Gardner (Trucking), Matt Stauff (Seed), Jerome Anderson, (Applicator)

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Board of Directors

Front row: Brad Wenner & Russ Hoehn Back row: Mark Herberg (secretary, treasurer), Richard Wettergren (president), Don Underwood (vice-president)

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Bring your old paint and household chemicals to the regional HHW facility, located at 651 Summit Ave. in Mankato.

This facility is open to residents of Le Sueur, Nicollet & Sibley Counties.

Tuesdays 12 noon - 6 p.m.

2nd Saturday’s of the Month 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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Fluorescent Bulbs (from households only) We absolutely CANNOT accept: Business or agricultural chemicals or waste, motor oils or oil filters, explosives, or ammunition.

For more information, contact the Tri-County Solid Waste Office at 507-381-9196 www.co.nicollet.mn.us/338/Recycling-Solid-Waste Go to Departments - Tri-County Solid Waste

Saturday, July 25, 2015

NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

2015 Nicollet County Fair schedule

Fair ride wristbands will allow the wearer to enjoy discounted access to the rides during specified times each day. Purchase a wristband in advance for $20 or at the fair for $22. Pre-sale locations are Arrow Ace Hardware, Chamber of Commerce, Family

Wednesday, Aug. 5 3:30 p.m. — 4H Rabbit Show, Show ring 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Johnson Hall open to the public 4 to 7:30 p.m. — Jim Jam, Music Tent 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — 4H Food Stand open 5 p.m. — Midway Opens 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Open class registration at Johnson Hall 5:30 p.m. — 4H Arts In Performance, Johnson Hall ($5 entry fee) 6 to 9 p.m. — Carnival Wrist Band Deal ($20 advance/$22 at the Fair) 1 p.m. — Harness Racing, Grandstand ($5 per person) 6:30 p.m. — Truck and Tractor Pull, Grandstand ($10 adult/$5 5 p.m. — Midway opens with Cody Rides ages 6to12/5 and under free) 5 to 6 p.m. — Over 60 Band, Music tent 7 to 10 p.m. — Black Rose Productions, Music Tent 5 to 7 p.m. — Beer Tasting Event, Jaycees Beer Garden Friday, Aug. 7 – Senior Citizens Day 6 p.m. — 4H Dog Show Exhibition and Awards, Show ring Free parking on the fairgrounds for those 55 and older 6:30 p.m. — Pfeffer Tournament – Thompson Building 8 a.m. — 4H Horse Show, Horse arena 7 p.m. — Party In Paradise, Grandstand ($5 per person) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Hasse Petting Zoo, Ag Education Building Thursday, Aug. 6 8:30 a.m. — 4H Dairy Goat Show followed by 4H Dairy Show, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Hasse Petting Zoo, Ag Education Building Show Ring 9 a.m. — 4H Sheep/Meat Goat, Show Ring 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Johnson Hall open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — 4H Food Stand open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. — 4H Food Stand open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Johnson Hall open Noon to 1 p.m. — Jay Hanson, Music Tent Noon to 2 p.m. — Krissy Marie Show, Music Tent 1 p.m. — Senior and Farm awards, Johnson Hall 1 p.m. — 4H Beef Show, Show ring

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2 p.m. — 4H Arts In Performance – Johnson Hall 2 to 5 p.m. — Wendinger Band, Music Tent 5 p.m. — Midway opens 6 to 9 p.m. Carnival Wrist Band Deal ($20 advance/$22 at the fair) 5:30 p.m. — 4H Arts in Performance, Johnson Hall 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Johnny Frost (Elvis), Music Tent 7 p.m. — Demolition Derby, Grandstand ($12 per adult/$5 age 6to12/5 and under free) 8 p.m. to close — The Heatseekers, Music Tent 9 to 11 p.m. — The Electric Sky, Live music in the Jaycees Beer Garden Saturday, Aug. 8 – Children’s Day 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. — 4H Food Stand open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Hasse Petting Zoo, Ag Education Building 8:30 am — 4H Swine Show, Show Ring 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Johnson Hall open 10:30 a.m. — 4H General Demonstrations, Johnson Hall 11 a.m. — Children’s Pedal Pull, Next to Grandstand by fair office 11 a.m. — Mankato Moon Dogs baseball players photos and autographs, Music Tent Noon — 501 Dart Tournament, Jaycees Beer Garden (Random Draw, $5 entry fee) Noon to 2:30 p.m. — Children’s Museum Activities, Music Tent Noon to 5 p.m. — RAD Reptile Zoo, beside Music Tent 1 to 4 p.m. — Carnival Wrist Band Deal ($20 advance/$22 at the fair) 2:30 p.m. — Sheriff K9 demonstration, By Sheriff ’s tent 2 p.m. — 4H Arts In Performance, Johnson Hall 2:30 p.m. — 4H Livestock Demonstrations, Show Ring 3 p.m. — Talent Show, Johnson Hall 3 to 5 p.m. — Gary Tyson Magic Show, Music Tent 4 to 7 p.m. — Lollipop the Clown, Music Tent 5:30 p.m. — 4H Arts In Performance – Johnson Hall 6:30 p.m. — Demolition Derby, Grandstand ($12 per adult/$5 age 6to12/5 and under free) 8 to 11 p.m. — Whiskies Band, Jaycees Building 9 p.m. to Close — Comedy and Hypnosis Show, Music Tent Sunday, Aug. 9 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — 4H Food Stand open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Johnson Hall open 10 a.m. — 4H Premier Showmanship, Show Ring Noon to 3 p.m. — Midway open Noon — 4H Cat and Pet Show, Show Ring Noon — Car and Motorcycle Rolltoin, Between 4H Food Stand and Jaycees Building Noon — Pfeffer Tournament, Jaycees Building 1 p.m. — 4H Arts In Performance, Johnson Hall 1 to 4 p.m. — Karaoke with Kim, Music Tent

2015 Nicollet County Fair grandstand events All Grandstand Events wristbands get the wearer into the grandstand 1/2 hour before general admission gates open.

There are only a limited number of wristbands available beginning July 15. They’re $37 from Family Fresh and the St. Peter Chamber of Commerce (or the County Fair Office during the fair).

No one under 16 will be allowed in the grandstand pit area before, during, and after any grandstand event.

Wednesday, Aug. 5 • 1 p.m. Harness Racing — Admission $5 for all ages (5 and under are free). On average, over 75 horses compete in the harness races.

Door prizes will be given away.

• 7 p.m. Party in Paradise — Admission $5 for all ages (12 and under are free) Thursday, Aug. 6 • 6:30 p.m. Truck & Tractor Pull — Admission: Adults $10/Students (6-12) $5/5 and under free. Come and cheer on your favorite truck and tractor as they pull!

For the truck classes, there’s a 5,800 Street Modified Pickup, 8,200 Street Modified Diesel and Semi. Everyone’s attention turns to the tractor classes: Stock Vintage, Stock Farm, Improved Farm, Hot Farm and Unlimited “King of the Hill” (up to 16,500 pounds). Don’t forget to bring ear plugs.

Friday, Aug. 7 • 7 p.m. Demolition Derby — Admission: Adults $12 tax/Students (6-12) $5/5 and under free. Limited supply of ear plugs free at the gate.

Parents should consider bringing ear protection for young children.

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 and the Powder Puff class. The Powder Puff class consists of 15-16 women who enjoy putting some damage into their cars. 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.

Saturday, Aug. 8 • 6:30 p.m. Demolition Derby — Admission: Adults $12/Students (6-12) $5/Free (5 and under). Limited supply of ear plugs free at the gate. Parents should consider bringing ear protection for young children.

Another night of car-crashing excitement. Saturday night demo has the truck heat in addition to another Powder Puff heat and three car heats, followed by the Consolation and Championship heats. The majority of drivers for both nights are from Nicollet County.

Sunday, Aug. 9 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classic Car and Motorcycle Roll-in — Roll on in and show off your classic car or motorcycle at the Nicollet County Fair. Enter the grounds at the Southeast (front) gate and set up in the track infield to showcase your pride and joy.

Fifteen-year driver Brad Guth (17) of St. Peter gets in a lick in the 2012 Nicollet County Fair Demolition Derby. (file photo)

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NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

Saturday, July 25, 2015

4-H Arts-In ‘Annie’ to be staged at Nicollet County Fair

Cast members in “Annie” rehearse in Nicollet County Courthouse for the Nicollet County Fair Arts-In. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

A enthusiastic cast of 13 young actors from ages 6-13 is working hard to get ready to perform the Nicollet County 4-H Arts-In production of “Annie.”

The five, 30-minute performances during Nicollet County Fair in St. Peter are set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2 p.m. and 5:30 Saturday, Aug. 8 ant 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 at Johnson Hall.

Practices have been running once a week since June 30 in Nicollet County Government Center’s Emergency Operations Center Room.

“The kids are kind of young, but they’ll do a good job,” said Director Marisa Kroells, a Nicollet County 4-H summer intern who performed with Sibley County Arts-In for three years, ending in eighth-grade. “We’re putting a lot of hard work into it. We’re hoping we get people to come to the show. The kids

are looking forward to performing and getting on stage.”

4-Hers and non-4-Hers are part of the production.

Emma Brewer, 12, plays the lead role and has the most lines, but everyone has a part.

There are four boys and nine girls in the cast.

Emma and her brother Ethan, 12, both members of the North Kato Explorers 4-H Club, both bring experience in plays.

Emma started acting five years ago at age 7 and has performed in Prairie Fire community education productions in the summer in Mankato.

“I’ve done a lot of other plays,” Emma said. “It’s a lot of fun. The rehearsals have been going good.”

Ethan, who plays Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, also started acting at age 7 and does about one play a year.

Both consider themselves actors, not singers. There are no solos. They sing as a group.

“I get to act, have fun and make friends,” Ethan said.

They will perform five songs: “Maybe,” “It’s a Hardknock Life,” “Tomorrow,” “I Think I’m Going to Like It Here,” and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”

“We’re doing a little rendition that tells the general plot line of ‘Annie’ with the popular songs from it,” Kroell said.

Nicollet County has not done a play for a couple of years. The last one, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” was staged two years ago.

“We had a little break,” Kroell said. “Now we have enough interest to do it again.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids in 4-H and kids not in 4-H to get involved and to meet new friends. It’s a fun opportunity to sing, act and put on a show for a the fair.

We handed out the script in the second practice, learned lines, songs, choreography and costumes.”

CAST OF “ANNIE” Annie: Emma Brewer, 12, Mankato Narrator: Faith Johnson, 11, Nicollet Molly: Kendra Johnson, 6, Le Seuer Pepper: Reagan Sorenson, 10, Mankato Kate: Ana Stoffregen, 8, St. Peter July: Amanda Vogel, 8, New Ulm Miss Hannigan: Rachel Sorenson, 13, Mankato Dog Catcher: Levi Johnson 6, Nicollet, and Blake Pribyl, 8, Mankato Lieutenant Ward: Isiah Johnson, 8, Nicollet Grace: Grace Johnson, 13, Nicollet Daddy Warbucks: Ethan Brewer, 10, Mankato

Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566 or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat.

Dog Catcher (Levi Johnson, 6, of Nicollet) reads his lines in the script with Director Marisa Kroells. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

Police Lt. Ward (Isiah Johnson, 8 of Nicollet) takes Annie (Emma Brewer) under arrest.

(Pat Beck)

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“Since 1915”

Saturday, July 25, 2015

NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

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Trading paint for pride: Demolition Derby likely to be biggest draw of Nicollet County Fair Dan and Troy, and his granddaughter, Callie.

“A lot of guys would get mad at each other on the tracks, they’d hate each other during the derby,” Hewitt said. “Afterwards you’d run into each other at the fair and think of how stupid it was to be mad and everyone starts getting along again.”

The derby has always been one of the fair’s more popular events, with many of the participants native to Nicollet County and the surrounding areas. In 1981, a powder puff derby for women was added, and a year later the grandstands were expanded to offer twice as much seating.

“More times than not, a girl ends up winning the consolation race. It really gets some of the guys steaming,” Hewitt said with a laugh.

“These are some of the toughest girls there are around.

They do one heck of a job.”

Derby official Mike Bathke described the race as having a family atmosphere, since many people in attendance have friends and family competing in the derby. Many former competitors come out to

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

The last man or woman standing will have the crowd on its feet at the biggest event of the 2015 Nicollet County Fair: the Demolition Derby.

The event takes place Friday and S a t urday night of the fair, with a limit of 16 cars per heat. In Hewitt total, about 70 drivers are expected to compete over the two days.

The compact car, and powder puff classes compete at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by the consolation heat consisting of any drivers and cars that have not placed in the top five and can get their cars running. The championship heat features the top five cars from earlier heats.

The truck heat runs Saturday at 6:30 p.m., in addition to another powder puff heat and three other car heats.

Consolation and championship heats wrap up the night.

According to Nicollet County Historical Society records, the first demolition derby likely took place in either 1967 or 1968. Originally it was held in the afternoon before the tractor pull, but by 1973 the derby was listed as the fair’s featured attraction.

Larry Hewitt is serving his last year as derby chairman, a position he has held since 1975. Hewitt used to compete in the derby, a family tradition carried on by his sons,

watch the derby, as well.

“This is a unique show. You won’t find it at many fairs,” Bathke said. “These are just cars off the street, with minimal welding, that have the windows removed. Everyone has a fair chance at winning.”

Bathke inspects each car before the event, checking they have followed guidelines, such as removing all windows, glass, tail lights, headlights, carpet, trim and extra seats from the vehicle.

All competitors in the derby must drive stock cars, as well.

Seating usually fills up quickly and there is limited standing room, so guests are recommended to get to the derby well before the race starts.

Bathke, who used to compete in the derby, has helped run the event for the past 12 years. He said people come from miles around to just to watch.

“The grandstand is full to capacity every year,” Bathke said. “We try to have more bleachers available every year and they are always filled.”

Prize money is given out to the top six finishers in

each event. The first-place prize for each event ranges between $300 and $600. However, Hewitt said the bragging rights for winning the race are almost important to the drivers as the prize money itself.

“It’s the biggest event of the fair, there’s no two ways about it,” Hewitt said. “The audience gets to smell the smoke coming off the hot radiators and hear the sound of the loud muffler noises. It’s a fun time for all.”

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students between the ages of six and 12, and free for children five and under.

A free limited supply of ear plugs available at the gate have been donated by Mankato Sertoma Club.

According to the fair’s website, the deadline to reg-

ister for the demolition derby letcountyfair.com/ is July 25, by Bathke said they would accept entries until Reach reporter Alex Kerkman Aug 1. For more informa- at akerkman@lecenter.com or on tion on the demolition derby, Twitter @LCLalex2. visit the Nicollet County Fair website at http://www.nicol-

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NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Nicollet County Fair dates back to 1860s

By DANA MELIUS

dmelius@stpeterherald.com

The 2015 version of the Nicollet County Fair runs Aug.5-9, but ask Bob Sandeen what year this represents in the fair’s history and even he scratches his head a bit.

Sandeen, collections manager at the Nicollet County Historical Society, is the go-to man for anything historical in these parts. And in a recent visit, he plops a wooden yardstick on the table, with engravings celebrating the fair’s centennial in 1971. However, conflicting historical data puts that 1871 inception in question, Sandeen admits.

Late 1800 newspaper accounts suggest the first Nicollet County Fair debuted in Oct. 1870, as does research performed by volunteer historians Eileen Holz and Joni Anderson. Sandeen believes the centennial year may have been pushed ahead a year due to the cancellation of the 1946 fair due to a “polio threat,” as a St. Peter Herald article stated.

But other early newspaper accounts and research might point to other reasons. Fairs throughout Nicollet County go back into the 1860s, but none were formally considered the true county fair. The Nicollet County Agricultural Society, which eventually would formalize the establishment of the county fair, organized in 1860, suggesting a willingness to create a structured event.

The 1871 Nicollet County Fair, held in St. Peter, might also have been more significant than a year earlier in both organization and stature, with an appearance by then Minnesota Gov. Horace Austin.

There might also have been some parochialism and county fair turf wars in the late 1800s.

In 1874, the official Nicollet

County Fair was moved to the town of Nicollet, and featured a “gentleman’s foot race” between congressional candidates C.R. “Charley” Davis and Judge Henry “Hank” Moll. It didn’t stay long at Nicollet, as a Driving Park Association organized and helped prompt a move back to St. Peter.

In 1889, fair buildings were moved to a new site, the current location of the Nicollet County Fair in St. Peter.

From research files, it appears as if the 1950 Nicollet County Fair might have topped others in attendance, with an This early 1900s photo shows the old grandstand area and harness racers ready on the oval track at the Nicollet County Fair. estimated 12,000 people. But (Photo courtesy of the Nicollet County Historical Society) there have been other sigyears later, possibly seeing the years, car racing and harness throughout the nation in celnificant highlights, including open.

In 1919, the Nicollet County writing on the wall, the fair racing became huge attractions. ebrating the nation’s bi-cententhe devastating 1998 tornado, And in 1976, the Nicol- nial with a special pageant and which destroyed 13 buildings Agricultural Society reorga- pitched a rural school exhibit.

And throughout the ensuing let County Fair joined others numerous patriotic events. nized and incorporated.

Th ree on the fairgrounds and damaged the others.

Other news nuggets of past Nicollet County Fairs In 1990, newspaper accounts suggest “the show this year is to be one of the biggest things ever held in the valley.” It included the first creamery butter contest and circus entertainers, as “this • Happy Hour: M-F, 3-6 Ü Half price pints! troupe of high divers, glove • Lunch & Dinner Specials from 11 am -11 pm performers, trapeze artists and acrobats.”

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NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

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NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Since

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We have seen a lot of changes!

Photos courtesy of the Nicollet County Historical Society and Nicollet County Bank

Nicollet County Bank is proud to have served the St. Peter community for 132 years! www.nicolletcountybank.com

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