Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
By Charlene Corson Selbee
Celebrate 165 years of tradition, food, entertainment, and exhibits at the 2023 Fillmore County Fair, July 17-23. The fairgrounds is located just minutes west of Hwy. 52 in Preston.
Food is one of the top reasons fairgoers attend county fairs. Food, especially fair food, challenges all five senses.
Whether it is a bag of fluffy sticky sweet cotton candy, grilled burger, gigantic turkey leg, curly fries, fried cheese curds, walking tacos, ice cream, pie, or pork chops you are bound to find your favorite at this year’s fair.
The 4-H stand not only offers a menu of hearty Mmidwestern food, but the annual fundraiser supports the county 4-H program. The kids provide exceptional service.
Follow the smell of barbeque to the KCBS sanctioned BBQ Cook Off, Saturday, July 22, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. featuring chicken and ribs. 15 teams are competing for the title of grand champion. Take time on late Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to chat with the competitors. You just might find out what their secret ingredient is.
What is a fair without food contests? West End contests include the Minnesota hot dish competition on Wednesday, the apple pie contest on Thursday, and the chocolate chip cookie contest on Friday.
The beer garden is open during the fair from 11 a.m. to midnight. The Dueling Pianos, Trouble Shooter, Red Letter Band, or Rustic Moon will be performing in the beer garden throughout the week.
Grandstand entertainment includes the ranch rodeo on Wednesday night, tractor pull on Thursday night, the T&C rodeo on Friday night, and the grand finale on Saturday night is the demolition derby.
Tuesday night at 7 p.m. is church night, featuring the Rev. Mark Woodward, Maple Leaf Parish United Methodist Church. Sister Luv will be performing. Local food vendors will be available. Free will donation benefits the Preston Area Food Shelf.
On Sunday morning, July 23, the annual “Pay it Forward” benefit breakfast sponsored by B&B Bowl of Preston benefits the family of Beth and David Anderson.
Other Bluff County celebrations that are happening this week:
• July 18 – Music in the Park, Caledonia
• July 19-23 – Floyd County Fair, Charles City, Iowa
• July 19-23 – Allamakee County Fair, Waukon, Iowa
• July 21 – Party in the Park, Charles City, Iowa
• July 23 – Music in the Bandshell, Peterson
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
