By Charlene Corson Selbee
Fillmore County’s farming heritage comes alive each year as seen through the eyes of the county’s youth.
The 167 annual Fillmore County Fair is July 21-26, in Preston, Minn.
One lifelong fairgoer emphasized, “The fair is all about the kids.” They emphasized the importance of visiting the kids’ exhibits, watching the livestock shows, cheering on horse events, and attending the livestock auction where the youth sell their animals.
No visit is complete without a stop at the 4-H food stand where you can choose from a menu of sausage breakfast sandwich, breakfast plate, hamburger, cheeseburger, meal deal (burger, milk and chips), walking taco, ham and cheese sandwich, turkey and cheese sandwich, hot dog, nacho, nacho grande, grilled cheese, French fries, chips, cinnamon roll, milk, coffee, water, and Pepsi products. All proceeds support the Fillmore County 4-H program.
While there may not be a traditional midway this year, the fair board has created a wide selection of fun activities for kids of all ages – including free bounce houses, bungee trampolines, laser tag, pony rides, Chatfield FFA Little Farm Hands, Kids Pedal Pull, Comedy Magic Show, and Western Shooting Gallery.
Older attendees will find plenty to enjoy as well. Traditional West End Contests take place each day of the fair at either 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
• Wednesday: Lego Contest, Chili Contest
• Thursday: Jenga Block Building Contest, Apple Pie Contest
• Friday: Trash to Treasure Contest, Cinnamon Rolls Contest
• Saturday: Wood Pallet Reuse Contest, Chocolate Chip Cookies Contest
Adults can also take in the action-packed Ranch Rodeo on Wednesday, July 23, Tractor Pull on Thursday, July 24, and the T&C Rodeo on Friday, July 25 featuring: Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Over 40 Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Mixed Team Roping, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Girls Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and the entertaining Shirt the Calf and Mutton Busting events.
Don’t miss the Demo Derby on Saturday, July 26, as well as the lawnmower competitions.
Enjoy live music on the Poet Stage, and live entertainment in the beer barn, including performances by Matt Cherokee, Melissa Schulz, Dueling Pianos, Unhinged, and The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band.
Shop local at the West End vendor show – a great place to find unique items and handmade goods.
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
• July 22, Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.
• July 24-26, Nordic Fest, Decorah, Iowa
• July 25-27, Houston Hoedown Days, Houston, Minn.
• July 26, Music on the Bluffs, Whalan, Minn.
• July 26, Engelhart Performance Car Show, Rushford, Minn.
• July 27, Music in the Bandstand, Peterson, Minn.
• July 31-August 3, Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.
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.
