Fair offers new and old

On the surface, fairs are all about tasty treats, games and exhibits.
But the real work on the Northern Minnesota District Fair in Littlefork began many months ago as fair board members began planning, 4-Hers started projects and vendors scheduled time for the event.
The 87th Annual Northern Minnesota District Fair opened Thursday, but truly kicks off today with a variety of attractions and events. The traditional favorites of fairgoers — the animal exhibits and shows, mud runs, and food stands — will remain the same or similar to previous years.
But this year’s fair will also offer several new attractions, among them gigantic inflatable games and entertainment. And for the first time, the fair will offer a special area for younger kids called “Kiddie Island” where they can spend up to one hour, for a small fee, having fun in new attractions.
Parents may notice that this year’s fair may be more affordable than in previous years. These new kids events will cost $1 or $2. And a number of free events will add to the fun. Free events include the giant screen showing of “Shrek the Third” at dusk tonight and the horse show and National Barrel Horse Association barrel racing on Saturday. Of course the 4-H dog show scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday is free, as is a Saturday performance by “Grandpa Magic”, among other things.
And there are things for the more adventurous among us. Local people are invited to take part in several categories offered at the mud runs; the oval races invite drivers age 16 and older; and the kids pedal tractor pull at noon Sunday offers challenges for people ages 4-11.
Just the sights and sounds of the fair are well worth attendance. The smiles of youngsters who get a blue ribbon for the animal they raised and the smells of the food wafting from one of the many places to get food conjure memories of fairs gone by.
The new format, combined with old favorites, offered by the this year’s fair ought to be experienced.