Wadena County Fair planning is under way with several new events being planned and some old events such as bed races and mud volleyball returning.
The fair will be July 27-30, a Thursday through Sunday, said Fran Kueker, fair board president. The date was set after deciding to sign on Premier Carnival from Dalton as this years carnival group. This has been the same carnival for the past few years.
Were looking for bigger rides this year, Kueker said.
But the rides havent been decided yet. Bigger rides might not be possible because of power available at the fairgrounds, Kueker said.
Last year, the fair days were changed from Wednesday through Saturday to Thursday through Sunday. This year, the fair board decided to continue with Thursday through Sunday but Sundays could change depending on whether people attend the fair that day, Kueker said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Battle of the Bands will be part of the events again this year and the fair board has been working with people from Brainerd to increase participation. The hope is to have bands play each night of the fair, Kueker said. The top prize will be a $1,000 gift certificate to Bridge of Harmony, a music store in Brainerd. Another $600 worth of prizes will be given away to other participants.
Some events will be the same, such as the pet parade, tug of war, mud volleyball and water fights, Kueker said. The fair board will add new events as well but hasnt finalized decisions.
The board is still working on premiums, but those could go back to the way they used to be paid, Kueker said. Last year premiums equaled entry fees. Depending on business sponsors, the premiums could be more this year, she said.
Overall, the fair board is doing better financially, Kueker said. Last year, a director position was cut because of financial reasons.
This year we can set aside some money, Kueker said.
Some events are still in the works and the fair board is planning more for kid and family events. The mud volleyball attracted a wide range of ages, from 2 to 82, Kueker said. That was the main event on the last day of the fair last year.
Another possible event is a pie baking contest. The fair had a pie baking contest a few years ago and the fair board would like to bring it back, Kueker said.
Grandstand events are being finalized. The tractor pull will be on Saturday and other days arent finalized.
ADVERTISEMENT
