The 113th annual Wadena County Fair begins Thursday (today) and features lots of fun family events. The gate admission to the fair is free.
Fran Kueker, Ag Society president, said one of the exciting new events this year is the Extreme 4x4 Challenge. It is the grand stand event and features an obstacle course and mud pit for trucks.
"I think that should be something really good," Kueker said.
The race features three classes divided by tire size including stock, mod, and open. Registration for the 1 p.m. race on Sunday, July 30 begins at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $25 and $10 for following classes.
Another big event this year is the Battle of the Bands. Tim Nolte, Ag Society Vice President, said this year's competition includes eight bands from across the region. He said bands from the Menahga, Brainerd, Hinkley and Baxter areas are confirmed for the 6 p.m. show Saturday. The competing bands are required to have an average age of 19 years old.
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The top prize for the winning band this year is a $1,000 gift certificate courtesy of Bridge of Harmony music store in Brainerd. Cash prizes totalling $600 will be divided up between the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers.
The owners of Wadena County's ugliest clothes will compete for cash prizes during the ugly boot contest, ugly bridesmaid dress contest and ugly hat contest at 7:30 Thursday night. Kueker said it is one of the fun new events this year.
Other fair events include:
Thursday
- 4-H General Livestock Show beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Show Arena.
- Activities for children ages 3-8 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Family Fun Center.
- 4-H Poultry Show at 2 p.m. in the Show Arena.
- Nitrate testing clinic from 2-6 p.m. in the New Ideas Building.
- Coin Scramble at 4 p.m. in the Family Fun Center.
- 4-H Rabbit Show at 5 p.m. in the Show Arena.
- Activities for children ages 3-8 from 6-7 p.m. in the Family Fun Center.
- Bed races for cash prizes at 7 p.m.
- Ugly boot, ugly bridesmaid dress, ugly hat contest for cash prizes at 7:30 p.m. on the Outdoor Stage.
Friday
- 4-H Goat Show at 8:30 a.m. in the Show Arena.
- 4-H Dairy Show following the Goat Show in the Show Arena.
- 4-H Open Dairy Show following the Dairy Show in the Show Arena.
- Activities for children ages 3-8 from 2-4 p.m. in the Family Fun Center.
- Face painting from 2-4 p.m. in the Family Fun Center.
- Coin Scramble for ages 6-12 from 2-5 p.m. in the Family Fun Center.
- 4-H demonstrations at 4 p.m. in the 4-H building.
- A Fair Pet Parade from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Dairy Barn sponsored by Pets Abandoned Wanting Support. Categories for Wadena County's most fashionable pets include Best Costume, Best Group Theme, Best Individual Costume 16 years and up, and Best Individual Costume 15 years of age and younger.
- Water Fights at 5 p.m. Pre-register at Administration Building by 11 a.m.
- Enduro race at 6 p.m. at the Grandstand. Admission is $7 at the gate and $3 for ages 12 and under.
- Fashion Revue at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Stage.
- Share the Fun at 7:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Stage.
- Texas Hold 'em at 8 p.m.
Saturday
- Open Horse Show at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Arena.
- 4-H Dog Obedience and Agility Show at the 9 a.m. at the Show Arena.
- 4-H Pride Auction Show at 1:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Arena.
- Activities for children ages 3-8 from 2-4 p.m. at the Family Fun Center.
- Kids Pedal Pull at 4 p.m. Register on site.
- Coin Scramble for children ages 6-12 from 4-5 p.m. at the Family Fun Center.
- Tractor, Truck and Semi Pull at 6 p.m. at the Grandstand.
- Activities for children ages 3-8 from 6-7 p.m. at the Family Fun Center.
- Battle of the Bands at 6 p.m.
- Open Talent Contest at 7:30 p.m.
- Texas Hold 'em at 8 p.m.
Sunday
- Midway specials from noon to 4 p.m.
- Mud Volleyball at 1 p.m. Top team wins $100.
- 4x4 Extreme Challenge at 1 p.m. at the Grandstand. Admission is $7 at the gate and $3 for children 12 and under.
