By Rich Larson
The Rice County Fair opens at 1 p.m. Wednesday with a flag ceremony by the American Legion, kicking off five days of entertainment, livestock exhibits, carnival rides, food and grandstand events at the Rice County Fairgrounds in Faribault. The fair runs through Sunday and traces its roots back more than 150 years, making this year’s event the 154th Rice County Fair, according to Fair Manager Peter Van Sluis.
While the midway and grandstand attractions draw crowds, Van Sluis said the fair’s agricultural heritage remains its foundation. Eight barns will be filled with livestock, and visitors can watch judging throughout the week, including swine, beef, goats, rabbits, poultry and horses. “That’s how it started,” Van Sluis said. “It’s the livestock.”
This year’s fair features about 40 food vendors, including newcomers Kona Ice and Kona Coffee, alongside returning favorites. Indoor exhibitors range from home improvement companies and community organizations to a free face-painting booth and a giant Declaration of Independence display commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
Grandstand action begins Wednesday night with IMCA racing. Thursday introduces a new free attraction, Sustainable Safari, featuring animal shows and alligator wrestling demonstrations at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Friday’s lineup includes Big Air ATV and motorcycle stunt performers. Saturday features a free antique tractor pull in the morning and a traditional tractor pull at night, while Sunday wraps up with Enduro races.
Free entertainment can be found throughout the grounds. Musical acts include Melissa Schultz and Jolly Peace, the Whitesidewalls, Sherwin Linton, Indigo Moon and others. Visitors will also find juggling, magic shows, fire dancing, roaming entertainment, free mini golf, bingo and performances from local dance groups.
New this year is a dunk tank featuring local law enforcement officers, school officials and community leaders.
Van Sluis emphasized that the fair is powered by volunteers and partnerships. More than 150 volunteers, a 30-plus-member fair board and numerous sponsors help make the event possible.
Fair hours are 10am to 10pm Thursday through Saturday. The fair will wrap up onSunday at 7pm..
Complete schedules and admission information are available at the Rice County Fair website at ricecountyfair.net
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net.
