Posted: 7/14/04
By MaryHelen Swanson
You really know youíre knee-deep in summer when the Chisago County Fair opens its gates.
This is the 132nd year. Thatís a lot of pickled beets, tractor pulls, corn dogs, horse shows, carnival rides and friendly getting together. It all happens in Rush City. The five days of activities should offer something for all ages.
Kids will love to pet the animals at the Petting Zoo which opens Thursday at 10 a.m. You never know what kind of soft, furry critters youíll find. Last year baby goats were born just as the fair was getting set up.
Of course, the kids (human) will love the rides at the carnival, the free Kidsí Day Games for ages 10 and under Saturday at 10 a.m., the pedal pull Saturday at 1 p.m. (ages 4-11) and the big county fair parade Sunday at 1 p.m.
But Grandma and Grandpa will enjoy the fair, too. With fond memories of past fairs, they will look forward to their favorites such as corn dogs and foot-long hot dogs, the exhibits at the home building, and the memories at the historical society building.
4-H parents will be busy seeing that their youngsters and their projects get to the judges on time, that the white shirts are washed and pressed, and that tack boxes are ready to go for a full five-day adventure.
Teens will be excited to meet their friends on the midway where they can just ìhang outî or try one of the games of chance, or ìskillî as the case might be.
Stop by the commercial buildings for an assortment of business and organizational booths or to bend the ear of a politician.
The Chisago fair has animal judging - 4-H and open - demonstrations, presentations and three days of horse shows.
What would our fair be without terrific grandstand events. The fun starts Thursday night with the return of the Moto Cross races at 7 p.m. There will be two demolition derbies: one Friday night and one Saturday night, both at 7 p.m.
On Sunday thereís an antique tractor pull at 4 p.m. followed by the regular tractor pull.
Come see the local talent Thursday night at 7 p.m. on stage by the animal barns. Who will represent Chisago County at the the state fair competition?
Parking on the grounds is $2 per day or a $5 pass for the weekend.
The Chisago County Fair will be here and gone before you can say ìcheese curds, please,î so plan now to enjoy some or all of the fun. It only comes once a year.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com