Organizers are calling this year’s Washington County Fair “bigger and better than ever.” That may be true, if you consider the latest (and sizable) addition to the entertainment lineup: monster trucks.
In fact, the 2014 fair, which begins Wednesday, is full of motorized “thrill shows,” said fair manager Dorie Ostertag.
There’s the demolition derby (a returning event), tractor and truck pulls, a truck see-saw, BMX jump demonstrations and an ATV “big air” show.
But fret not, the fair mainstays will be there, too: 4-H exhibits and animals, pig races, law enforcement K-9 demonstrations, draft horses, local vendors, food, carnival rides, the talent show and live music.
“We’ve got pretty much everything the State Fair has, except you can see things and actually eat food without standing in line for hours,” Ostertag said. “We still want to keep the old-fashioned fair feel going. … That’s our goal, to keep it a family-friendly fair.
“We also try to bring in new things every year and keep it fun and keep it exciting, so you want to come back.”
The Washington County Fair is now in its 143rd year. The cost of admission has remained at $7 for years, parking is always free and the event is the result of many volunteer hours.
Not only is the event organized by locals, it’s a proud display of the work, food and talents of the locals.
“We try to keep things local. We put out press releases looking for vendors and exhibitors in the local papers. We kind of promote our own here,” Ostertag said. “I want to thank everyone who does something for the fair and who is a part of the fair. Without them, we wouldn’t be around. The support for us is fantastic.”
Elizabeth Mohr can be reached at 651-228-5162. Follow her at twitter.com/LizMohr.
IF YOU GO
What: 143rd annual Washington County Fair
Where: County fairgrounds, east of Minnesota 5 and Manning Avenue in Baytown Township
When: Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 7 a.m., buildings open at 10 a.m.
Cost: $7 for adults, $4 for ages 6 to 15
More information: washingtoncountyfair.org
