Seven days of family-friendly fun can be found at this year's Olmsted County Free Fair.
"We kick off Monday, but Tuesday's the day kids will really be excited about — it's when the midway rides open (at 5 p.m.)," said Terry Leary, fair board president. "Tuesday (at noon) is also when all 41 food vendors will be up and open for business. We cut the number of food vendors in half a few years ago, went to mostly local vendors and eliminated a lot of the duplication. There's a real variety of great food this year."
In between the food and the rides, there's live entertainment in the grandstand, including a tractor pull, bull riding, demolition derby, and also on the free entertainment stage.
"We have live music on the free entertainment stage Tuesday through Sunday. We've also got K-9 demonstrations, a magic show and the talent show," Leary said. "New this year, we've added Seasons Hospice's miniature certified therapy horses. Tuesday at noon there will be a mini horse fashion show. It'll be just like a real fashion show. The horses will be dressed up, walking the runway. There will be music, commentary. If you miss them Tuesday, they'll be back on Wednesday (11:30 a.m.) and then again on Friday (3 p.m.)."
And of course, you can't miss the animals. In addition to full-grown 4-H, FFA, and open class horses, cows and rabbits in the animal barns, families can check out just-born baby animals in the fair's Miracle of Birth Center.
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"Chickens are back at this year's Miracle of Birth Center," said Leary, noting that the birds make their return after being absent from the fair last year due to the avian influenza virus. "Families will also find baby cows, sheep and pigs. Every year the fair grows. There are always favorites like the Miracle of Birth Center, but we're also always adding new things to see and do."
Admission is free. On-site parking is $5.
