Officials at next week’s Rock County Fair want a record number of exhibits to fill the open class divisions.
Anyone from toddlers to senior citizens can enter items in 21 separate classes that award ribbons and small premiums to those who participate.
“It’s fun,” said 9-year-old Madison Hansen, who plans to bring a creative arts project she made in school.
Her sister, Meagan Hansen, 14, said she uses the fair to expand her summer learning.
“It’s really nice to see what everyone else does,” she said. “If I don’t win this year, I try to do better next year.”
There is no limit to the number of projects a single exhibitor can bring to the fairgrounds in Luverne, but don’t wait for the last minute to enter.
Open class superintendents Twila Walker and Lynette Jauert recommend bringing eligible exhibits Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. to avoid waiting in line.
Those wanting to enter food, flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables may want to wait until Wednesday’s entry day from 3 to 7 p.m. to keep items as fresh as possible.
Either way, no project would be turned away. “We will find a spot for it,” Walker said.
The superintendents expect at least 1,000 items in the Ida Reverts Memorial Hall but are preparing for 1,600, the largest number recorded by the late building superintendent Ida Reverts.
Jauert assisted Reverts since the early 1990s. Since Reverts’ death in 2012, she and Walker have taken the lead and have noticed weather will determine entry numbers.
“If it rains on entry day, numbers are down significantly,” Jauert said.
To entice the public to make entries on Monday, open class registration can park at the building’s north entrance. On Wednesday, the entrance is closed for 4-H livestock entry day and midway setup.
Jauert also recommends reading the fair’s premium book and following its printed directions. Some projects and divisions have specific requirements such as the number of vegetables.
Following directions increases the chance for a champion ribbon. Following directions will also make the entry process smoother.
“If exhibitors do a little work at home and fill out the back page of the premium book, entry goes incredibly fast,” she said.
Open class exhibits are displayed until 9 p.m. Saturday, July 30.
The Rock County Fair opens Wednesday, July 27, with the 4-H poultry show at 6 p.m. followed by rabbits at 7:30 p.m.
The talent show is at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Palace Theatre.
Thursday, July 28, opens with a series of livestock shows beginning with swine at 8 a.m., dairy at 11 a.m., goats at 2 p.m. and sheep at 3:30 p.m.
The beef feed begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with the grandstand event, Salute to Agriculture speedway races, at 7 p.m.
Livestock shows continue Friday, July 29, with beef at 8 a.m., horse training at 10 a.m., horse showmanship and open class beef at 10:30 a.m., pleasure show at noon, pet show at 4:30 p.m. and fashion revue at 6 p.m.
The pork feed begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the 8 p.m. tractor parade and 9 p.m. performance of the Badlands House Band.
Saturday concludes the fair’s last day with the ribbon auction at 9 a.m., games show at 11 a.m., kids pedal pull at 2 p.m., historical tours at the Fitzer barn at 3 p.m., premier showman at 4 p.m. and parade of champions at 6 p.m.
The enduro race begins at 7 p.m., Saturday.