By Lori Ehde
The Rock County Fair started Wednesday for 4-H and open class participants, and today is the official kick-off for exhibits, events and midway rides.
According to Fair Board Treasurer Scott Beers, several new attractions are lined up this year for the annual event.
He said history buffs and farm professionals will particularly enjoy the "Trailing the Farm" display Friday and Saturday.
The 24-foot air-conditioned trailer will feature miniature farm equipment from the 1950s and Ô60s compared with a miniature modern farm operation.
The exhibit, which is free to the public, will be south of the Commercial Building from noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Another new display comes to the fair courtesy of Luverne's Ed Woodley. The "Hit and Miss" small engine Display will be under the tent from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Midway entertainment this year will be provided by Midwest Rides from Golden Valley. The operation offers a new wristband promotion for Saturday afternoon. For a set amount (not available at this printing), fair-goers can enjoy unlimited rides from 1 to 5 p.m. "I guess you can ride 'til you throw up," Beers joked.
New to the beer garden this year will be Kristy's Rockets, performing from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. Kelly Demuth, owner of Kelly's Roadhouse Bar, Hills, is the band leader.
New grandstand entertainment this year will be the Garden Tractor Pull, sponsored by Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Cooperative. Participants can register just prior to the event, which starts at 7 p.m. Friday.
Thursday night grandstand entertainment is the Johnny Holm Show, which will make its third appearance at the Rock County Fair.
Enduro Races are scheduled for Saturday's grandstand event. As of Monday, 42 racers had signed up. According to Beers, that's more than he's ever had pre-registered six days prior to the event.
In addition to snow cones, ice cream, cotton candy and corn dogs, fair diners can also enjoy nightly meals from the 4-H eat stand.
The Rock-Nobles Cattleman's Association will sponsor a beef feed at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Rock County Pork Producers' pork feed will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
See Monday's Announcer for a complete listing of Rock County Fair activities.