There's a new gun in town at the fair
From log rolling to the pig races to the wild, wild west.
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A person never knows what they're going to see at the Crow Wing County Fair each year. And the fair organizers like it this way.
"Fair organizers have always tried to get something fresh at the fair each year," said Stephen Hesse, the new Crow Wing County Fair general manager. "We don't want it to become the same old fair where it'd get stale. We try to find new things that'll please the crowds."
There is always daily entertainment, but each year it's a different act. Two years ago, there were log-rolling demonstrations. Last year, there were pig races. This year, Bob Hamm, a national gun twirling champion, will perform "The Greatest Show from the Old West."
Historic buildings at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds were cleaned out and readied for the start of the fair on Tuesday. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey» Purchase reprints of this photo.
Hamm will perform "Cowboy Fun" five times a day at the fair, which opens Tuesday and ends Saturday. He'll perform at 11 a.m. and at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. on the main grounds, south of the administration and 4-H buildings in the grassy area where the pig races were conducted last year.
According to Hamm's Web site, his show offers "Fast and Flashy" world-class, cowboy fun for everyone, performed at an unprecedented skill level you must see to believe. Hamm has received highly enthusiastic audience response and fantastic show performance reviews nationwide.
Board president Dan Thesing hired Hamm because he had a different act that has never been at the fair. Thesing said he's hoping that Hamm's performance will be a hit.
Hesse said, "I don't think a lot of people have seen a Wild West show before, along with the gun tricks, so this should be a treat. His show includes audience participation so that should be fun ... And to top it off it's free."
Vendors and employees started arriving last week on the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds to begin preparations for the fair, which opens Tuesday. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey» Purchase reprints of this photo.
Another new thing at the fair this year, Hesse said has been planned to help the fair bring in more revenue. On Tuesday night during the Demolition Derby, residents can purchase a $10 raffle ticket for two chances to run a car in the derby. Hesse said there will be two classes and there will be one lucky winner in each class. Hesse said residents have to be at least 18 or older and they have to sign a waiver in order to participate.
Another new draw at the fair will be the garden tractor pull from noon to 4 p.m. Friday on Mills Free Stage. Hesse said people may enter anything from their garden tractor to riding lawn mower to their all-terrain vehicle. There is a $10 entry fee for the pull.
Hesse said the Brainerd Kennel Club for the first time will put on a dog show at 10:30 a.m. Friday in front of Mills Free Stage.
Shuttered buildings last week were soon opened and prepared for the coming Crow Wing County Fair. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey» Purchase reprints of this photo.
And of course, Hesse said there will be many of the same, exciting things happening at the fair. People will be able to see close to 100 exhibits, get to purchase their favorite fair food of cheese curds or a bag of fresh mini-doughnuts and see all the farm animals or have their child ride a pony.
There will be free entertainment each night on the Mills Free Stage, including a variety of music from country to rock. There also will be nightly grandstand events, including motocross and Baja Rally races.
Extreme Bull Riding will be back, featured Saturday night as the finale to the fair.
"So just come out and visit the fair," Hesse said. "It should be a good fair and everyone will enjoy it."
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.