Steele County Free Fair

I realize a number of kids will attain their initial first place finish at this year's Steele County Free Fair. However, just a couple of weeks ago, young Bailey was in tears. She competed for the first time in a fair. At the Freeborn County fair, her horse Lu got in a stubborn streak and wouldn't do anything...

Steele County Fair Marketing Director Todd Hale reports that an all-time record was set this year for Mega Ride ticket sales with 5,477 for the all-you-can-ride wristbands.

One of the new vendors at this year's Steele County Free Fair features cast aluminum figures, which are then painted and or bronzed. Curt, the vendor, hales from Windom and has been doing this for a number of years. A friend of his casts the creations and Curt does the painting and bronzing...

The Steele County Free Fair is off to a hot start Vendors and exhibitors were putting the finishing touches up on their booths Tuesday, and making sure the power was connected and functioning properly. Ride operators also were scurrying around, setting up the finishing touches on their rides, ensuring they worked properly before the first kids lined up for the thrills...

Even before the Steele County Free Fair officially opened on Tuesday, the Equine and Livestock Halls of Fame honored their newest members.

As I wandered through the animal barns Tuesday at the Steele County Free Fair, I talked to some first-year 4-H members and a few who are in their closing days of 4-H.

One of the new vendors at this year's Steele County Free Fair is Jersey Jo's. Joe hails from New Jersey and resides in Rochester. His menu at the fair includes Philly cheese steaks, burgers and deli subs. Joe also operates a family restaurant off Second Street near St...

In addition to the latest innovations and equipment available to farmers, classic tractors will be on display at the Village of Yesteryear during the Steele County Fair.

For those who wish to ride as many rides as possible at the Steele County Fair, the Mega Ride ticket is the best option. But other ride specials are offered each day.

The fun begins Tuesday at the Steele County Fairgrounds. There will be two Hall of Fame inductions Tuesday afternoon. The Equine Hall of Fame takes place at 12:30PM in the Show Arena with the Sheriff's Posse this year's honorees. At 2PM in the Show Arena, Mark Ihlenfeld will be inducted into the Livestock Hall of Fame...