Another successful county fair

Robin Dulas, secretary treasurer for the Waseca County Fair, says she’s always saddened when the fun is over. “I’d rather go to the fair for another day than go back to work,” she jokes.

 

“We spend all those months choosing and planning the various events, it’s really exciting to be there watching it all happen.”

 

In reviewing the 2024 county fair, Dulas estimates attendance was probably slightly lower than last year’s 20,000: The weekend’s high temperatures and hot sun, she speculated, kept many people from going outdoors.

 

Planning for the annual fair begins already in July or August of the previous year. “We’re not afraid to try things and see how they go,” says Dulas. 

 

New this year was “Dock Dogs,” a canine competition which ranks dogs for their speed, distance or height as they leap into a 30-foot long tank of water to retrieve an object. Set up in the central area among the buildings, the attraction was very busy. “Even with four shows a day,” Dulas observes, “their [spectator] bleachers were full every time.”

 

Also new for 2024 was dividing demolition derby competitions in the grandstand across two evenings. “We have had requests to do that,” Dulas explains. “This way, instead of finishing at 10 or 10:30, the show is over at about 8:30 or 9:00, which gives people time to enjoy other attractions at the fair.

 

“It also makes it easier for families with younger children.”

 

Now that the two-night format has been tried, Dulas comments, fair board members will discuss whether it’s something they wish to continue.

 

Dulas mentions the performances of Poppa Bear Norton and the teen band Blue Dirt Road as having been particularly well attended. Though few fairgoers are likely to have noticed, Dulas said the carnival rides were brought in by a different company this year, and so fair board members will be evaluating their satisfaction with the services it offered.

 

A heritage event this year was a photograph taken by showcased photographer R.J. Kerns. In addition to having a display and various presentations throughout the fair, Kern encouraged fairgoers and animal caretakers to arrange themselves and their animals on the green plaza centered among the fair buildings. From the height of a lift truck, he took a stylized photo meant to represent the community atmosphere of the fair; a poster-sized proof of the photo was presented to the fair board. Kern also gave demonstrations using a century-old camera and chemical photo development.

 

Dulas mentioned the performers on the free stage are selected to provide variety and family-oriented entertainment; fair board members often arrange for those groups and individuals during a convention in January, at which the various performers demonstrate elements of their shows and offer contracts.