This week is bound to be a fun one as the Polk County Fair kicks off in Fertile. Going from Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5, the fair returns with not only familiar events and exhibits from years past, but along with a number of new things as well. Be sure to take the entire family, because every day has something new and for everyone.
Wednesday at the fair includes a performance by Ashlee Hewitt, a Nashville Star contestant, which will be held in the grandstand. The Minnesota native begins her show at 7:30 p.m., and admission is $10 for adults, $5 for 12 and under. You can also sample the area's chocolates at the Chocolate Contest. Judging begins at 7 p.m. with sampling to follow. There is also All-Star Karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight and free for all ages. This is sure to be a fun venue for anyone up and coming kid-stars and an opportunity for parents to belt out "Changes" by David Bowie. The Midway opens at 7 p.m., and don't forget to bring your open class entries between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m..
Thursday, bring your kids out for a chance to win a Bike Raffle. Tickets can be bought anytime before the 4 p.m. drawing at the grandstand, and kids 12 and under are eligible. One boys bike and one girls bike will be given out daily, sponsored by area businesses. The kids can also enjoy the Kiddie Calf/Lamb Show at 4:30 p.m. near the cattle barn. Kindergartners and younger can bring in there calves of any breed under 5 months of age. There is no entry fee but pre-registration is required, and animals need to be brought and taken home on the same day. The Midway opens at 4 p.m. and a Talent Show will be in front of the Grandstand at 7 p.m. Competing classes will be in the age groups of Pre-Teen, Teen, and Open Class. Admission is $5, or free for kids 12 and under. Be sure to check out the Battle of the Bands at the Free Stage starting at 9 p.m. that night. Watch as area bands duke it out for cash prizes totaling $750.
Friday begins with the Midway opening at 1 p.m.. The Senior Program "Pembina Trail" starts at 2 p.m. and Greg Hager, a country and western musician will perform at 3:15 and 5:15 p.m. at the free stage. Boys and Girls ages 4 through 11 can compete in the Kid's Pedal Pull in front of the grandstand at 4:15 p.m.. The first and second place winners are eligible to compete in a state competition in September. No entry fee is required for the pedal pull. Check out the Motocross at the grandstand at 7 p.m. that evening. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Also at 7 will be Sean Emery Comic Juggling at the free stage.
Saturday will the fair sponsoring a Fourth of July Community Parade at 10 a.m.. The parade route will be marked in Fertile. The Midway opens at noon, and shortly after will be the 4-H Fashion Review at 1 p.m. and Bingo in the grandstand at 2 p.m.. Bingo tickets good for two cards can be purchased in advance for $3 at Fertile businesses or at Eagle Drug in Crookston. Free stage entertainment includes Bill Isles at 2:30 and 6, Penny & Pals at 4:15 for young children, and the Woodpicks at 7 p.m.. The Super Demo Derby will be at the grandstand at 7 p.m., and admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under.
Sunday begins with an Ecumenical Worship Service at 10 a.m. in the grandstand, welcoming everyone at the fair to worship. The Midway opens at noon, and the Horse Pull begins at 1 p.m.. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. Magician and ventriloquist Kalvin Saline will perform at the free stage at both 1 and 3:45 p.m., with the Overtones and Four Wheel Drive performing later at 4:30 and 7 p.m. respectively. There will be an Amphibian and Reptile Show at the free stage as well at 3 p.m.. The Second Annual Polk County Fair Baja Race will begin at 6 p.m. at the grandstand, admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. The final night ends with fireworks starting at 10 p.m..
Crookston —
