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August 18, 1999
Brown County Fair set to kick off ThursdayHorses and horseshoes, big trucks and tunes, organizers plan something for everyoneBy ERIC SERRANO Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- From monster tunes to monster trucks, Brown County Fair officials are hoping they've lined up sufficient attractions to please anybody who takes in the more than 130-year-old event. "We really made an effort to be done early, ... to have the activities and entertainment nailed down (by early in the year)," Brown County Ag Society President Renee Retzlaff said. "I think we've done a pretty good job of finding something for everyone." Retzlaff said two of the Aug. 19-22 fair's newest attractions, an off-road "tough trucks" race -- complete with a chance for local, amateur drivers to compete -- and a pair of teen dances with live music from two local bands are expected to draw sizable crowds. "The off-road trucks are the same ones that race on ESPN, that make trips to the (Metro) Dome in the winter. They are trying to build up a summer circuit, and thought New Ulm would be a good place to be." she said. "They will also have an open street class for anyone who wants to enter, with a 100 percent payback on the entry fee." Those interested in taking part in the race can register by calling 354-2223. The novelty of off-road racing isn't expected to overshadow one of the fair's biggest attractions -- the Saturday evening Demolition Derby. "We listened to all of the derby's loyal fans, and we've added 600 seats to the event," Retzlaff said. "We had lots of complaints about the close quarters in previous years, now everyone won't have to feel like a sardine." Jugglers, magicians, and musicians will all put their talents on display for fairgoers under the beer tent, variety tent, and the Ag tent. Highlighting the fair's Thursday and Saturday entertainment will be an 8 p.m. to midnight teen dance featuring New Ulm's Edibles and the Sleepy Eye ensemble First Avenue. "It's something new we added this year as well," Retzlaff said of the dances. "We think the younger fairgoers needed something else to bring them out to the fair... that its something they will really enjoy." All of the fair's entertainment -- except for activities taking place in front of the grandstand -- is admission free, as is the gate, Retzlaff said. "For the most part, the only things that have an admission charge are things like the carnival, the off-road trucks, and the demo-derby," she said. As in the previous 132 Brown County Fairs, agriculture will be a prominent feature of the event, and given the perceived muddled state of the farm economy, expect to see a number of political figures around, Retzlaff said. Minnesota's senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Paul Wellstone will be part of a discussion panel examining the aspects of the current state of the agriculture economy that will include several local legislators and Minnesota Farmers' Union President Dave Fredrickson on Thursday at 4 p.m. Friday will be Ag Education and Awareness Day (as well as Kids Day), and the fair will host another forum. During this session U.S. 2nd District Congressman David Minge (D-Minn.), and a panel of agriculture pundits and experts will discuss the state of farming in the current economic climate. Ag Day will be also be marked by the presentation of a dozen Century Farm awards. An antique tractor collection with be on display as well, according to Retzlaff, who points out the organization overseeing the collection will also be having it's annual national meeting during the fair. "Of course we will also have the full line-up of 4-H judging," she said. In addition, master gardeners will be on hand in the Horticulture Building, complete with online support, to answer fairgoers' gardening questions. A Saturday (Family Day), Game World attraction, with activities like Human Darts, Gladiator Joust, bungee run, and a giant obstacle course, carries a $5 admission fee for kids. However, participants can play as long as they want 1-6 p.m. and one adult joins the fun for free, she said. On Sunday, the third annual Mickey Mueller doubles horseshoe tournament gets under way with . registration starting at 9 a.m. The round-robin pitchfest begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information on the tournament contact Richard or Mary Allen, 359-2087.
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