'Feel good' return

This year’s Rock County Fair is being planned as a Great Local Get-Together, as the largest get-together, the  Minnesota State Fair, also makes a comeback.
“As a board we are excited to see everyone again,” said ag society president Adam Kinsinger. “I think people are ready and looking for a bit of ‘normal.’ There will be something for everyone.”
The county fair is scheduled for Wednesday, July 28, through Saturday, July 31, in Luverne.
Whether it’s food, entertainment, and/or a special event, the ag society board began to secure vendors and performers for this year’s fair months ago.
As a full listing of fair events are assembled in the coming weeks, board members have announced the grandstand activities for the three nights of the four-day fair:
•Thursday, July 29, features the Great Plains Tractor Pull.
•Friday, July 30, is a free concert by the band, “Undercover,” along with the corn hole tournament and a free-donation community meal.
•Saturday, July 31, is reserved for the long-running LSR Enduro Race.
In addition, there are many family-friendly attractions, such as the expanded Discovery Center and petting zoo, pig races, magicians and more.
“It feels great to be planning the fair,” Kinsinger said.
Watch for a full listing of fair events in the special section planned next month in the Star Herald.
 
4-H gearing up for ‘normal’ county fair
Officials with the Minnesota State Fair announced that the 2021 event will go forward with the normal timeframe of Aug. 26 through Sept. 6.
State 4-H Director Jennifer Skuza indicated the University of Minnesota Extension is currently working through details to offer a “safe and secure” encampment for general and livestock projects.
“With this in mind, we have retained virtual judging options in addition to reintroducing our in-person experiences during the state fair,” Skuza said.
Extension officials are encouraging in-person local fairs or showcase events.
“We are really looking forward to the fair this year and are working to get everything lined up and ready to go,” said Kelsey Maeschen, Rock County 4-H director.
Livestock shows will follow the traditional schedule and general judging day is scheduled for July 26.
Today is the fair registration deadline.
“I am anxious to see what our numbers look like and what projects are youth have registered for.”
Last year, the Minnesota State Fair was canceled, with 4-H Extension offering a virtual state event for general and livestock projects.
Locally, a virtual 4-H showcase was offered for general projects, with in-person livestock shows.
The shows were closed to the public and were live-streamed on the Rock County Extension Facebook page in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.