, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
Preparations are underway for the 2023 Rock County Fair, just days after the finish of the 2022 event.
Rock County Agricultural Society President Adam Kinsinger said fair board members spent Monday night cleaning the grounds and reflecting on this year’s four-day event.
“This year was pretty awesome,” he said. “Out of all the three years I have been president of the Ag Society, this year is probably my favorite.”
Kinsinger said he watched fair-goers and noticed both young and old enjoying the various events.
“The families walking together then running into another family they haven’t seen in a while. The looks on the kids’ faces when they see the bubbles floating through the sky or see their favorite pirates walk up to them. Teenagers walking with their friends headed to the next carnival ride.
“These are my favorite things to see — it fuels our passion to keep trying new things and bringing new events to our fair,” Kinsinger said.
The best-attended event occurred on Wednesday night, July 27. The Celebrity Donkey Races drew more than 1,100 spectators.
“We don’t have any way of knowing how many were in attendance but it was good numbers,” he said.
The tractor pull on Thursday night, July 28, drew 700 spectators followed by 500 attending Friday night’s free dance in front of the grandstands. Saturday night had 800 spectators.
“The vendors were also reporting great numbers,” Kinsinger said.
New to this year’s fair was a grandstand event on Wednesday night.
“The soft start to the fair on Wednesday is something we are trying,” Kinsinger said. “As long as we can find entertainment and the people keep showing up, we will keep this going — making the Rock County Fair a four-day event.”
This year’s fair wraps up Kinsinger’s stint as president. Ag Society vice president Lee Sells is expected to take the reins next year.
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to all the members on the board,” Kinsinger said. “Last, but not least, thank you, Rock County! I will see you next year.”
4-H’ers turn attention to state fair
Thirty-nine 4-H’ers will represent Rock County when the Minnesota State Fair opens later this month.
Each youth qualified to represent the county at last week’s Rock County Fair, an event that had local Extension Educator Kelsey Maeschen excited.
“The 2022 Rock County Fair was a great success,” she said. “The weather was perfect, the 4-H’ers were super impressive and did an excellent job showing off their talents.”
In all, 134 local 4-H’ers and Cloverbuds exhibited at last week’s four-day county fair.
They brought 567 general exhibits to the fairgrounds in Luverne and showed 159 head of livestock.
Seventeen 4-H’ers, who have completed the sixth-grade, will take their general exhibits to the general encampment for State Fair judging. Rock County’s encampment is Sept. 1-3.
Rock County will have 22 4-H’ers bringing animals to the show scheduled for Aug. 24-28.
“I am so proud to be a part of the amazing Rock County 4-H program,” Maeschen said.