WINDOM -- The Cottonwood County Fair begins today in Windom, with events for the entire family throughout the weekend, ranging from a Spam cook -off to racing lawnmowers to the annual talent show.
The talent show, coordinated by Cheryl Hanson, has been a part of the fair for 31 years.
"One of the fair board members approached me and Linda Mix. She was a school teacher and did drama productions. We all said 'Let's get this started at the county fair' and we did," Hanson said.
The acts come from all over the area, including Windom, Mountain Lake, Lakefield and Jackson. There are usually around 20 acts per year, according to Hanson.
"We've been very fortunate to keep it going this many years," she said.
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The fair board has given $900 in prize money to go to the winners of the contest, which is split up into three divisions (pre-teen, teen and open.)
The winners are chosen by a panel of judges who are picked by the coordinator herself.
"I ask folks that I know who have had experience in the arts, either vocalists or music teachers, just people in the area that I know," Hanson said.
Most of the performances are vocal, though there are several instrumental acts.
"One of the most unique acts we've had in the last couple years is a yo-yo artist, but he isn't coming back this year," said Hanson.
Pre-registration to participate in the talent contest is required, but it's not too late to sign up.
"I still have room," said Hanson. "We're not quite up to the max yet, so we still have some openings."
Registration for the contest will close tomorrow.
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Between the pre-teen and teen divisions, the Farm Family of the Year will also be introduced.
"They like to incorporate that because we usually have a large audience at the contest," Hanson said.
There is an admission fee to watch the contest. All proceeds go toward offsetting the costs of conducting the fair.
"It's always been a very successful event for the fair," said Hanson. "We're so fortunate to have so much talent in our area."
The talent contest will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the arena.
To register for the talent contest, call Cheryl Hanson at (507) 822-4292.
A complete schedule for the events at the Cottonwood County Fair is as follows:
Wednesday:
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9 a.m. - noon Entries for Open Class Exhibits
12:30 p.m. Open Class Judging
5 p.m. Commercial Exhibits Open
6:30 p.m. House Cat and Kitten Show, Oleson Pavilion
7 p.m. 4-H Rabbit and Poultry entries in place
7:30 p.m. Midwest Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pullers ASSN.
10 p.m. Commercial Exhibits Close
Thursday:
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1:30 p.m. Open Class Dairy Show, Arena
2 p.m. DC and Hawk, Entertainment Tent
4 p.m. Red Skelton Show, Entertainment Tent
5-9 p.m. Carnival Discount Day
5:30 p.m. Open Class Sheep, Oleson Pavilion
6 p.m. DC and Hawk, Entertainment Tent
6 p.m. Classic Car Show, East of Arena
7:15 p.m. Introduction of 2012 Senior Citizen of the Year, Arena
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7:30 p.m. Roe Family Singers, Arena
Friday:
10:30 a.m. Open Class Beef Show, Arena
4 p.m. Betty Rydel, world-famous yodeler, Entertainment Tent
5 p.m. Spam cook-off, Commercial Building
5:30 p.m. Betty Rydel
6 p.m. Classic Car Show
7 p.m. Racing Lawn Mowers, Arena
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Saturday:
12:30 p.m. Southwest Dog Show, Arena
1:30 p.m. Jr. Columbia Sheep Show, Rabbit and Poultry Barn
3 and 4 p.m. Pockets full of Fun for Kids, Entertainment Tent
3:30 p.m. 4-H State Fair General Orientation
7:30 p.m. Talent Show, Arena
9:45 p.m. Commercial Exhibits Close
10 p.m. Exhibits released
