Murray County Fair adds new flair

SLAYTON -- This year the Murray County Fair is adding in a sort of "Blast from the Past" factor to the schedule.

With the theme being "Heritage Fair," historical presentations will be taking place throughout the course of the fair along with the regular fair events.

"They got a grant to do some research into the Murray County Fair History," said Nancy Pieske, the Office Manager for Murray County Extension.

The Dinehart-Holt House Museum will be open from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, showcasing its special Prom Dress Display.

Historical presentations take place in Heritage Hall and begin Wednesday at 3 p.m. "Shetek Settlements and 1862" will be presented by Bill Bolin.

At 5 p.m. Thursday, "The Sweetman Colonies" will be presented by Jesse James. "Pioneer Women in Southwest Minnesota will be presented by Anita Gaul on Friday at 4 p.m.

The last historical presentation will be Saturday at 4 p.m., titled "Homely Girls and Pretty Babies - An Entertaining History of the Fair," presented by Anita Gaul.

The All American Lumberjack Show will also be available at the fair this year, featuring events that demonstrate the skills used by loggers back in the day. Shows are free and will be Wednesday at 5 p.m. and Thursday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. There will also be a kids camp Thursday.

Also new this year is wine tasting Thursday and Friday from 6-10 p.m. in the Beer Garden at Heritage Hall, a 4-H llama demonstration on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and the Fun Food Cupcake Challenge.

"Anyone can bring in a cupcake of their choice for the challenge," Pieske said. "There will be a variety of categories and prizes."

The Fun Food Cupcake Challenge will be Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and is open to everyone.

A list of events for the Murray County Fair is as follows:

Wednesday:

9 a.m. Cloverbud Pet Show, Olsen Arena

9:30 a.m. Pet Show, Olsen Arena

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 4-H Conference Judging

9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Open Class Entries, Fair Office

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Historical Museum open

11 a.m. 4-H Rabbit Judging, Olsen Arena

1-5 p.m. Dinehart-Holt House Museum Open

2 p.m. 4-H Goat Judging, Olsen Arena

3 p.m. Historical Presentation, Heritage Hall

4:30 p.m. 4-H Fashion Review, Heritage Hall

5 p.m. Beer Garden Opens

5-7 p.m. Fun Food Cupcake Challenge, 4-H building

6 p.m. 4-H Sheep Judging, Olsen Arena

7 p.m. Bean Bag Tournament and the Country Gentleman Jerry Davis

7 p.m. Free Lumberjack Show

6 p.m. Century Farm Recognition, MCC School Auditorium

7:30 p.m. Murray County Fair Variety Show, MCC School Auditorium

Thursday:

8 a.m. 4-H Swine Judging, Olsen Arena

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Historical Museum, Sierk Building and Log Cabin Open

12 p.m. 4-H Dairy Judging, Olsen Arena

1-7 p.m. Laser Gun Simulator by US Fish and Wildlife Service

1 p.m. Lumberjack Show

1 p.m. Apple Pie Judging Contest

1-5 p.m. Dinehart-Holt House Museum Open

2:30 p.m. 4-H Presentations and Food Revue, Heritage Hall

3:30 p.m. 4-H Performing Arts Judging, Heritage Hall

5 p.m. Historical Presentation

5 p.m. Free Ice Cream, Round Barn

5:30 p.m. Llama Demonstration, Olsen Arena

5 p.m. Beer Garden Opens

6-10 p.m. Wine Tasting in Beer Garden

7 p.m. Bean Bag Tournament and Joes Summer Fun Party at Beer Garden

7 p.m. Lumberjack Show

7 p.m. Strong Farmer Competition, Horse Arena

Friday:

9 a.m. 4-H Beef Judging, Olsen Arena

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Historical Museum, Sierk Building and Log Cabin open

12 p.m. 4-H Horse Show, Horse Arena

1 p.m. 4-H Poultry Judging, Hoop Barn

1-7 p.m. Laser Gun Simulator

1-5 p.m. Dinehart-Holt House Museum Open

1:30 p.m. Kids Bean Bag Tournament, Heritage Hall

2--7 p.m. Roll Over Simulator near Blue Commercial Building

4 p.m. Historical Presentation

4:30 p.m. Mylan Ray to perform at Pork/Malt Stand

5 p.m. Kiddie Tractor Pull, Heritage Hall

5 p.m. Beer Garden Opens

5 p.m. 4-H Premier Showmanship, Arena

6-10 p.m. Wine Tasting in Beer Garden

5:30 p.m. Pork Loin Dinner

7 p.m. Crafts for Kids, 4-H Exhibit Hall

7 p.m. Bean Bag Tournament and Kayla Daniels at Beer Garden

7:30 p.m. Stock Car Races, Grandstand

Saturday:

8 a.m. 5K Walk/Run, Courthouse

9 a.m. Chuck Wagon Cooking Events all day

10 a.m. 4-H Ribbon Auction, Olsen Arena

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Open Door Mobile Clinic Display

1-5 p.m. Historical Museum, Sierk Building, Log Cabin and Dinehart-Holt House Open

1-5 p.m. Laser Gun Simulator

1 p.m. Prairie Day Parade

2 p.m. Beer Garden Opens, Entertainment by Ron, Jane and Larry Cote

2 p.m. Nobles Cooperative Electric Rib Cook Off Contest

4 p.m. Historical Presentation

4-5 p.m. Beer Garden Happy Hour

5 p.m. Nobles Cooperative Electric Rib Cook Off Meal Served

5:30 p.m. Exhibits in 4-H Building Released

6 p.m. Livestock Released

6 p.m. Bean Bag Tournament Finals, Beer Garden

6 p.m. Truck Pull, Grandstands

Sunday:

1 p.m. Threshing and Field Demonstrations at Ernie Engelkes on Hwy 59

1 p.m. Helicopter Rides