New at the Polk County fair: 5K, ribs contest, beer

For more than 100 years, the Polk County Fair in Fertile, Minn., has been giving folks a place to show off their best baked goods, livestock and 4-H exhibits, to ride the carnival rides and to enjoy entertainment from gospel music to bingo to a Battle of the Bands.

This year's fair Wednesday through July 4 will feature at least two new events, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and a BBQ Rib Cook-Off, both July 3. And, for the first time in fair history, beer will be sold at the Polk County Fair.

The beer stand will be open for one night only, Wednesday, during the time that there will be free live music in the grandstand. Beer will be allowed in that area of the fair only.

Fair organizer Mike Moore said the decision to sell beer was a financial one. It's getting harder and harder to make money at the fair, and Polk County officials hope beer sales will generate revenue, he said.

"We have no expectations, but we hope we'll make a profit," Moore said. "It's only one night."

Another feature of the fair will be an Old Time Radio show set for 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Friday in which actors and performers will portray such radio classics as Fibber McGee and Molly. The shows will be broadcast live from the show on KROX Radio, Crookston, and KRJB Radio, Ada, Minn.

Gate admission to the fair is free. Tickets will be sold for grandstand events and the carnival. Carnival tickets for Murphy Brothers Expositions can be purchased in advance for $20 for a daily unlimited ride pass and $40 for unlimited rides all five days. A daily ride pass purchased at fairgrounds is $25. Here's more about the fair.

Fireworks

A fireworks display is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Grandstand

- Daily: Bicycle giveaway, to one girl and one boy, 4 p.m.

- Wednesday: Free live music by 4-Wheel Drive, 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Gates open at 8. Beer will be sold in front of the grandstand and will be allowed only in that area.

- Thursday: Talent Show, 7 p.m. Adults, $5; kids younger than 12, free.

- Friday: Kid's Pedal Pull, 4:15 p.m., for children ages 4 to 11; Super Motocross, 7 p.m. Adults, $10; kids younger than 12, $5.

- July 3: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Super Demo Derby, 7 p.m. Adults, $10; kids younger than 12, $5.

- July 4: Worship Service, 10 a.m.; Baja Racing, 6 p.m. Adults, $10; kids younger than 12, $5.

Free Stage

- Wednesday: Polk County Fair Chocolate Contest, 7 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m. to midnight.

- Thursday: Battle of the Bands, 9 p.m.

- Friday: Old Time Radio, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.; James Wedgewood, 7 and 8 p.m.

- July 3: Brian Richards, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.; Wendinger Polka Band, 7 p.m.

- July 4: Tina & Lena Show, 3, 4:15 and 5:15 p.m.; Bistodeau Family Band, 7 p.m.

Christian Fellowship Tent

- Wednesday: Gloryland Gospel Team, 6:30 p.m.; Greater Crookston Men's Chorus, 7:30 p.m.; youth program, 8:30 p.m.

- Thursday: Gloryland Gospel Team, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.; Pine Cones Quartet, 7:30 p.m.

- Friday: Gloryland Gospel Team, 6 and 9 p.m.; Free Indeed, 7 p.m.; Lois & Lois, 8 p.m.

- July 3: Gloryland Gospel Team, 3, 6 and 9 p.m.; Pembina Trail, 4 p.m.; Vern & Roxi Lorenson Ministries, 5 p.m.; Frazer Family, 7 p.m.; Jim Geizler, 8 p.m.

- July 4: Gloryland Gospel Team, 2, 6 and 8 p.m.; Neil Bursheim, 3 p.m.; Overtones Quartet, 4 p.m.; Wingin' It with Ken Manning and Friends, 5 p.m.; Rustic Chords, 7 p.m.

4-H schedule

- Wednesday: 4-H Exhibit Entry and Conference Judging, 2 to 6:30 p.m.; pet show and cat show, 6 p.m.

- Thursday: Horse show, 9 a.m.; demonstrations, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; kiddie calf show, 5 p.m.; Rabbit show, swine, 6 p.m.; herdsmanship judging begins, 7 p.m., runs till noon, Sunday.

- Friday: Sheep show, swine show, meat goat show, 8:30 a.m.; beef show, 9 a.m.; dairy goat show, 10:15 a.m.; dairy show, 10:30 a.m.; Fashion Revue (free stage), 5 p.m.

- July 3: Horse Fun Show, 12:30 p.m.; premier showmanship, 5 p.m.; Awards, 6 p.m.

- July 4: Exhibits released, 6 p.m.

Run/Walk

The first-ever 5K fun run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. July 3 at the Fertile Sports Complex three blocks west of the school. The route consists of paved and gravel roads. Registration is from 8 to 8:45 a.m., and the entry fee is $15, which includes a T-shirt. You can sign up now online ( www.polkcountyfairfertilemn.com ) or call (218) 945-3730.

BBQ Ribs

The first-ever BBQ Rib Cook-Off will be July 3 on the fairgrounds. Contestants need to preregister either in advance by calling (218) 289-4650 or e-mailing marke13@hotmail.com , or they can register at 8 a.m. July 3 at the fair. Entry fee is $10. Prizes will be $150 for first, $100 for second and $75 for third.

Parade

The Polk County Fair parade will be at 2 p.m. July 4 and the theme is "Red, White and Blue." If you or your organization would like to enter the parade, contact Mike or Myrna Moore, (218) 687-3637, or Dan Skanson, (218) 574-2397, or e-mail mdmoore@gvtel.com or

danska@gvtel.com .

More info

Fore more about the fair, go to www.polkcountyfairfertilemn.com/ .

Reach Tobin at (701) 780-1134; (800) 477-6572, ext. 134; or send e-mail to ptobin@gfherald.com .