Stillwater Preview: 2011 Washington County Fair

This year Washington County celebrates the 140th year of the annual county fair running Aug. 3 through 7 in Lake Elmo. The fair is packed with educational exhibits, live music, carnival rides, fair food and more.

We caught up with the fair’s President, Dan Dolan, to hear a little bit about what you can expect to find at the fair this year. 

Stillwater Patch: What is new at the fair this year?

Dan Dolan: We’re so excited about two new additions to our line-up this year – the Truck Pull on Thursday night and Bull Riding competition on Friday night. And we’ll welcome back the Demo Derby on Saturday night. We also have other new attractions this year like an Elvis tribute show, swing dance lessons, a pie eating contest and much more. 

Stillwater Patch: What other attractions can fairgoers expect?

Dolan: There is live music every night, our days are jam packed with different activities and shows, and we have the best carnival in the state with Gold Star Carnivals. You also won’t want to miss the tractor pull, pig races, Emmy-award-winning puppet show from Schiffelly Puppets and our showcase of Washington County talent at the talent show. We have about 40 food vendors with everything from corn on the cob and a pork chop on a stick to a variety of other classic fair foods. 

Stillwater Patch: What’s the history of the Washington County Fair?

Dolan: This year is our 140th year of the fair. It has moved around the county but has been hosted in Lake Elmo for about 50 years. The fair started as an opportunity for farmers to show and compete with their best livestock against their neighbors. After that came crop competitions, canning, bakery products, etc. Then 4-H entered the scene with all of the activities they offer and the fair continued to evolve into what you see today. 

Stillwater Patch: With the heat and humidity this year, are you recommending fairgoers take any extra safety precautions?

Dolan: The fair hosts upwards of 50,000 people and we hope that everyone takes precaution by dressing for the weather, staying well hydrated, and if you get too hot, come see the indoor exhibits to stay out of the sun. 

More information and a full events calendar can be found at www.washingtoncountyfair.org.