Goodhue County Agricultural
Sociey
and Mechanics
Institute
The Goodhue Countv Fair
Back in 1859 a small group of county pioneers had a vision that Goodhue County needed a place to showcase their agricultural and homemaking activities. That vision became the Goodhue County Fair, held first in Red Wing for seven years, then at Hader for three years, and since then in and around Zumbrota. For a few years it operated as a street fair. In 1915 the present grounds of 16.37 acres north of Zumbrota were purchased for $3270.00. Two of the earliest buildings still are in use. A grandstand was built, collapsed in 1919 and was replaced by the present grandstand now replaced by updated bleachers.
Harness racing on a half-mile track was one of the first real attractions and drew crowds until about 1940 when automobiles took over. Our 4-H youth program has been the mainstay since the early part of the 20th century with barns fail of livestock and the 4-H building with additional 4-H prospects. From our fair, young people go on to compete at the State Fair Fair The Goodhue County Fair incorporated as a stock organization in 1961 and is directed by a board of 15 volunteer county citizens. Members in 2005 are: Carl Bang, Jim Bryan, and Fred Mohn of Red Wing; Flora Burfeind and Bob Eppen of Goodhue; Lloyd Cordes of Wanamingo; Jim Foss and Matthew Voxland of Kenyon; Fran Hoven, Fred Groth, Ann Tangen of Zumbrota; Ron Huseth of Dennison; John Olson of Cannon Falls; Darwyn Tri of Mazeppa. Junior Board members are selected on a yearly basis.
By 2004, the fair has diversified to entertain and draw people with a broad range of interests. There's still strong emphasis on animals and traditional 4-H projects, but entertainment programs and schedules are the key to hosting a successful five-day fair. The midway and commercial exhibits attract fair- goers from the area. Evening events include car and truck demolition derbies, the popular Johnny Holm Show, plus a family night for county residents. The quilt show has enjoyed a rebirth as more people practice that art and use the fair as a great reason to take the family out. There is also a wide variety of foods such as; deep-fried cheese curds, American Dairy Association milkshakes in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, brats with sauerkraut, cotton candy and foot long hotdogs, and other carnival foods. Annual attendance for the five days is about 30,000, with weather playing a huge part in making it successful. The outlook for fair activities seems positive.
Directors are making plans to raze the old grandstand, and expand restroom and convenience facilities. New grandstands have been a huge improvement for spectator viewing and safety. A new track design has really improved the demolition derbies. At the present time, there is an expansion of the nearby golf course underway and a new sub division in the works next door also. In years past the fair was always outside the city, but it appears the city has come to the fairgrounds. In 50 years we hope and expect our fair will still be a gathering place. It's the only countywide happening that draws everyone to a place for neighbors to connect, old friends to greet each other and all ages to walk the grounds and remember the past. Couples meet at the fair, and recreate the classic story of Brigadoon, the grounds light up once a year and then shut down until August comes around again. It's a tradition begun in infancy, a place for youngsters' first carnival rides, snow cones and pronto pups. We know the next 50 years will bring changes, and we wonder what they will be. But we look forward to many more fairs in whatever form they may take in years to come.
As 2005 rolls around, the idea of a new restroom facility is coming closer. With some luck, that will happen. A new horse arena sponsored by 4-H and other horse organizations may be realized as well. That will be a nice addition for the 4-H program and other organizations.
Zumbrota will be celebrating their 150th anniversary as a city in 2006, and there will be monthly events throughout the year. In August, the fairboard is planning special events as well. We as a fairboard hope to have our best year ever.
More information can be found in the book titled "Zumbrota, the first 100 years". Also area information can be found on the www.zumbrota.com web site.