The Cass County Fair is going through some changes this summer - with some family and budget friendly additions to the fair.
The 104th Cass County Fair, held in Pine River, July 16-19, will feature inflatable rides this year in lieu of carnival rides.
The inflatable rides will include a 75-foot obstacle course; a 20-foot slide; and two inflatable fun houses, according to Cass County Agricultural Association (Fair Board) President Wanda Carlson.
Kids' Day on Friday, July 17, will feature reduced-price wristbands for the inflatable games as well as activities for kids including a fire truck, school bus and police car on display and activities with the Cass County Farm Bureau's Safety Trailer and the Cuyuna Range Fire Chief's Association Smoke Trailer.
Friday night there will be a donkey race - a new addition to the fair.
Other additions to the fair include games like balloon bust, Plinko, and a lollypop tree.
Share Ministries, a youth group from Walker, will provide music, mimes and a puppet show for youth.
Area community or youth groups who would like to host a game at the fair as a fundraiser for their group are encouraged to contact the Fair Board, or attend their next Fair Board meeting at 7 p.m. on June 15, at the Pine River Legion.
Groups are responsible to provide their own booth or tent and prizes.
A special Merchant's Day will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, at the fair grounds. Merchants can display their wares, for free, on Merchant's Day. Participants should bring their own tent, table and chairs, as needed, and contact fair board member Ravinia Glover at (218) 587-3380 in advance to reserve a spot.
Family staples will return to the fair this year, including food vendors, the talent show, 4H exhibits, open class exhibits and the Tiny Hands Farm. The EcoSquared Fair - focused on ecology and economics - will again be held in conjunction with the fair, July 16-19.
The Cass County 4-Hers are planning for many exhibitors at the fair this July, said Teri McAllister, fair board member and 4-H Hooves, Paws & Claws group leader. So far 19 beef cattle; 23 goats; 25 rabbits; 10 sheep and 10 pigs have been registered by 4-Hers for the fair - a huge increase over last year.
More than 140 4-Hers have signed up for animals or exhibits at the fair.
Volunteers are needed for this year's fair for the kids' games, talent show, inflatable games and help rearranging the open class building. "We need volunteers even for a short period of time," McAllister said.
To volunteer or make a donation for the fair, contact Wanda Carlson at (218) 587-2271, or other fair board members: Roxanne Sawyer, Ravinia Glover, Teri McAllister, Chris Hanneken, Don Smith, Gary Carlson, Becky Saavy or Al Knutson.
Area community or youth groups who would like to host a game at the fair as a fundraiser for their group are encouraged to contact the Fair Board, or attend their next Fair Board meeting at 7 p.m. on June 15, at the Pine River Legion.
To volunteer to help at the fair, contact Wanda Carlson at (218) 587-22741.
