Crow Wing County Fair is on in Brainerd

BRAINERD — The Crow Wing County Fair is celebrating its 149th year in 2022. The fair opened Tuesday, Aug. 2, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 6, at the fairgrounds in Brainerd.

The fair was organized in 1897 and fairs were held in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Crosby before permanently locating in Brainerd in 1937. In 1962, the fair found its permanent location at 13th Street in southeast Brainerd.

The Crow Wing County Fair is now among the five largest fairs in Minnesota, with annual exhibits numbering over 6,000 and annual attendance estimated at 100,000. The fairgrounds includes a variety of buildings, as well as a modern curling facility that has a capacity of 860, a grandstand that seats 1,800, and a large horse arena with bleachers.

The schedule of events includes:

• 4-5 p.m.: Comedic hypnotist Freddie Justice performs on the Mills Free Stage.
• 5:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies and parade of colors on the Mills Free Stage.
• 5:45 p.m.: Dedication of the new Bataan Memorial on Mills Free Stage.
• 6-10 p.m.: Variety show by Darlene and the Boys on the Mills Free Stage.
• 7 p.m.: Wojo's Rodeo in the grandstand. Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under at the grandstand.

• 10:30 a.m.: Great Northern Model T Club and the Old Homestead Power Tractor Club Parade at the Mills Free Stage.
• Noon: Senior Day Recognition.
• 1-4:30 p.m.: Vern Bishop & Moose River Band on the Mills Free Stage.
• 6-10 p.m.: Classic country with Alan Godage Band at the Mills Free Stage.
• 5:30 p.m.: Demolition pit gates open at the grandstand.
• 7 p.m.: Demolition derby and rollover contest at the grandstand. Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under at the grandstand.

• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Comedic hypnotist Freddie Justice on the Mills Free Stage.
• 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Adult and Teen Challenge Choir on the Mills Free Stage.
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Comedic hypnotist Freddie Justice on the Mills Free Stage.
• 4 p.m.: Kids pedal pull on the Mills Free Stage.
• 6-10 p.m.: Classic country with the Red Letter Band on the Mills Free Stage.
• 4 p.m.: Motocross pit gates open at the grandstand.
• 7 p.m.: Motocross show at the grandstand. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under at the grandstand.

• 11 a.m.: Pre-Teen Talent Contest on the Mills Free Stage.
• 1 p.m.: Teen Talent Contest on the Mills Free Stage.
• 3 p.m.: Open class talent contest on the Mills Free Stage.
• 7-10 p.m.: Variety music by Wyld Ryce on the Mills Free Stage.
• 4 p.m.: Baja rally pit gates open at the grandstand.
• 7 p.m.: Baja rally at the grandstand. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under at the grandstand.

• 10 a.m.: Dig for coins in the curling building.
• 10 a.m.: Tractor driving contest at the Mills Free Stage.
• 10 a.m.: RC car racing derby in the curling building.
• 10:45 a.m.: Treasure hunt in the curling building.
• 2 p.m.: Miss Brainerd Lakes Princess on the Mills Free Stage.
• 3-4 p.m.: 4-H Dog Exhibition on the Mills Free Stage.
• 4:30-6 p.m.: Ray's Promenaders square dancing on the Mills Free Stage.
• 7-10 p.m.: Generation Rock plays on the Mills Free Stage.
• 4 p.m.: Baja rally pit gates open at the grandstand.
• 7 p.m.: Baja rally at the grandstand. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under at the grandstand.