The Washington County Fair begins July 30 just north of Woodbury. Photo: Contributed.
The Washington County Fair, boasting that it’s provided a legacy of fun since 1871, opens next Wednesday, July 30, and runs through the weekend. It features the usual fare of livestock, rides, 4-H kids, grandstand shows, carnival rides, and fried food. The fairgrounds are north of Woodbury at 12300 40th St. N. in Stillwater.
New this year:
Pig Races: Thorni Ridge Exotics will race pigs around a track east of the Goat Barn every two hours beginning at noon.
National Yo-Yo Master: Dazzling Dave is an acclaimed yo-yo champion and performer who will demonstrate his skills at the Park Pavilion daily at noon and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Untamed Magic: Minnesota’s youngest professional magicians will cast their spells at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday in the Park Pavilion, at noon and 12:45 p.m. Saturday inside the pavilion, and at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Main Stage Tent.
Elvis: Impersonator Joe Sir performs Wednesday at 1 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. in the Main Stage Tent
Captain Cool Kid: Musician performs family-friendly children’s music Thursday, at 11 a.m. in the Main Stage Tent.
Country Music Singer/Songwriter Hailey James: The five-time award winner from the Midwest Country Music Organization performs Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Main Stage Tent.
Jolly Huntsmen Polka Band: The group provides German-style polka music Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the Craft Brew Haus Stage.
Raptors: The U of M Raptor Center brings its educational program with live raptors, including an eagle, an owl, a hawk, and a falcon, to the Main Stage Tent on Friday at 11 a.m.
Minnesota Master Crooner: Gary LaRue performs hits from legendary singers including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Perry Como,and Bobby Darin Friday at 2 p.m. in the Main Stage Tent.
Music Trivia Contest: Name that tune for cash prizes Sunday in the Main Stage Tent with contests at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Other highlights include the Opening Day Parade on Wednesday at 6 p.m. as well as:
Friday: Draft horse pull at 6:30 p.m., the Borderline Pulling Series Truck/Tractor Pull (extra charge) at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: Washington County’s Got Talent – Teen Division Competition at 3:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstration on Saturday at 5 p.m., Rice Bull Riding & Barrel Racing (extra charge) at 7 p.m., Robby Vee & His Rock-n-Roll Caravan at 7 p.m.,
Sunday: Helicopter rides (extra charge) at 1 p.m., FireWater Gospel Choir at 2 p.m, Washington County’s Got Talent – Open Division Competition at 4 p.m.
A pack of five Admission tickets purchased before July 30 cost $30 for ages 8 and over. Younger kids are free. Once the fair begins, admission tickets are $12 each. Discounted $5 admission tickets for seniors and active duty military and veterans are offered July 30 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.