Events — Aitkin County Fair

Four Days of Fun

2025 FAIR BOOKLET

FAIRGROUNDS MAP

2026 Special Contest:

Create an American Flag

Celebrating 250 years in the USA

Create an American flag out of all natural OR recycled materials.

Top Ten Rules:

1. Every visible part of the flag must be adorned with organic materials like flowers, seeds, beans, leaves, bark, etc. Artificial materials are strictly prohibited

2. Every visible part of the flag must be adorned with recycled materials like fabrics, wood, plastics, etc. New materials are strictly prohibited.

3. Can be any version of the American flag since its inception in 1776.

4. Label your flag with the year of the design you have chosen.

5. Size must be one of the following: 12”x18”, 2’x3’, or 3’x5’.

6. Colors of materials used must be historically accurate – i.e. red, white and blue

7. Flag can be displayed by laying on a table, hung on a wall, or displayed on entrant’s choice of display rack.

8. Judging will be by a three-person panel and live on Friday, July 10, 10:00am.

9. Entrant (or representative) must be present for judging.

10. Entries can be made by an individual, family, group, or organization.

One Grand and Reserve Champion winner will be chosen from all blue-ribbon winners. The Peoples’ Choice winner will be chosen from all entries!

A $5.00 entry fee is required. (See Dept 10 – Special Contest for Division and Class numbers)

Grandstand Events

Bus & Stock Car Races

Thursday, July 9
Hot laps 6:30pm
Show starts at 7pm

ADMISSION:
Ages 0-7: Free
Ages 8-17: $10
18+/Adults: $15
Baja Races

Friday, July 10
Hot laps 6:30pm
Show starts at 7pm
ADMISSION:
Ages 0-7: Free
Ages 8-17: $10
18+/Adults: $15
Rodeo

Saturday, July 11
Presented by 3T Bucking Bulls/ 3T Productions
ADMISSION:
Ages 0-5: Free
Ages 6-17: $15
18+/Adults: $20

Free Performances

ABB Solutely Fab

Wednesday July 8th
7pm
ABBA tribute
Windy River Stage
Local Showcases

Thursday, July 9th
TBD
More details to come
Windy River Stage
Church of Cash

Friday July 10th
7pm
Johnny Cash Tribute Band
Windy River Stage
Acoustic Rock for kids

Saturday July 11th
10am-12pm
Acoustic Rock for kids (1 hour)
Songs about food (1 hour)
Windy River Stage
Creative Activities Stage

Live Music: Roy Liljequist Wednesday, July 9 from 7pm-9pm
Live Music: Scott Jasmin Thursday, July 10 from 7pm-9pm
Live Music: Ben Ranson “Comedy, Music, and Storytelling” Friday, July 11 from 7pm-9pm
Creative Activities Building-stage

Midway Rides

Crescent City Amusements will be open daily during the fair with over 20 rides and attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides. Hours are: Wednesday 3pm–10pm, Thursday and Friday 1pm–10pm, and Saturday from noon until close.

Single All-Day Band: $30 (Advance) $35 (Onsite)
Mega Ride- all 4 days Band: $70 (Advance) $80 (Onsite)
Both include Rock-It, must be taller than 52” to ride the Rock-It.

Wristbands valid for Midway hours. Save on advance wristbands at the following local businesses:

•Aitkin County Auditor’s Office
•Paulbeck’s County Market
•Members Co-op, Aitkin & McGregor
•Security State Bank
•Bremer Bank
•McGregor Bakery

Activities

Live Special Contest : Tree Decorating Special Contest

Wednesday, July 9 from Noon-9pm
Creative Activities Building
Judging will be Friday, July 11 at 10:00am
Live Open Class Quilt Judging

Wednesday, July 8 at Noon
Creative Activities Building
Live Open Class Gluten Free Judging

Wednesday, July 8 at 3PM
Creative Activities Building
Artist in Residence: Rita Fortunato

Wednesday, July 8 from 3pm-5pm
Creative Activities Building
Live Open Class Sauces Judging

Wednesday, July 8 at 6pm
Creative Activities Building
Rabbit Agility Show

Thursday, July 9 at 9am
Outside the poultry barn after rabbit judging
Artist in Residence: Jaques Art Center

Thursday, July 9 from 11am-5pm
Creative Activities Building
Live Open Class Judging of Yeast, Quick Breads, & Muffins

Thursday, July 9 at Noon
Creative Activities Building
Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull

Thursday, July 9
Registration at 4pm, pull starts at 4:30pm.
Located near the 4-H building
Artist in Residence: Karen Newton, White and Black Scratch Off Demonstration

Thursday, July 9 from 5pm-8pm
Creative Activities Building
Pickle Judging

Thursday, July 9 at 6pm
Creative Activities Building
Open Class Horse Show

Friday, July 10 at 8am
Artist in Residence: Mackenzie Krawchuck, Wildlife Artist

Friday, July 10 from 3pm – 6pm
Creative Activities Building
4-H Blue Ribbon Auction

Friday, July 10 at 6pm
Reception to follow for sponsors/bidders.
CMCA Youth Beef Show

Saturday, July 11 at 10am
Show Arena between the cattle and poultry barn
Sponsored by Aitkin County Fair and Central Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association
Registration Info
Touch A Truck

Saturday, July 11, 11am – 1pm
Sponsored by Aitkin Women of Today
Classic Tractor Parade

Saturday, July 11
Parade starts at 1pm.

Pre-1978 classics and antiques, restored, unrestored, old logging equipment, old construction equipment, lawn tractors, hit & miss engines – We want to see them all! Contact Bob Nicko at 218-839-3145 with questions.
Fashion Show

Saturday, July 11 at 2pm
Creative Activities Building
Master of Ceremonies: Steve Wilson