Four Days of Fun
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
OR
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
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Bus & Stock Car Races
Thursday, July 9
Hot laps 6:00pm
Show starts at 6:30pm
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 -
Bulls & Barrels
Saturday, July 11
Slack 2pm
Mutton Busting 3pm
Bulls & Barrels 4pm
Presented by 3T Bucking Bulls/ 3T Productions
ADMISSION:
Ages 0-5: Free
Ages 6-17: $15
18+/Adults: $20
Free Performances
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ABB Solutely Fab
Wednesday July 8th
7pmABBA tribute
Windy River Stage
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Church of Cash
Friday July 10th
7pm
Johnny Cash Tribute BandWindy River Stage
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Windy River Stage Lineup
Wednesday, July 8
3:00–5:00 PM
Mike and Jan Cherry7:00–9:00 PM
ABBAsolutely Fab! — ABBA Tribute BandThursday, July 9
5:30–7:00 PM
ShugE — Minneapolis songwriter performing working-class Midwestern songs filled with heart and raw storytelling7:00–8:00 PM
Roy Liljequist — Aitkin singer/songwriter known for thought-provoking lyrics and engaging storytelling8:00–10:00 PM
Mike and Jan Cherry — McGregor husband-and-wife duo performing favorite classics alongside poignant original musicFriday, July 10
3:00–5:00 PM
Mike and Jan Cherry7:00–9:00 PM
Church of Cash — Johnny Cash Tribute ShowSaturday, July 11
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Children’s Shows by John Kerns featuring:Acoustic Rock for Kids
Songs About Food
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Creative Activities Performances
Wednesday, July 8 | 7–9 PM
Live Music with Roy LiljequistThursday, July 9 | 7–9 PM
Live Music with Everybird featuring Holly Shaw on harp and Christian McShane on guitar and cello. Their music blends atmospheric, classical, experimental, folk, rock, and spoken word into a hypnotic live performance.Friday, July 10 | 7–9 PM
Live Music with Vicki Morrison GobleSaturday, July 11 | 10 AM–12 PM
Live Music with Mike and Jan CherrySaturday, July 11 | 12 PM
Fashion Show
Master of Ceremonies: Dave McMillan
Musical Stylings by Mike and Jan CherryCREATIVE ACTIVITIES BUILDING STAGE
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Acoustic Rock for kids
Saturday July 11th
10am-12pm
Acoustic Rock for kids (1 hour)Songs about food (1 hour)
Windy River Stage
Activities
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Live Special Contest : American Flag
Wednesday, July 8
Creative Activities BuildingJudging will be Friday, July 10 at 10-11am
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Artist in Residence
Creative Activities Building
Wednesday, July 8
Noon–3:00 PM — Jan Hasselius Nature impressionist and UMN Master Gardener, creating nature-inspired artwork
Thursday, July 9
10:00 AM–1:00 PM — Teri the Tailor (Teri Irmiter) Repairs, Recycle, Redesign
Friday, July 10
3:00–6:00 PM — MacKenzie Krawchuk Wildlife artist specializing in birds and natural beauty
6:00–9:00 PM — Rita Fortunato (Fortunato Studios)
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Creative Activites Open Class Judging
Wednesday, July 8
Noon — Live Open Class Quilt Judging
3:00 PM — Live Open Class Gluten-Free Baking Judging
4:00–6:00 PM — Demonstration: Jan Hasselius, painting different pine tree species
6:00 PM — Live Open Class Salsa, Sauces, Jams & Jellies Judging
Thursday, July 9
Noon — Live Open Class Judging: Yeast Breads, Quick Breads & Muffins
3:00 PM — Demonstration: Jessi Schwerin (Pampered Chef) — How to Use a Sushi Roller
6:00 PM — Live Open Class Pickles & Relishes Judging
Friday, July 10
10:00–11:00 AM — Live Special Contest Judging
11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Demonstration: Laura Smith (Aitkin Flowers) — Floral Design
3:00–4:00 PM — Demonstration: Mavens Arts Collective — From fleece to small-batch yarn
Saturday, July 11
Noon — Fashion Show
Master of Ceremonies: Dave McMillan
Musical Stylings: Mike and Jan Cherry
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Rabbit Agility Show
Thursday, July 9 at 9am
Outside the poultry barn after rabbit judging -
Open Class Horse Show
Friday, July 10 at 8am
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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
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.
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