Cannon Valley Fair kicks off festival season
By: Danielle Nordine, The Republican Eagle CANNON FALLS -- So far, the sweltering heat hasn't kept fairgoers from enjoying the Cannon Valley Fair, which kicked off Thursday.
This year's fair has plenty of fun for people with a variety of interests. With food stands, live music, a midway with rides, a BBQ cook-off, a demolition derby, bull riding, a parade and fireworks, there are many options for fairgoers.
But in keeping with the tradition of country fairs, showing animals is a key part of the festivities.
Much of the animal showing will take place today, including the 4-H and FFA dairy show, sheep, goats, rabbit and poultry. The beef show will take place Sunday afternoon.
During the shows, judges evaluate the animals based on specific features. For example, meat sheep are judged on their muscle, length and other indicators of a good cut of meat, though the specifies depend on the breed, sheep superintendent Bill Erickson said.
"They also have to control (the sheep) during the show," he added.
Many of the handlers come to learn about and show at the Cannon Valley Fair through word of mouth, Erickson said.
The fair's timing early in the summer allows many of the competitors - who come from throughout the Midwest - to use this as a practice run for later competitions, he said.
And though they compete, participants also get to know each other throughout preparations and shows, Erickson added.
"It becomes a real social network," he said.
This year's fair continues through Monday, ending with fireworks at dusk.
This year's fair has plenty of fun for people with a variety of interests. With food stands, live music, a midway with rides, a BBQ cook-off, a demolition derby, bull riding, a parade and fireworks, there are many options for fairgoers.
But in keeping with the tradition of country fairs, showing animals is a key part of the festivities.
Much of the animal showing will take place today, including the 4-H and FFA dairy show, sheep, goats, rabbit and poultry. The beef show will take place Sunday afternoon.
During the shows, judges evaluate the animals based on specific features. For example, meat sheep are judged on their muscle, length and other indicators of a good cut of meat, though the specifies depend on the breed, sheep superintendent Bill Erickson said.
"They also have to control (the sheep) during the show," he added.
Many of the handlers come to learn about and show at the Cannon Valley Fair through word of mouth, Erickson said.
The fair's timing early in the summer allows many of the competitors - who come from throughout the Midwest - to use this as a practice run for later competitions, he said.
And though they compete, participants also get to know each other throughout preparations and shows, Erickson added.
"It becomes a real social network," he said.
This year's fair continues through Monday, ending with fireworks at dusk.
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