Summer just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the County Fair. This year, the Dakota Thurston County Fair is celebrating 50 years of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family! Presented by The Dakota and Thurston County Agricultural Societies, the Dakota Thurston County Fair is pleased to help keep the communities’ rural roots alive.
Wednesday, August 2nd
7:00 PM: 4-H King & Queen and Little Prince & Princess Coronation
Don’t miss out on quite possibly the cutest attraction the fair has to offer - the 2017 Dakota Thurston County Little Prince & Princess Contest! The contestants crowned will have the honor of participating in various fair activities including: awarding ribbons and trophies at 4-H Livestock Shows, making appearances at the Tractor Pull and Rodeo, and riding on a special float in the Dakota Thurston County Fair Parade.
Thursday, August 3rd
6:00 PM: Dakota Thurston County Fair Parade - 11th & Dakota Avenue
The parade begins promptly at 6PM, although arriving early is recommended to ensure prime real estate along Dakota Avenue. Don’t forget to bring a chair for maximum viewing comfort! Local business, celebrities, organizations, community groups, and the adorable Little Prince & Princess will be tossing a variety of goodies, from candy to coupons, from their floats. A word of caution, there is a possibility of getting wet as the local fire departments roll through spraying their fire hoses.
7:00 PM: "Tri-State Shootout" Tractor Pull
Gates open at 5PM and registration begins at 6PM. Admission to this exciting event is only $5!
7:30 PM: Free Community BBQ
The fun continues as Conrad’s Kitchen provides fairgoers their famously, delicious pulled pork sandwiches. These are a must try!
Friday, August 4th
7-10 AM: Free Community Breakfast
5:00-8:00 PM: Wine & Beer Tasting
If you are an adult of legal drinking age, and enjoy sampling beer or wine, come raise a glass at the County Fair. Sponsored by HY-VEE.
7:00PM: Mutton Bustin
8:00 PM: Live Rodeo action
Saturday, August 5th
10:00 AM: Kids & Family Day
$5 wristband for a full day of fun! Kids Day events go from 1:00 to 3:30 PM and include: Pedal Pull, Inflatables, Laser Tag, Kids Ranch Rodeo, Mutton Busting, and much, much more. See the fair schedule for specific times.
4:00 PM: Demolition Derby
$5 admission fee. Gates open at 2PM.
7:00 PM: Mutton Bustin
8:00 PM: Live Rodeo action
Sunday, August 6th
4:30 PM: Jaripeo
New to the Dakota Thurston County Fair this year, Jaripeo is a Mexican style of bull riding, and a must see! Gates open at 2PM.
There are many reasons to attend this year’s County Fair. Whether it’s draw is the food vendors, the events, or both, one thing is certain, there is something for everyone at the fair! Make sure to check out our new, air conditioned exhibit hall!
