The Planted Row: Brown County Fair has something for everyone
You know, when I first moved to Aberdeen in July 2009, the first thing everyone wanted to mention — once they found out I was a new in town — was the Brown County Fair. They were so proud of it. Everyone raved about the entertainment, the carnival, the livestock shows, the rodeo, and the food. I found out that some people even take the week off from work, park their campers at the fair and spend the whole week there.
At the time, I remember thinking, “It’s just a county fair.” I was familiar with county fairs back home in Mississippi. However, I’m not a big rides guy. Other than a few 4-H shows, there wasn’t a whole lot that interested me.
When I finally got around to visiting the Brown County Fair, I realized there are county fairs, and then there are county fairs. There’s so much more happening at the Brown County Fair than any other county fair I’ve ever attended. The people here have a right to be proud of what they’ve created, and I hope you decide to spend an evening at the fairgrounds and see just how much work they’ve put into creating something that will interest just about everyone.
With all the entertainment options available, I hope you remember two events that take place on Sunday, Aug. 21.
The first is the Consumer/Producer Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Clubhouse. This sausage and pancakes breakfast is served by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee. The price for the breakfast is $5 for adults and children over age six. Children six and under eat for free. For this reasonable price you can get a big breakfast and help raise awareness about the vital role agriculture plays in northeast South Dakota. I hope you stop by and get some good food and good conversation.
You’ll need the energy from that breakfast for another great event — the Super Farmer Contest, sponsored in part by the Farm Forum.
The contest has four challenges:
1. Wheel Barrow Race: Each contestant will load 4 wood chip bags on a wheelbarrow and push it through an obstacle course. Fastest time wins.
2. Steel Post Driving: Each contestant will pick out his/her own steel post. A driver will be provided. At the signal, contestants will run to designated areas and drive the steel post into the ground to a mark on the post, then run back across the starting line. The fastest time wins.
3. Bale Throw: Each contestant selects their own bale from a stack. Each bale will be approximately the same size and weight. The best of two throws will count. The longest distance wins.
4. Skid Bale Stacking: Each contestant must construct a skid bale stack from the stack of bales that will be provided. The winner will be the contestant that stacks the bales in the fastest time.
There are male and female divisions, and anyone between the ages of 16 and 100 are eligible to enter. The winner of each division will receive a silver belt buckle, second place will receive $25, and third place will receive $15.
The contest will be held at the Ramkota Kids Zone. Registration is at noon, and the contest starts at 1 p.m. If you think you’re farm tough, enter the contest and prove it. If you’re not quite sure your farm skills are up to snuff, come cheer on the brave men and women who dare to compete.
Setting it Straight
On page 8G of this edition of the Farm Forum, the Brown County Fair schedule lists an incorrect price for the Consumer/Producer Breakfast. The correct price is $5.00 per person over the age of 6.
We regret the error. The Farm Forum tries to be fair and accurate. Errors discovered by our staff or our readers will be corrected in this space. If you find an error, email farmforum@aberdeennews.com.