4-H, Fair Food Coming to Fair Fest in Steele County

August 18-23 would have been the Steele County Free Fair for 2020. While that won't happen, some elements of Minnesota's largest county fair will still take place that week. 4-H students will have the chance to get their projects judged in-person. Fair food stands will be in operation August 20-23.

A report on the Steele County Extension website indicates, "What an interesting and different year 2020 has been with many uncertainties along the way. With that being said, our 4-H county fair will look very differently this year also. Steele County 4-H will be holding an in-person achievement day showcase during the week of August 15th through 20th."

The report states the dog show and horse show will not take place during that week. Families not comfortable with in-person judging had the option of requesting a virtual option.

Check out the full 4-H schedule here. Listen to AM 1390 KRFO during the 4-H showcase for interviews with 4-H students.

The fair food portion of the week will operate Wednesday, August 20 through Saturday, August 22 from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, August 23 from 11 am to 6 pm. Food stands will be scattered around the fairgrounds.

A similar event was held on the fairgrounds to celebrate June Dairy Days and was a calorie-filled success. Fair Fest in August will have about 20 food vendors, about double the June happening.

Steele County Fair manager Scott Kozelka told the Steele County Times, "We're trying to salvage the little parts that we can to help the vendors. We're here to help-we help them, they help us...It's a shame we're not having the fair this year."