Prepare for monster truck action and mud running at the 120th annual Hubbard County Fair next week. The Shell Prairie Agricultural Association-sponsored event will be held July 15-19 in Park Rapids, with fun for all ages. The traditional county fair includes 4-H exhibits of livestock, horses, rabbits, a dog show called Krystal Kennels Husky Show held Thursday and open class exhibits and vendors all week. A kids’ tractor pull, a teen talent contest and dance are on the agenda. “Children’s Day is on Thursday,” said fair treasurer Katie Warmbold. Along with that an “Iron Will Exhibition” will take place four times that day.
“That night (Friday), a six truck monster truck show which, is the biggest Monster Truck show at any county fair in the state, will happen” she said. “Saturday is Tractor Day. Sunday is the Mud Run. We have parking on the grounds this year in our neighbors field. The bandshell is open to any group that wants to showcase their talents during the fair. Next year’s projects are already in the works!!” According to the fair’s website: Open Class is the public version of 4-H. Show off any of your handy work that you have made in the past year and you could win a cash prize. From livestock to food to photography you can find a category for your homemade item.
There are two ways to register. 1. Pre-registration: Send in your pre-registration form with your entry fee to PO Box 121 Park Rapids, 56470. Then on Wednesday, July 15th bring your items to the Exhibit Hall to be placed and judged. 2. Register the day of with all your items at the Exhibit Hall. The fees are 10 percent of first place in everything except for Cattle, Sheep, Swine, and Horses which are 20 percent. So if 1st place winnings are $5, then your entry fee for that class would be $0.50. Each payout is listed in the premium book. First, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a payout. All rules will be strictly followed. Fair officials ask that participants read the premium book carefully to avoid disqualification. If you have any questions you can call Warmbold at 218-255-4703 The Red River Valley (tractor) Pullers always put on a great show, Warmbold said. Come watch all the modified tractors from all over the nation. This occurs Saturday. At two feet deep, the mud pit will be wet and ready for the North Country Mud Racing Association to spin their wheels as they race to see who can sling through the mud pit the quickest. This is the Sunday attraction. Jim Weaver said, “Anything goes” in the newly created redneck open class. “Anyone can run through the mud if they have the guts,” Weaver said. “If you want to put wheels on a wood hauler,” you can, Weaver said. Mostly it’s pickup trucks in the competition, he added.
On Wednesday, July 15, watch local talent compete to be number one at 7 p.m. in the newly constructed bandstand shelter. First place winners go to the State Competition. For rules and registration information contact Kaaren Soderberg at 252-1048. A teen dance follows. Friday is senior day from noon to 1:30 p.m. There’s entertainment by Frank Lamb, a free-will lunch and transportation by Heartland Express. Crescent City Amusements’ midway will send fairgoers twirling and skyward Wednesday through Saturday. Friday’s Summer Smash of the six monster trucks is the highlight of the week. Sunday, North Country Mud Racing returns to the grandstand with the new redneck open class. And arrive hungry. An array of classic fair food of cheese curds, ice cream and other treats will be served.
