Steele County Free Fair facts for kids

The Steele County Free Fair is a big, fun event that happens every summer in Owatonna, Minnesota. It's the main city in Steele County. This fair is special because it's the largest "free" county fair in Minnesota, meaning you don't pay to get in! Each year, you can see over 2,000 animals and check out more than 450 vendors selling food, cool stuff, and handmade crafts.

A Look Back: The Fair's History

The very first fair in Steele County happened a long time ago, on October 17, 1860. Back then, people won prizes for things like the "best working oxen" (strong cows that pull things), the "best butter churn" (a tool for making butter), and the "best wagon made in the county." Horse races were also a big part of the fun!

The fair didn't happen for a few years between 1861 and 1871. This might have been because of the American Civil War. In 1872, the fair returned and was held in a field on Main Street. For many years, until 1917, it moved around to different spots in the community.

In 1918, the fair found its permanent home, where it is still held today. By 1927, it became a "free fair," which meant people no longer had to pay an entrance fee. In the 1930s, new exciting things were added, like auto racing and big stage shows with dancers. Then, in 1979, even more free entertainment stages were set up for everyone to enjoy.

Just like during the Civil War, the fair had to take breaks sometimes. It didn't happen between 1942 and 1945 because of World War II. More recently, the fair was also canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What to See: The Modern Fair

Today, the Steele County Free Fair runs for one whole week every summer. It's still free to enter the fairgrounds, but you do need to pay a small fee to park your car. The fair is one of the biggest in the area and proudly calls itself "the largest free fair in Minnesota." You can enjoy performances from about 24 different bands and entertainers on the fair's many stages.

The fair has a strong focus on agriculture, which means farming and animals. About 2,000 animals are shown at the fair each year. Horses are becoming one of the most popular attractions! In 2016, vendors came from 25 different states to set up around 500 booths. About 100 of these booths were food stands, offering all kinds of yummy treats.

Besides animals and food, there are many other fun things to do. You can watch a talent show, cheer on kids in the "Kid's Pedal Pull" (where children race small tractors), and even explore an automobile museum.

How Many People Visit?

The Steele County Free Fair attracts a lot of visitors each year. Here's a look at how many people have attended in different years: