EMBARRASS — The Embarrass Region Fair calls itself the “last hurrah of summer,” and that may not be a huge exaggeration. With dozens of activities and chances to participate for all ages, if you’ve never spent a day there, you might want to check it out. Admission to the fair is $5 for adults ($12 for the weekend), and kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult. Fair hours are Friday, Aug 22, from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
In the tradition of old-time country fairs, the event takes place thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer labor.
“We have a great volunteer crew this year,” said fair manager Tracey Muhvich. “But we really do need more help.”
Volunteers are needed, specifically, to help with fair set up on Wednesday, Aug. 21 starting at 4 p.m. They will be placing tables, chairs, and setting up tents on the grounds. Another huge need, said Muhvich, is help with parking and entry ticket sales on Saturday. Different shifts are available. If anyone can help during either of these times, please contact Muhvich at 218-410-7988 or Sue Beaton at 218-750-2718.
In the tradition of all old-time county fairs, a huge variety of garden vegetables, home-baked items, jams/jellies, canning, flowers, and all sorts of hand-crafted items and photography will be on display for judging. These exhibits need to be registered in person on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 3-6 p.m. for nonperishable items, or on Friday, from 1-7 p.m. Judging takes place Saturday morning, and the exhibit building is closed to the public during this time. There are small cash prizes for the top three entries in each category, and age classes for adults, youth 11-17, and children 10 and under. For a list of categories and other information, visit https://www.embarrassrfa.org/fair/participate. There are literally hundreds of categories that people can enter. Items must be grown or raised in the regional communities of: Aurora, Babbitt, Biwabik, Breitung, Eagles Nest, Ely, Embarrass, Greenwood, Hoyt Lakes, Kugler, Morse-Fall Lake, Palo, Pike, Sandy, Soudan, Tower, Vermilion Lake, Waasa, White, and Wuori.
There will be three days of live entertainment, vendors and crafts inside and outside, inflatables, all your favorite fair food, and more. New this year is a Settlers of Catan (tabletop game, with beginners welcome) and Cribbage tournament on Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a K-9 agility demonstration at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.
There are 11 food vendors setting up for the fair, including favorites like mini donuts, along with other sweet and savory treats and meals. There will not be food served inside Timber Hall this year. Northland Lawn and Sport and Lossing’s Power Sports will have equipment on display, and new this year is a vendor selling saunas.
Live music begins on Friday at 3:30 p.m. with The Diva’s, and then Pat and Donna Surface at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Old McDonald Had a Banjo will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., followed by Stony River at 7 p.m. Old McDonald Had a Banjo will be back with more family-friendly entertainment on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Amazing Charles Magic Show will delight children on both Saturday and Sunday.
Horse events include a barrel racing exhibition from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, and a horse show with games on Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. A softball tournament will be underway both Saturday and Sunday. The cornhole tournament is on Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
Games for all ages, with cash prizes, are on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. For those not as active, try your hand at bingo on both Saturday and Sunday. Klatt’s Farm Petting Zoo will have animals on site on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. in an air-conditioned trailer. The animal barn is not being used again this year, due to new health regulations which require having a veterinarian on site.
Sunday is also for car aficionados with a classic car and truck show from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Last year brought in over 100 cars and trucks, so fair organizers are once again expecting a good turnout. The demolition derby gets underway at 12:30 p.m., with categories for cars, vans, and trucks. At the end of the event, the second annual Todd Scholz Memorial Grudge Match will get underway, in honor of long-time event volunteer and participant who passed away unexpectedly last year. There is a separate admission charge, which helps fund the cash prizes for the winners.
Due to a lack of volunteers, there is no mud run this year. The parade, traditionally held on Sunday to end the festivities, is also canceled due to lack of volunteers.
The Flying Finn 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning takes runners on a scenic route on the Embarrass bike trail and through the campground starting at 9:30 a.m. Runners are asked to pre-register at https://rangeevents.org/Race/Details/93 or can register the morning of the race prior to 9 a.m.
Cost for pre-registration is $30 adults and $20 for kids (18 and under), and on the day of the event is $35 adults & $25 for kids. Financial aid is available; contact race organizer Christina Forsythe at 218-750-8831. There will be cash prizes for the top male and female finisher, plus first, second, and third place medallions for runners in each age division. Plus, there is a trophy for the best dressed Finn. Dress in any way that represents Finnish culture. A Flying Finn T-shirt will be given to all participants, but please pre-register to guarantee sizing.
The complete listing of events, as well as other information, can be found at www.embarrassrfa.org/.