EMBARRASS- Get ready for a full weekend of fun at this year’s Embarrass Region Fair. The fair, which prides itself in being the “last hurrah of summer” features a wide variety of events for all ages, including old favorites and some sure to become new favorites. All three days, you will find fair food, games, live entertainment for all ages, and plenty of exhibitors and vendors.
New this year is the Mullet competition on Friday, Aug. 28. Registration is from 5 – 5:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 6:15 p.m. There are four different categories: best child’s mullet, best overall, longest, and crowd favorite. Prizes will be awarded. Contestants are also asked to bring their favorite walk-up song.
Gates open at 2 p.m. on Friday, and there will be kids’ games and activities, crafters and vendors, Wizard’s Kingdom inflatables and pony rides (additional fees). Live music starts at 4 p.m. with Big T and the Growlers, and at 7 p.m. Willy Martin and the Rangers.
Get ready to show off your best garden produce, canning, baking, arts, and crafts on Saturday. The exhibit building is open for drop-offs from 8 – 10 a.m. You can check out the dozens and dozens of categories, along with the rules, at www.embarrassrfa.org/fair/participate. There are cash prizes and ribbons awarded for top entries in each category.
A medallion hunt will be held at 9 a.m. on both Saturday ($200 prize) and Sunday ($400 prize). The medallion will be hidden somewhere on the fairgrounds and clues will be posted at the info booth, new clues will be posted throughout the day until the medallion is found.
Another new event this year on Saturday is the Heart and Hooves Riding Association, which will be offering classes starting at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There will be lessons on showmanship, ranch riding, ranch rail, and all-around ranch horse reining. Hearts and Hooves focuses on the horse and rider as individuals, prioritizing true partnership, connection, and bonding built on respect, understanding, and trust. Horsemanship is also on display on Sunday, with the annual horse show starting at 10 a.m. There will be barrels, poles, keyhole, jumping 8s, speed dash, and more. There is no charge for these events.
Get active by participating in the Flying Finn 5K run/walk on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is preferred at https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/Embarrass/FlyingFinn5K but you can register on race day prior to 9 a.m. The race starts across the highway from Timber Hall, at the Mesabi Bike Trail parking area, and runs on paved bike trails through the Embarrass Campground.
There are races for all ages from 11 a.m. – 12 noon on Saturday, and adult races at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday. The adult races include a tricycle race, with kid’s size trikes, sure to be fun to watch, and many others.
Bingo with cash prizes on both days starting at 11 a.m. Bingo is a quarter per card.
The demolition derby is back on Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. There is an additional admission fee of $10, although kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult. Seating is limited so bring a lawn chair or just sit on the ground. There are categories for station wagons, cars, vans, and trucks. This event has been growing year to year, so be sure not to miss all the real-life bang and crash action.
If you like your cars more polished (and whole), check out the classic car show on Sunday. If past participation is any clue, expect to find as many as a hundred classic cars on the lawn at Timber Hall.
Kids can visit the Klatt’s Farm Petting Zoo from 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday and check out the Amazing Charles Magic Show at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. There is a family-friendly concert on 11 a.m. on Sunday with Will Hall.
There is live music on Saturday night at 7 p.m. with Iron Range Funk Machine. This is their first time performing at the fair.
At noon on Sunday, see who comes out the winner in the pie-eating contest.
More quiet offerings include the cribbage tournament on Friday starting at 4 p.m., a puzzle table on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and dog agility demonstrations in the arena at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The world record boot toss event has been cancelled, but organizers hope to get it organized again for next summer’s fair.
How to participate
https://www.embarrassrfa.org/fair/participate
Gate Hours
Friday, Aug. 28 from 2 – 8 p.m. 
Saturday, Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Gate Prices
Weekend wristbands $12 (Friday Only)
Admission $5/day
Children 10 and under FREE with a paid adult
Wizard’s Kingdom Inflatables- All weekend, $3 per ticket, four tickets for $10, or nine tickets for $20.
Pony Rides- All weekend, $6 per ride