EMBARRASS- While the Embarrass Fair officially kicks off on Friday, Aug. 23, the fairground horse arena will be full of action starting Friday, Aug. 16, when the 16th Annual Danny Theel Memorial Team Penning and Ranch Sorting gets underway.
Cowboys and cowgirls put their cattle rustling skills to the test as they compete for buckles and prizes. Registration for participants opens one hour before the event. Spectators can relax and enjoy the competition for free. Food trucks are available all weekend. In addition, attendees can be a judge in our “Little Miss” Queen competition essay contest. Five girls between 9 and 13 years old are competing for the crown. Read each essay and vote for your favorite. 
This year, the Embarrass Region Fair celebrates 85 years of this homegrown last hurrah of summer. In addition, Friday, Aug. 23, marks the 33rd anniversary of the ribbon cutting that officially opened the Timber Hall. Gates open on Friday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.
Like any major community event, the Embarrass Region Fair has undergone many changes over the years. In fact, based on feedback from last year’s fair, some significant changes have been made to this year’s fair.
Parking
Congestion on Hwy. 21 and safety on the grounds had fair organizers re-think how cars enter and exit the fairgrounds. This year, the north gate (by the horse arena) will be the entrance and the south gate (across from the Nelimark) will be the exit. Cars will be routed across grass to a ticket booth where fairgoers will be able to buy their wristbands. Then, drivers will be directed to fill the parking lot from the back to the front (west end to east end). Folks needing handicap accessible parking will be directed to park near the Timber Hall and must display a handicap parking permit. Volunteers are still needed for this very important role. Contact organizers by email at info@embarrassrfa.org or call Dawn at 218-341-7765 to help out.
Pet adoptions and petting zoo
State regulations have hampered the ability to exhibit animals in competition at the fair. So, the fair committee got creative and added a different twist on what used to be the “animal barn.” Pet adoptions will be available on Saturday and a petting zoo will entertain the young and old on Sunday. Other animal events include a mutton busting competition on Friday, K9 and agility demonstrations on Saturday, and horse games on Sunday. Pony rides will be available all weekend. Dogs on a 4 – 6 ft. leash are welcome on the grounds but owners are expected to keep their animals under control and clean up after their pet. Water and poo bags will be available for fairgoers’ use. Only service animals are allowed inside the Timber Hall.
Exhibits
All exhibits will need to be delivered by 7 p.m. on Friday and judging will take place on Saturday morning. In this way, the exhibit building can open on Saturday around 11 a.m. for visitors to enjoy the things made and grown by our community and see what ribbons have been awarded. Entries are for garden produce, baked goods, canned goods, arts and crafts, and much more. Cash prizes are paid for top entries. For rules on entries, see www.embarrassrfa.org/fair/participate.
Participate
There are plenty of opportunities to play and compete at this year’s Fair. 
Pre-registrations are strongly encouraged for the Flying Finn 5K Run-Walk, the chess tournament, and speed puzzle contest, all on Saturday. The mutton busting competition is set for Friday, while the demolition derby and the grand finale parade are set for Sunday. Please register at www.embarrassrfa.org/fair/participate.
Registrations for power wheels demo derby (kids 3 to 10 years old) on Sunday during the demo derby intermission, cornhole contest on Saturday, and horse games on Sunday begins one hour before the event.

Entertainment
The entertainment stage has been moved to the west side of the grounds at the end of food-vendor row. And the Lions Club beer tent will be nearby. Honkytonks and Hangovers take the stage Friday evening and Swamp Donkey is featured on Saturday. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.
Wizard’s Kingdom inflatables have moved to the front of the fairgrounds near Timber Hall. The Amazing Charles Magic Show is back, and you won’t want to miss the Will Hale Kids Concert and the musical memories on the accordion.
Parade
There are two parades this year. Sunday at 11:30 a.m., the kiddie parade will assemble in the Kids Area in front of the Timber Hall. Decorate your bikes and trikes, big wheels, and wagons, wear a costume or be yourself—but join in the parade.
The finale parade at 4 p.m. Sunday is changing course this year. The parade route will be in reverse from past years. Line-up will take place between Hanka Nevala Road and the ice arena. The parade will finish at Waisanen Road. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and spread out along the route. 
Much more
Breakfast in the Timber Hall, fair food all weekend, bingo under the eaves, the mud run, the demolition derby, the softball tournament, classic car and truck show, and more. Visit the information booth outside Timber Hall for a weekend schedule, check out the fair schedule below, and also find the schedule online at www.embarrassrfa.org/fair. 
Putting on community activities is a huge undertaking. The fair committee would like to thank all of the volunteers who make these two weekend events possible and hope that everyone enjoys this year’s fair and considers joining the team of amazing volunteers who make it happen every year.