EMBARRASS — Despite showers, cool weather, and a shortage of volunteers, the Embarrass Region Fair had an excellent turnout for the weekend. The fair had something for everyone to enjoy, from lighthearted and fun races, magic shows and a petting zoo to cribbage and exhibits, beer gardens, and bands. The biggest crowd draw by far was the demolition derby, where about 600 spectators packed the stands on Sunday afternoon.
Back for a second year, the pie-eating competition brought a lot of smiles and laughter. Contestants raced to eat a mini pie as quickly as they could. Edwin Swanson, Mathew Goodwin, Katie Larson, and Hayden Rasmussen each won first-place awards.
Police K-9 units demonstrated their dog’s skills in the horse arena and The Amazing Charles wowed children during his shows and gave out balloon art in between. The Finns (and their friends) flew through the Flying Finn 5K. Horses and their riders inspired while Tom and Morgan from Klatt’s Korner Market showed the gentler side of animal husbandry, showing their bunnies, turtles, pigs, and goats at a petting zoo on Saturday afternoon.
Many events were missed, however, including the mud runs, the Little Miss Embarrass competition, and Timber Hall breakfasts, which were canceled due to lack of volunteers. The Embarrass Fair board is welcoming new volunteers to take on these events as well as new board members and new ideas.
The board also is looking to partner with nonprofit organizations to fundraise for their cause. A group such as a sports team or booster club can take over parking shifts or the pop and water tent to earn funds for their group. For more information, contact the board via email at info@embarrassrfa.org.
The Embarrass Region Fair Association has been a volunteer-operated nonprofit since 1986. It serves Embarrass Township and the surrounding communities of Aurora, Babbitt, Biwabik, Breitung, Britt, Eagles Nest, Ely, Greenwood, Hoyt Lakes, Kugler, Morse, Fall Lake, Palo, Pike, Sandy, Soudan, Tower, Vermilion Lake, Wasaa, White, Winton and Wuori. If you live in these areas, the fair is for you! If you enjoy the fair, please consider giving back.
The Embarrass Region Fair would not be possible without the financial contribution of these sponsors, NewRange Copper Nickel, Embarrass Vermillion Federal Credit Union, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, ISCO, Pike Township, Lake Country Power, B&S Research, C&C Winger, Eagle Docks, Lundgrens Ford, NAPA Auto Parts, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Lulich Implement, Northeast Title Company, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., SISU Heritage, Z’Up North Realty, Zup’s Food Markets, Lost Sock, Kaia’s Cattle Co., Reinhardt Professional Auction Service, B.I.C. Realty, Hebl Floor Sanding, The Canvas Shop, Merhar’s Ace Hardware, 1st National Bank, Pohaki, Sandvik, Trembath’s Machine and Welding, Millwrights and Machine Erectors Local 1348, The Vermilion Club, Edwards Oil and Propane, Ely Veterinary Clinic, Range Reliable Agency, M&M Excavating, Richard and Ellen Pierce, Shane Broughten, Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home, and Range L.P.