The 2002 Mower County Fair doesn't officially open until Tuesday, but its first event was held Sunday night when the 2002 Midwest Swine Show took place in the historic Crane Pavilion on the fairgrounds in southwest Austin.

The show's sponsors posthumously honored Tony Burke.

However, another event was held Saturday at the fairgrounds that is even more closely linked to the Fair -- the 4-H Horse Show.

The Mower County Rough Riders 4-H club holds its annual competition on the Saturday before the official start of the county fair. Then, 4-Hers with horse projects also hold a fun show during the Fair and perform as a drill team for the opening ceremonies of the two nights of rodeo action in front of the grandstand crowd.

After those weekend events, the fun and excitement begins in earnest Tuesday.

Official ribbon-cutting ceremonies begin noon in front of Crane Pavilion. Ken Trom, a fair board director, said, "we're going to have a great time with a patriotic theme this year."

Thee will be a flag-raising, plus the singing of patriotic songs by Four Word Followers of Blooming Prairie.

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce will be present with a crew of ambassadors and other dignitaries.

Then, it's six days of free county fair fun.

Dale Merriam's Midway Shows and Attractions return by popular demand.

No less than 45 outdoor concessionaires will be selling their wares. This includes food vendors, souvenirs and games along the street in front of the grandstands.

Denice Mudra, fair board administrative assistant, is excited about the energy tent. "There will be 12 different energy vendors in the tent explaining alternative energy sources," Mudra said.

The Plager Building will be filled with commercial exhibits. There are 57 booth spaces in the building, but some clients use more than one space.

Still, the total in the Plager Building should exceed 45 exhibitors, especially considering it's an election year and politicians and their parties will be in abundance.

Ron Osmon and his groundskeeping crew are finishing up final preparations for the opening day at the fair.

On Tuesday, volunteers from Grace Lutheran Church will be manning the gates to the fairgrounds and off-grounds parking lots.

Loren Hanson, fair board president, is excited about the improvements to Crane Pavilion and a wider, safer paved entrance at the north gate.

"We think we have done a lot for the Mower County Fair and hope everybody will come and enjoy are free fair this week," Hanson said.

Complete County Fair schedules are available at businesses throughout Mower County or go to www.mowercountyfair.com.

For a complete list of Tuesday’s events at the Mower County Fair, see Monday’s print edition of the Austin Daily Herald – available at news racks around the area.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

:mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com