The 125th Mower County Free Fair is in the books. Up from the 2008 attendance of 78,000, more than 84,000 people passed through the gates to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the 2009 fair Aug. 11-16.

Most of the week, the weather was perfect with highs in the 70s and sunshine. Thursday morning a quick shower started the day but quickly gave way to a warm sunny day. Saturday evening saw a downpour which put a damper on the midway but the fans in the grandstand stayed dry as they watched several combines smashing into each other as the rain came down. The roar of the crowd drowned out the roar of the engines when the green flag waved during the height of the rain. The crowd in the beer garden waited out the rain and for their patience they were treated to three hours of great live music in the expanded outdoor courtyard.

Tens of thousands of fair-goers were greeted by the new road as they sought out their favorite fair food and tried some new ones. Merriam’s Midway had several additional rides and attractions and the fair goers responded favorably. Of course a last minute popular addition was David Cannonball Smith as he launched himself from cannon, over the ferris wheel, and into a net twice a day.

It wasn’t just any fair; it was the 125th Mower County Fair to be held on the same grounds. The Mower County Historical Society hosted a 125th fair anniversary display in the original fair office building. Commemorative T-shirts and buttons celebrating the 125th Mower County Fair were sold before and during the fair. Button owners were able to save $2 on admission at each of the grandstand events and they were eligible for a daily $100 drawing. Three of the $100 prizes were claimed but three remain unclaimed. If you have a 125th Mower County Fair button check the number. It might be worth $100. The unclaimed numbers are 056, 059 and 632. If you have one of those, bring it to the fair office before Oct. 1 to collect your $100.

Popular attractions at the fair included the Don Ritland Children’s Farmyard which was home to Reggie, the 1,200-pound boar, as well as a sow and piglets, hatching chicks and their Ferris Wheel, as well as many other animals. Crowds enjoyed the daily parade, free entertainment on Fair Square, livestock shows, creative arts and crafts, as well as grandstand shows including the return of a NTPA Tractor Pull.

The Mower County Agricultural Society, which elects the fair board, will hold its annual meeting on Nov. 2. If you wish to join the Ag Society stop at the fair office before Sept. 30. The 2010 Mower County Fair will be held Aug. 10-15. Visit www.mowercountyfair.com for more information.