This year’s Dodge County Free Fair kicks off today at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Kasson, Minnesota. It will run through Sunday.

“The Dodge County Fair is the oldest county fair in Minnesota with ‘Three Cheers for 160 Years,’” said Dodge County Fair President Marilyn Lermon. “We promote education and entertainment for the young and old.”

Some of the biggest events from previous years will be returning, including the stock car race, the demolition derby, bull riding and barrel racing, the open animal shows and bands regularly performing from Wednesday through Saturday.

New to this year’s fair will be an Ag Lab Center, where kids can experience what it is like to drive a tractor. There will be a new open poultry show on Thursday and the first lawnmower races on Sunday. Artist and tradesman Roger Abrahamson will be doing wooden bowl turning through the duration of the fair.

“It is probably one of the greatest small town fairs in the Midwest,” Lermon said.

Grandstand Schedule

Times and events subject to change. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit: www.dodgecountyfreefair.com/home.html.
Wednesday

•Bull Riding Challenge, Barrel Racing and Mutton Busting, sponsored by the Rice Bull Riding Company, $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, kids five and under free, 7 p.m.
Thursday

•Thunderbird Open Stock Car Races, $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, kids five and under free, pit pass $30, 7 p.m.
Friday

•Tri-State Tractor Pull, $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, kids five and under free, pit pass $30, 7 p.m.
Saturday

•Free Antique Tractor Pull, 10 a.m.

•Demolition Derby, $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, kids five and under free, pit pass $30, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday

MNLMRA Lawn Mower Races, $5, kids 12 and under free, pit pass $10, 3 p.m.