The 2018 Mower County Free Fair will begin tomorrow, running from Aug. 7-12 at the Mower County Fairgrounds, and visitors can expect the return of some old favorites.

“The biggest request (the Fair Board) gets is for a Ferris wheel,” said Mower County Fair Board Director John Mueller. “One has been purchased. As a board we’re really excited to have a Ferris wheel again.”

Mueller said this will be the first time in several years a Ferris wheel will be at the Fair. It will be one of a few rides Fair goers have been requesting.

The opening ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and will feature another returning favorite: Elvis-impersonator Brad Boyce. Boyce will also do two shows at the Fair Square on Tuesday. Mueller said Boyce has performed at the Fair Square and Grandstand in previous years.

Other Fair Square acts will include Sherwin Linton & the Cotton Kings, Who Let the Mama’s Out, Annabelle Maher, The Heartbreakers and LP & the 45s.

The circus, which Mueller said was very popular last year, will be returning this year as part of the carnival.

There will be new attractions this year, such as the reptile-centered RAD Zoo on display Wednesday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 12.

For the first time, open livestock shows during the Fair will be trailer shows, meaning that livestock will be able to be brought to the grounds and leave after the show. Mueller said that 4-H livestock will remain in the grounds, as in previous years.

There will be live music at the Beer Garden throughout the Fair as well as 4-H and FFA displays. And, of course, there will be daily events at the Grandstand.

Mueller also stated that people passing the Fairgrounds will notice the area surrounding Buffy the Cow has been cleared and new trees have been planted. The work was a joint effort between the Mower County Fairgrounds and Spruce Up Austin.

Passports to Mower Fun, which allow unlimited rides all week, will be available at the carnival office for $55.

For more information, go online at www.mowercountyfair.com.

 

Schedule of Events

All times and locations are subject to change. For more information, visit www.mowercountyfair.com

 

Promotional Days

• Aug. 8 – Daycare Day (pre-registration is required)

• Aug. 9 – Senior Day (free parking for senior citizens)

• Aug. 12 – Military Appreciation Day (free parking for those with valid military ID)

Grandstand Events

• Aug. 7 – Motokazie Supercross, 7 p.m.

• Aug. 8 – 56 Speedway Go-Kart Racing, 7 p.m.

• Aug. 9 – NTPA Tractor Pull, 7 p.m.

• Aug. 10 – Live Music – Lexi Parr & the Ruby Blond Band, 5 p.m., SFO, 7 p.m., and County Line Drive, 9 p.m.

• Aug. 11 – Great Frontier Bull Riding, 7 p.m.

• Aug. 12 – Demolition Derby, 2 p.m.

Beer Garden Events

• Aug. 7 – Pandora’s Other Box, hosted by the Leroy Fire Department, 8 p.m.

• Aug. 8 – ARENA, hosted by the Mapleview Fire Department, 8 p.m.

• Aug. 9 – Branded, hosted by the Brownsdale Fire Department, 8 p.m.

• Aug. 10 – Grandstand Backyard Beer Garden Bash, hosted by the Leroy Fire Department, 5 p.m. (See Grandstand Events)

• Aug. 11 – The Shalo Lee Band, hosted by the Brownsdale Fire Department, 9 p.m.

• Aug. 12 – Bean Bag Tournament, hosted by the Mapleview Fire Department, 1 p.m. (registration at noon)

Carnival

• Aug. 7 – Ride Preview, all rides only $2 each, 5-10 p.m.

• Aug. 8 – Carnival opens at 3 p.m., wristbands $22, 5-10 p.m.

• Aug. 9 – Kids Day ($15), 1-4 p.m., wristbands $22, 5-10 p.m.

• Aug. 10 – Wristbands $22, 5-10 p.m.

• Aug. 11 – Wristbands $22, noon to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 12 – Wristbands $22, noon to 7 p.m.