Another county fair has come and gone. Throughout the years, fair time has meant different things for my family, as I am sure it has for yours. From taking eager children to ride rides, play carnival games, and eat all sorts of tasty treats, to taking pre-teen kids, but being abandoned upon arrival as friends became better companions, to telling teenagers to be home at a certain time after the fair while trying to stay awake and wait for them-life evolves. New for my husband and I this year was going to the fairgrounds early Sunday morning to walk through the barns, have breakfast at the St. Olaf Diner and sip coffee while eating mini donuts. It’s an enjoyable week regardless of the phase we are in.

I recently started another new fair experience by volunteering for the Mower County Historical Society as a host in one of their many preserved buildings. Since my knowledge of history is pretty specific, it seemed natural for me to be stationed in the Hormel building which was one of the company’s original warehouse buildings.

The displays in the building cover history, manufacturing processes and products and give a nice overview of the early days of the company. A large panoramic of the plant dating to the 1930s offers a great perspective of just how big the company had grown in its first 40 or so years. A few other items of interest include preserved hair balls from the stomach of a cow, butcher knives, time clocks, and an ammonia compressor used in an early refrigeration process.

At the kick off to our next History Happy Hour season, you will get a chance to see the MCHS Hormel building as well as the new collections building recently dedicated by the Historical Society. On Monday, Sept.10, you are invited to join the HHH, the Mower County Historical Society, and Friends of the Library, on a travelling tour bus showcasing all our properties. The first 28 people who arrive at the HHH will be transported via bus to the library for an up close viewing of the St. John’s Bible. On the way, they will hear a brief recap of the Pillars of the Community dedicated over the last three years. The bus will then go to the Historical Society for a presentation, and then return to the HHH. Space is limited on the bus, but guests are welcome to drive their own cars to each spot as well.

As always, History Happy Hour is free to members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. Cost is $5 for nonmembers. All are invited to enjoy free snacks and a cash bar.

See you on the bus.

History Happy Hour-Traveling History Bus

5:30 p.m. social and 6 p.m. program Monday, Sept. 10

Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. $5 for nonmembers. All are invited to enjoy free snacks and a cash bar.

Harvest Fest Participant- Packed With Protein Event

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15

Presentations for all ages by Jen Haugen, R.D., at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30. Hands on snack making throughout event. Free.