The Mower County Fair wrapped up another year on Sunday, a year that Fair Board Director John Mueller described as “excellent.”

“This year we had a great turnout all week long and, other than a couple of showers, we had great weather,” he said.

Attendance in 2019 was close to 100,000, Mueller said, up from last year.

This year’s Grandstand events featured returning favorites like Motocross, Bull Riding and the Demolition Derby, as well as two new additions, Enduro Racing and Monster Trucks.

“We put Enduro Racing in the mix and, not quite knowing what to expect, we would say it was a success and we may try it again,” Mueller said. “On the night we had the monster trucks, the Grandstand was full and everyone left that very pleased.”

Mueller also added that the Fair Board picked up the tab for the Monster Truck Pit Party, which was originally supposed to have an admission fee of $10, as a way of thanking those that came out and participated in the event.

Another popular draw were the glass blowing demonstrations done by Pete Waldman of Pete’s Glass Retreat.

“He is local, but he brought friends of his and they did shows and demonstrations throughout the day,” Mueller said. “That event drew very good crowds for demonstrations. Fair goers also has the opportunity to get first hand knowledge by helping him with projects.”

The glass blowing event was partially funded by the Legacy Grant administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Also new this year was the Purple Ribbon Plaza, which was built to replace the Fairground’s aging Beer Garden. Mueller said the reception was “outstanding.”

“We expected a lot of interest in it and very good crowds,” he said. “Five out of the six nights exceeded last year’s activity in there. It was just outstanding and we’re still hearing from people who used it.”

Mueller added the Fair Board’s ultimate goal for the Purple Ribbon Plaza is to make it a family environment and let families know they are welcome to use it.

Mueller said that other attractions, such as the Machinery exhibit, continue to be popular, as do special fair days, such as Daycare Day, which saw roughly 150 daycare students attending.

“We always plan for entertainment and events we think will be well received,” he said.

In the future, Mueller said to look for continued growth.

“Our committee is proactive in keeping the Mower County Fairground one of the nicest in the state and that helps us with offseason events,” he said. “We hear continuously from fair goers, both from Mower County and elsewhere, that they appreciate having a free gate and not having to pay admission. That has been a continued goal of the Fair Board. We also want to bring in great events to the Grandstand. We look forward to growing the fair and making it family friendly and always keeping a free gate.

“None of this would happen without the volunteers that come out and work on the property, the superintendents of the shows, those that bring out their livestock and compete. It takes all of them to make it work and we appreciate their participation.”