Summer’s last hurrah

EMBARRASS- Local fairs are a tradition going back centuries, but they’ve increasingly faded from the scene in our modern era. The Embarrass Region Fair, which celebrates its 85th year beginning this Friday, Aug. 23, is one of the exceptions.
The fair kicks off at 2 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. on Friday night. Saturday hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., and from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday.
This year’s fair will include many of the old favorite activities along with some new ones.
Among the changes is a different twist on what used to be the “animal barn.” Pet adoptions will be available on Saturday and a petting zoo will entertain the young and old on Sunday. Other animal events include a mutton busting competition on Friday, K9 and agility demonstrations on Saturday, and horse games on Sunday. Pony rides will be available all weekend.
Honkytonks and Hangovers take the stage Friday evening and Swamp Donkey is featured on Saturday. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.
Wizard’s Kingdom inflatables will be at the front of the fairgrounds near Timber Hall. The Amazing Charles Magic Show is back, and you won’t want to miss the Will Hale Kids Concert and the musical memories on the accordion.
The kiddie parade will assemble in the Kids Area in front of the Timber Hall and start on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Decorate your bikes and trikes, big wheels, and wagons – wear a costume or be yourself.
The finale parade is at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The route will be in reverse from past years. Line-up will take place between Hanka Nevala Rd. and the ice arena. The parade will finish at Waisanen Road. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and spread out along the route.
This year, the north gate (by the horse arena) will be the entrance and the south gate (across from the Nelimark) will be the exit. Cars will be routed across grass to a ticket booth where fairgoers will be able to buy their wristbands. Drivers will be directed to fill the parking lot from the back to the front (west end to east end). People needing handicap accessible parking will be directed to park near the Timber Hall and must display a handicap parking permit.
Breakfast in the Timber Hall, fair food all weekend, bingo under the eaves, the mud run on Saturday, the demolition derby on Sunday, classic car and truck show, and more. Visit the information booth outside Timber Hall for a weekend schedule, or find the schedule online at www.embarrassrfa.org/fair.