Two weekends of fun in Embarrass

This weekend kicks off two weekends of fun in Embarrass.

Today through Sunday will be the team penning and ranch sorting while next weekend is the annual Embarrass Region Fair.

Fair fun begins on Friday, Aug. 16, at 3 p.m. with the 16th annual Danny Theel Memorial Team Penning and Ranch Sorting weekend in the horse arena.

Cowboys and cowgirls put their cattle rustling skills to the test as they compete for buckles and prizes. Registration for participants opens one hour before the event.

Spectators can relax and enjoy the competition for free. Food trucks are available all weekend. In addition, you can be a judge in our “Little Miss” Queen competition essay contest. Five girls between nine and 13 years old are competing for the crown. Read each essay and vote for your favorite.

Then, the fairgrounds come to life on Friday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. This year, the fair celebrates 85 years of this homegrown last hurrah of summer brought to you by dedicated volunteers.

In addition, Friday, Aug. 23, marks the 33rd anniversary of the ribbon cutting that officially opened the Timber Hall.

Like any major community event, the Embarrass Region Fair has undergone many changes over the years. Based on feedback from last year’s Fair, some significant changes have been made.

Parking: Congestion on Hwy. 21 and safety on the grounds has led to changes how cars enter and exit the fairgrounds. This year the North gate (by the arena) will be the entrance and the South gate (across from Nelimark) will be the exit.

Cars will be routed across grass to a ticket booth where fair goers will be able to buy wristbands.

Then, they will be directed to fill the parking lot from the back to the front (west end to east end). Folks needing handicap accessible parking will be directed to park near the Timber Hall and must display a handicap parking permit. Volunteers are still needed for this very important role. Contact [email protected] or call Dawn at 218-341-7765 to help fill our open slots.

Animals. State regulations regarding animals have diminished the ability to exhibit animals in competition at our Fair.

So, the Embarrass Fair got creative and have added 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 kiddies on Sunday.

Other animal events include a mutton busting competition on Friday, K9 and agility demonstrations on Saturday, and horse games on Sunday.

Of course, pony rides will be available all weekend. Dogs on a four to six foot leash are welcome on the grounds but owners are expected to keep their animals under control and clean up after their pet. Water and poo bags will be available. Only service animals are allowed inside the Timber Hall.

Exhibits. All exhibits will need to be delivered by 7 p.m. on Friday and judging will take place on Saturday morning. Then the Exhibit Building will open on Saturday around 11 a.m. for visitors to enjoy the things made and grown by community members and see what ribbons have been awarded.

Participate. There are plenty of opportunities to play and compete at this year’s Embarrass Fair.

Pre-registrations are strongly encouraged for the Flying Finn 5K Run-Walk, chess tournament, speed puzzle contest, mutton busting, demolition derby and the grand finale, the parade. Register at www.

embarrassrfa.org/fair/participate.

Registrations for power wheels demo derby (kids 3 to 10 years old), cornhole contest and horse games begins one hour before the event.

Entertainment. The entertainment stage has been moved to the west side of the grounds at the end of food-vendor row. And, the Lion’s Club Beer tent will be nearby. Willy Martin’s band Honkytonks and Hangovers take the stage Friday evening and the band Swamp Donkey is featured on Saturday. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.

Wizard's Kingdom inflatables have moved to the front of the Fairgrounds near Timber Hall. The Amazing Charles Magic Show is back and you won’t want to miss Will Hale Kids Concert and the musical memories on the accordion.

Parade. There are two parades this year. Sunday at 11:30 a.m., the kiddie parade will assemble in the kids area in front of the Timber Hall. Decorate your bikes and trikes, big wheels, and wagons, wear a costume or be yourself—but join in the parade.

The finale parade at 4 p.m. Sun day is changing course this year. The parade route will be in reverse from past years. Line up will take place between Hanka Nevala Road and the ice arena. The parade will finish at Waisanen Road. Specta tors: bring your lawn chairs and spread out along the route.

All Your Favorites. Breakfast in the Timber Hall, Fair food all weekend, Bingo under the eaves, mud run, demo derby, softball tournament, classic car and truck show and more. Visit the information booth outside Timber Hall for a weekend schedule and provide Fair feedback.

Putting on community activities is a huge undertaking and organizers would like to thank all of the volunteers that made these two weekends events possible.