The county fair is an exciting place, with Ferris wheels, fried food on sticks, and all-you-can-drink milk for a dollar.
For some, the Wright County Fair is more a family tradition than a family outing. For instance, the Neutz family, of Maple Lake, has been involved with the youth program, 4-H, for three generations.
Michelle Neutz, whose father and father-in-law were heavily involved with 4-H in their time, as she was herself, said she believes the program is great to build character in youth.
"I think it’s a great way to build work ethic and responsibility for my children," said Neutz.
Neutz grew up on a dairy farm and was involved with the 4-H Club in nearby Benton County. Three of her four children, Daniel, 15, Sarah, 13, and Joe, 11, were present on the opening day of the Wright County Fair to check in their livestock on Wednesday, July 18.
Daniel and Sarah are both showing pigs, and Sarah and Joe are showing sheep.
All three said a lot of work goes into getting their animals ready for the fair.
"I have to walk him, feed him and pet him a lot," said Joe.
In addition to livestock projects, Joe participates in shooting sports and archery with his local 4-H club.
"I really like the animals, and the shooting sports," Joe said.
"You have to watch their weight to make sure they’re not getting overweight," said Sarah. "You put them on a scale and measure the feed and to make sure their weight is on track."
Michelle added that the walking of the animals helps them build endurance so they can last in the hot sun during the fair. The practice also trains the animal to listen to their handler, especially important during the judging.
Daniel added that a lot of money and time goes into prepping these animals for the fair.
Animal check-in for 4-H is a 12-hour window during the first day of the fair.
"I worked really hard in school to get off the farm, because it was a lot of work," said Michelle. "And here I am working with animals again," she said with a laugh.
Justin Crowley, program coordinator for 4-H through the University of Minnesota Extension, said there are not as many families involved in 4H within the northwest corner of Wright County, compared to other areas such as Howard Lake and Monticello.
"It’s traditionally been a dead spot up there," said Crowley.
Wright County 4-H is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Of course, the fair is not limited to livestock exhibitions, or for youth. Area residents’ exhibitions ribboned in several different areas, of all ages.
Many non-livestock exhibits are judged early during the fair, and many ribbons were prominently displayed on a variety of projects, from needlecrafts and baked goods to horticulture, flower arranging and photography.
Wayne Nicoloff, of South Haven, was awarded a Grand Champion ribbon for wood carving. Nicoloff belongs to the Central Minnesota Wood Carvers Association, and has been carving for 20 years.
Cathy Lauren, of Annandale, was awarded a blue, first-placed ribbon for a jewelry piece submitted. Sean Gohman, of South Haven, was also awarded a blue ribbon, but for a fairy garden.
Other area exhibit winners include, but are certainly not limited to:
■ Joelle Boe, of Clearwater, for photography.
■ Regina Coan, of Clearwater, for a wreath, a pillow and a table linen.
■ Asher Doran, of Clearwater, for a junior entry into pottery.