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154:. In 1872 it was held in a pasture on Main Street, and until 1917 it was held at various locations in the community. It moved to its current location in 1918. By 1927 the fair became a "free fair" with no admission charged. In the 1930s the fair introduced auto racing and grandstand stage shows with chorus lines, as addition to its traditional attractions. Free entertainment stages were added in 1979.
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The fair is focused on agriculture; about 2,000 animals are displayed each year, and the fastest growing attractions are the horses. Vendors came from 25 states in 2016 and staffed 500 booths, including 100 food stands. Other attractions and events include a talent show, a "Kid's Pedal Pull", and an
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The fair runs for one week during each summer. Entry to the fair is free, although it does cost to park. The fair is one of the largest in the region, claiming to be "the largest free fair in
Minnesota" 24 bands and entertainers perform on the fair's various stages.
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17, 1860. Prizes were awarded for categories such as "best 6 yoke of working oxen", "best butter churn", and "best wagon made in county". Horse racing featured. There is no record of the fair having taken place between 1861 and 1871, possibly due to the
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The first fair in Steele County was held on
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472:Tourist attractions in Steele County, Minnesota
106:Learn how and when to remove this message
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42:Please improve this article by adding
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386:"Steele County Free Fair Fast Facts"
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360:"Largest Free Fair in MN"
334:"Steele County Free Fair"
314:. Steele County Free Fair
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55:"Steele County Free Fair"
281:Steele County Free Fair
120:Steele County Free Fair
467:Festivals in Minnesota
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283:. Minnesota Monthly
178:automobile museum.
124:Owatonna, Minnesota
277:"Minnesota Events"
182:Attendance records
152:American Civil War
338:Explore Minnesota
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192:Attendance
96:August 2018
451:Categories
424:93°13′20″W
263:References
66:newspapers
33:references
421:44°4′4″N
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248:300,717
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