143 years and still counting

It takes a lot to disrupt the Waseca County Free Fair, which has been held every year since 1879, except for three times, when it was not held because of World War II, Polio, and Covid.  

This year’s celebration began Saturday, July 9 with the 4H dog shows and ended Sunday, July 17 with a grand parade of champions. 

Observations about this year’s attendance was inconclusive, with various fair goers and volunteers claiming that attendance was both up and down. Some argued that more people showed up, but didn’t stay as long; others declared it was a steady stream. 

“We have heard more positive things this year than ever before,” Jennifer Johnson of the Waseca County Fair Board said. “People just seemed really happy. Every (vendor) we've talked to said they had way more sales or persons stopping by and the food vendors have had zero complaints. They said it was very steady and some even sold out their inventory for the first night.”

According to some indicators from wifi usage, it could be estimated that approximately 2,500 - 3,000 people attended the week-long event which costs around $300,000 to put on–an amount of money and work, which County Fair Treasurer Robin Dulas said never stops. 

“We couldn't do this without our board, our volunteers, and of course our many sponsors,” Dulas said. 

Planners and helpers, whom Dulas says are too numerous to list, include the 15-person board, treasurer, the Hockey Association, the local Boy Scouts chapter, and many, many more. 

“A lot of people think we just show up a week before the fair, but really it’s a year-long process,” Waseca Fair volunteer Tyler Huber said. “When it all comes together, that’s the best memory. Oh, and it’s always good seeing a packed grandstand on Friday night. Seeing the families having a good time makes it all worth it.”